Environmental Justice Program
In 2021, the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act was passed. This legislation allocated funds to support the efforts of organizations and communities to reduce environmental and health disparities across all overburdened communities and vulnerable populations in the state of Washington as well as to improve the health of all its people. The HEAL Act is the first statewide legislation to create a coordinated and collaborative approach to Environmental Justice (EJ), making it a priority and part of the mission of key state agencies.
From this legislation through the organization, Front & Centered (F&C), WSCACL coalition members and frontline communities the HEAL Community Fund was created to help shape the implementation of the HEAL Act. This fund focuses on building climate resilience and enhancing community-led decision making to advance EJ projects and efforts. This funding equips communities most impacted by environmental hazards with necessary resources needed to collaborate with state agencies on environmental health decisions.
On October 23rd, 2024, WSCACL and our four community based organization partners – Front & Centered, N’aah Illahee Fund, Latino Community Fund, & Asia Pacific Cultural Center launched a combined $3M in community capacity grant programs targeting overburdened and vulnerable communities on our respective Just Funds Portals.
Click here to read about available funding for your Environmental Justice-related Project!
For more information, contact Yalonda Sinde, Environmental Justice Program Manager at yalonda@wscacl.org.
