Brownfield Grant Writing Tip #10 - Think Hard about Coalition$

An Assessment Coalition can apply for up to $1M.  Before you lick your chops on the $1M, think carefully whether a Coalition is for you.  Obviously, there's politics, particularly since you will likely partner with eligible entities that you have something in common with (e.g., geography, corridor, watershed, etc.).  Consider whether the link has anything to do with brownfields.  In other words, a Coalition centered around "the story" of the corridor of Route 66, has a compelling story behind it (just watch the Disney Movie "Cars" - the first animated Brownfield story).  Also, getting greedy may be the one thing to put another competitive proposal ahead of you.  If you don't have the projects and budget to match up to more than $200K/$400K Assessment Grant, then think twice.  Also, if you are a first time applicant, you may not have the track record.  The best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time, so think about the $200K bite.

An Assessment Coalition is comprised of three or more eligible entities described at CERCLA 104(k)(1). The lead coalition member submits a Community-wide Assessment grant proposal on behalf of itself and the other members for assessment work that will be performed within the boundaries of the coalition members. The coalition may request up to $1 million to work on a minimum of five hazardous substance and/or petroleum sites.  Eligible entities, including those with existing brownfield grants, are:

1. state, local and tribal governments, with the exception of certain Indian tribes in Alaska;


2. general purpose units of local government, land clearance authorities, or other quasi-governmental entities;


3. regional councils;


4. redevelopment agencies; and


5. states.

Nonprofit organizations are not eligible to apply.

The grant recipient (lead coalition member) must administer the grant, be accountable to EPA for proper expenditure of the funds, and be the point of contact for the other coalition members. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) documenting the coalition’s site selection process must be in place prior to the expenditure of any funds that have been awarded to the lead coalition. It is up to the coalition to agree internally about the distribution of funds and the mechanisms for implementing the assessment work.

Good Luck!