About TCGM National-Central
TCGM National-Central is a cooperative agreement between EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR) and RTI International.
As National-Central Grantmaker, we make awards to community-based organizations and other eligible organizations to support the planning, assessment, and development of community-based projects. We also support TCGM Regional Grantmakers in EPA Regions 4-6 and function as the Region 7 Grantmaker.
If you are located in EPA Region 4 or 7, visit the TCGM Region 4 or TCGM Region 7 pages to learn more about their programs.
Cultivating Community-Driven Change
We believe that meaningful community engagement is possible when we are willing to bring community members’ perspectives into the design process by sharing the power and influence that comes with decision-making authority.
We, as the Grantmaker, see our role as conduits and facilitators of a set of coordinated activities that will reach communities that have been disadvantaged and underserved.
How We Work
We center diverse community perspectives and expertise, engaging community representatives who are directly affected by environmental inequities and historically excluded from environmental policymaking and regulation processes.
No single organization can advance racial equity and environmental justice alone. Our community-based approach addresses local environmental and public health issues through multiple collaborations with diverse partners.
Our community-engaged transformative governance model supports decision-making that acknowledges that community organizations have the authority to define success for their projects.
Our approach advances racial equity by positioning community members, as part of community advisory boards (CAB), as decision makers in selecting grant recipients.
Our applications are inclusive and accessible to all potential applicants, available in multiple formats, and tailored to reach diverse communities across regions.
Our team brings expertise in grant management, environmental science, environmental justice, and equity-centered research and evaluation to best support applicants and grantees.
For years, community advocates have been calling for federal support and resources to help address our country’s most pressing environmental justice concerns. We’re responding to these calls by removing barriers that have traditionally held communities and applicants back from accessing these historic investments in America.
Michael S. Regan, former EPA Administrator
Who is TCGM National-Central?
RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. RTI’s Transformational Research Unit for Equity (TRUE) is an interdisciplinary team of dedicated experts leading a new way forward with equity-centered transformative research. The TCGM National-Central grantmaking team brings together RTI’s breadth of experts and innovations in equity-centered research, environmental justice, community engagement, health, environmental sciences, communications, analytics, education, workforce development, and climate solutions.
Founded in 1914, ICMA is the world’s leading association of professional local government leaders, managers, staff, and stakeholders. We help these key constituents create thriving communities by focusing on policies, practices, partnerships and other strategies for today’s issues and those over the horizon. For our members and the millions of other professionals working in local government worldwide, ICMA offers training, research, publications, data and technical assistance to support excellence and innovation in local government leadership, management and service delivery.
The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) is the preeminent national nonprofit dedicated to securing healthy homes for all. Since 1992, NCHH has served as a highly regarded and credible change agent, successfully integrating healthy housing advocacy, research, and capacity building under one roof to reduce health disparities nationwide. The mission of the National Center for Healthy Housing is to ensure that everyone has a safe and healthy home. With more than six million families living in substandard housing, we equip leaders across the public health, housing, and environmental sectors with the data, tools, policies, and best practices needed to improve housing quality in their communities. We channel the powerful energy and deep-rooted interests of the healthy housing movement into a force for change.
The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is the largest environmental nonprofit legal advocacy organization rooted in and focused on the South. SELC’s mission is to protect the basic right to clean air, clean water, and a livable climate; to preserve our region’s natural treasures and rich biodiversity; and to provide a healthy environment for all. As lawyers, policy and issue experts, and community advocates and partners, SELC takes on the toughest challenges to protect our air, water, land, wildlife, and the people who live here. Transforming our region away from fossil fuels to clean energy, righting environmental injustices, stopping pollution, and protecting nature.
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