The PREPARED program is an initiative funded by the EPA to enhance the capabilities of community-based organizations in the Gullah Geechee Corridor. It aims to equip these organizations with the tools and knowledge necessary to apply for EPA funding, design impactful projects, effectively manage performance and budgets, and conduct rigorous project evaluations.

The Gullah Geechee Corridor is a cultural heritage corridor that runs along the coast from North Carolina to Florida. The Gullah and Geechee peoples are descendants of enslaved Africans that worked on isolated islands and coastal plantations on the Atlantic Coast, which led to the creation of their rich and unique culture. They are named after the Gullah Geechee language, which is a creole language with African and European influence that developed throughout the slave trade.

To know if you are located within it, you can reference the map on the “Our Work” page and determine whether you are located within its boundaries.

The PREPARED program aims to work closely with Gullah Geechee community organizations and local governments to build capacity and increase the amount of federal funding that enters the Corridor. Our goal for this program is to give the necessary tools and resources directly to these community entities to successfully apply for, receive, manage, report, and evaluate EPA grants and federal dollars, ultimately redirecting historical underinvestment and increasing opportunities, well-being, and resilience for the Gullah Geechee community.

The program is designed for community-based organizations, non-profit organizations, local or county government, environmental leaders, local stakeholders, and residents within the Gullah Geechee Corridor, particularly those in areas identified with environmental and health disparities. Anyone involved in or affected by environmental projects in these regions is encouraged to participate.

To participate in the PREPARED Program, you must have at least a high school diploma, speak English, know how to operate online meeting platforms (Zoom and TEAMS), have reliable internet access, and be able to commit to the program for 12-to-18 months (with courses and workshops expected to occur once or twice a month).

No previous experience with applying for grants is required!

The PREPARED program will have about 16 courses/workshops over a 12-to-18-month period. We estimate that 150 to 200 hours total will be required over this time-period. Additional time may be requested for traveling to conferences and in-person work sessions.

If you are a representative from a nonprofit organization or a local or county government, you are eligible to apply for the EPA Thriving Communities Grantmakers Subgrants. Obtaining funding from the Grantmakers program is the primary focus for our program participants. More information about the types of grants available through the Grantmakers can be found here: EJ Thriving Communities Grantmakers Subgrants | US EPA

To find other grants for your organization, you can go to Grants.gov/search-grants and select any of the filters that are applicable. You can then click on any of the opportunity numbers to read more about them. If interested, you can click on the “Related Documents” button at the top and access the full announcement (“Notice of Funding Opportunity,” “Funding Opportunity Announcement”), and this document will outline all eligible applicants.

The Program offers a variety of workshops and training sessions covering topics such as proposal writing, budget management, data analysis, and project evaluation. These are provided in collaboration with local experts and technical assistance centers.

By enhancing the skills and resources of local organizations, the program aims to empower these groups to initiate and manage effective environmental projects, thereby improving local environmental conditions, health outcomes, and community resilience.

Participation in the program activities is free for program participants. The program is fully funded by the EPA to ensure accessibility and impact.

The PREPARED program stands out from other technical assistance programs through its commitment to providing personalized service to each participant.

Key differentiators of the PREPARED program include:

• Grant Writing Assistance: One of the most significant challenges faced by community organizations is securing funding. The PREPARED program uniquely assists participants in writing grant applications. Our team of experts works closely with each organization to understand their objectives, develop compelling narratives, and create robust grant proposals. This hands-on approach not only increases their chances of securing funding but also builds their capacity to undertake similar tasks independently in the future.

• Customized Support: We recognize that each community and organization has unique needs. Our customized service includes one-on-one consultations, customized training sessions, and personalized follow-up with each participant. This approach ensures that specific local challenges are addressed, and solutions are tailored to maximize effectiveness and sustainability.

• Comprehensive Engagement: While many TA providers offer workshops and seminars, the PREPARED program integrates these with intensive, ongoing support. We provide continuous engagement through the lifecycle of environmental projects, from initial planning and funding acquisition to implementation and evaluation. This ensures that organizations are not only prepared to start projects but are also equipped to see them through successfully.

Submit your contact information in the “Contact Us” or “Program Interest” forms on our website and one of our team members will follow up with you.

Virtual information sessions about the Program are held monthly. To receive the Zoom link for an informational meeting, complete our “Contact Us” or “Program Interest” form on our website and mention that you are interested in joining a meeting and we will send you a Zoom link.

You may also send an email to hello@preparedcorridor.com or call 919-576-0554.