Press Release: 5/22/2025
Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $500,000 in Environmental Justice Grants
Grants will Strengthen Environmental Advocacy, Advance Community-Driven Solutions and Improve Health and Wellbeing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5/21/2025
MEDIA CONTACT
Aisha Revolus, Communications Manager
Online
Email Aisha Revolus, Communications Manager at aisha.revolus@mass.gov
BOSTON — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced nearly $500,000 in grants from the inaugural Environmental Justice Capacity Building Grant Program. This funding, provided by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) Office of Environmental Justice and Equity (OEJE), will help empower local organizations to build organizational capacity, strengthen local advocacy, advance community-driven solutions, and improve the health and wellbeing of underserved communities.
This program is part of the Healey-Driscoll administration’s ongoing commitment to addressing environmental inequities and ensuring that all Massachusetts residents, particularly those in low-income and marginalized communities, have the tools and resources they need to tackle climate change and other environmental challenges.
“We are committed to ensuring every community in Massachusetts has a seat at the table in shaping the decisions that impact our families, and environment,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “From growing culturally relevant produce in community gardens to creating youth environmental employment opportunities – these organizations serve as vital resources in neighborhoods across Massachusetts.”
“Investing in grassroots environmental justice organizations is an investment in the health of our communities and the climate future of our state” said OEJE Undersecretary Maria Belen Power. “Ensuring that local organizations have adequate staffing and technical resources to address environmental challenges and structural barriers creates a pathway to envisioning long-term solutions that reflect the needs of those most impacted by environmental burdens.”
"We’re thrilled to support the transformative work of Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts Education Fund and Worcester Roots-RENEW,” said State Senator Robyn Kennedy (D- First Worcester District). “These grants are not just about growing food or building organizational capacity—they’re about advancing racial and economic justice from the ground up. Worcester Roots-RENEW is building a cooperative model rooted in equity and shared leadership, intentionally creating pathways for historically marginalized voices to shape the future. This is what community power looks like.”
“This investment in GreenRoots will strengthen its leadership and operations while advancing community-driven solutions—like a permanent waterfront park in Chelsea and outreach to workers facing urban heat,” said State Representative Judith Garcia D-11th Suffolk). “It’s a win for environmental justice and community resilience.”
The EJ Capacity Building Grant Program will empower community-based organizations working with those most affected by environmental burdens. The grants reflect EEA’s ongoing focus on environmental justice and equity. The following organizations received grants:
Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts Education Fund
Funding: $50,000
Description: Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) aims to restore the Dwight Street community garden and empower Holyoke residents to produce culturally relevant crops. This effort highlights N2N’s commitment to community-based, sustainable agriculture.
Growing Places Garden Project Inc.
Funding: $67,388
Description: The Growing Places Garden Project’s five-year plan aims to expand its reach to larger food buyers and strengthen its capacity to support local farmers and Environmental Justice communities. Funding will enable the purchase of a refrigerated truck for efficient food transport, expanding local offerings to include meat and dairy, and improving service to schools and hospitals. It will also support the implementation of a HubSpot CRM system to enhance outreach, data management, and the “Food is Medicine” program. These upgrades will streamline operations, improve community access to healthy food, and support long-term sustainability. With these improvements, Growing Places will better address community needs and advance its mission.
Funding: $63,361.16
Description: Sonrisas will address key capacity needs, including improved logistical technology to distribute over 33,000 pounds of produce more efficiently during the 2025 growing season. Interpretation equipment will enhance accessibility at community health education events, enabling simultaneous translation and fostering pathways toward community-controlled food systems. Updated educational materials will expand program offerings, create nutritional resources, and improve signage for community engagement.
Everett Community Growers, Inc.
Funding: $75,000
Description: Everett Community Growers, Inc. will provide educational workshops and professional development for their young staff, including the seasonal Youth Crew, helping them grow as emerging leaders and expand their understanding of food justice and environmental issues. Participants will explore neighborhood issues such as extreme heat, air quality, and anti-displacement concerns through several youth led projects. The organization aims to hold 15 workshops and additional meetings to strengthen advocacy efforts and coalition building. Additionally, funds will support accessibility improvements, including purchasing equipment for simultaneous interpretation during community events.
Funding: $75,000
Description: This funding will enable GreenRoots to address critical capacity needs, including hiring a Director of Finance and a Director of People and Culture, and improving financial management. It will support efforts to acquire a waterfront parcel and construct a permanent park in Chelsea. Additionally, it will expand outreach to workers affected by urban heat island burdens. The grant is vital as funding for environmental justice organizations in Sanctuary Cities is decreasing.
Massachusetts Environmental Justice Table (EJ Table)
Funding: $75,000
Description: The EJ Table will establish an online centralized collaboration and storage platform to ensure better file oversight and prevent data loss when individuals leave partner organizations.
Chaubunagungamaug Band of Nipmuck Indians
Funding: $50,000
Description: The Chaubunagungamaug Band of Nipmuck Indians will build robust online and in-person cultural and environmental programming to better serve the Tribal community. The Tribe will enhance its digital presence to engage with allied institutions and increase capacity for future initiatives. Plans include revitalizing the community through events, improved communication strategies, and updates to the Tribal Roll, fostering stronger connections among members. These efforts aim to preserve cultural heritage, strengthen community engagement, and uphold the values and traditions of the Tribe for generations to come.
Funding: $34,593
Description: The NLC will launch the pilot Guardians of the Land program that aims to preserve culture, exchange knowledge across generations, and educate youth on environmental stewardship, with an emphasis on Indigenous traditions rooted in reciprocal relationships with the Earth. It brings tribal leaders, elders, cultural keepers, and environmental experts together to teach youth about cultural heritage and local ecological challenges. The funds will cover startup costs such as registration software, essential supplies for youth activities, and safety-related expenses.
Funding: $43,000
Description: Slingshot seeks to build capacity through workshops and trainings that strengthen community leadership in decision-making and address environmental justice and equity.
Funding: $50,000
Description: Groundwork Lawrence focuses on promoting community equity and creating a more climate-resilient future for Lawrence residents. New technology like tablets with Esri GIS software, PocketLab Weather, and AirBeam 3 devices will enhance data collection to address intersectional environmental justice challenges. Staff training and leadership development will strengthen their capacity to deepen community connections and lead initiatives. Projects include planting trees to reduce temperatures, improving food access through markets and urban farming, and creating green spaces. These efforts collectively support Groundwork Lawrence’s mission to transform places, lives, and systems.
Arise for Social Justice (Arise Inc)
Funding: $56,000
Description: This grant will enhance Arise's ability to sustain and expand its work by equipping staff with the necessary tools, skills, and resources. Strengthening expertise in strategic planning, advocacy, and resource development will lay a foundation for long-term growth and increased impact. The benefits of this grant will extend beyond the organization, as staff will share their skills and knowledge with the marginalized community through meetings, report-backs, and organizing sessions. By building capacity, Arise will improve operations while empowering Springfield's most vulnerable residents to drive meaningful change in their neighborhoods.
Funding: $17,130
Description: RENEW seeks funding to address its limited capacity and expand its reach by creating an action plan to guide future efforts. The grant will support recruiting and training new members, empowering them to take ownership of the organization’s mission and activities. It will also fund technical assistance from a consultant to develop a cooperative, equity-based leadership model. Additional funding will enhance their website, automate social media outreach, and train members in analytics to increase community engagement.