Stewardship Utah Foundation and Navajo Utah Commission apply for $20 million grant from EPA

Stewardship Utah Foundation and Navajo Utah Commission Apply for $20 Million Community Change Grant from EPA
In November, the Rural Utah Project Education Fund officially submitted a grant for $20 million through an EPA program that is part of the Inflation Reduction Act.
If awarded, this grant will be used in a first of its kind partnership with the Navajo Utah Commission to improve home heating infrastructure and weatherization for homes in the Utah portion of the Navajo Nation and help stimulate the local economy through localized training and job development.
As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, millions of dollars in federal grants are available to improve climate change resiliency in rural communities nationwide.
Some of this funding is available through the EPA’s Community Change Grant program, which allows community-based nonprofit organizations like the Rural Utah Project Education Fund to apply for grants in partnership with a local, tribal government.
These entities have to work in collaboration and there is no grant opportunity solely for Tribal governments or non-profits alone.
Communities within the Navajo Nation rely heavily on wood and coal-burning furnaces for wintertime heat, worsening indoor air quality, and resulting in high rates of asthma. 
“This work is not only wanted based on surveys conducted before grant submission but highly desired by those who struggle to heat and cool homes and often drive long distances for employment,” says Lenise Peterman, Rural Director for Stewardship Utah Foundation and one of the writers for the grant.
“We believe we have submitted a high-quality proposal with citizen feedback and are excited about the prospect of being awarded in support of those in disadvantaged communities who need a hand up, not a handout.”
If received, this three-year, $20 million grant will focus on local job development, weatherizing 300 homes, and building sustainable local businesses and training opportunities for the community beyond the cycle of the grant.
“We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with Stewardship Utah Foundation in seeking federal resources to address living conditions and employment challenges for the Navajo people, including urgently needed home weatherization, upgrades for residential energy efficiency, and creation of jobs,” said Navajo Utah Commission Chair, Kenny Victor.