Launched this past fall, EPA’s Climate Resilience and Adaptation Funding Toolbox (CRAFT) is a user-friendly resource for technical assistance providers working with federal funding applicants and recipients to develop, apply for, and implement climate-resilient investments. The toolbox provides various resources that can help users consider climate adaptation and resilience before, during, and after applying for EPA funding opportunities, including:
- Overviews of EPA’s financial assistance programs where climate-safe investment opportunities are available.
- Climate risk tools and decision support resources for project design and implementation.
- Communications materials to facilitate discussions about adaptation, resilience, and environmental justice.
- Meaningful engagement resources on how to perform targeted community engagement for projects.
- Definitions of common terms.
With CRAFT, interested parties can more easily navigate EPA’s funding opportunities, consider climate resilience and adaptation as part of their investments, and meaningfully engage community members and other partners over the life of their projects. The release of CRAFT is an important step in helping communities, particularly those just getting started, more effectively secure and leverage federal resources.
As part of its 2024-2026 Strategic Direction, the E-Enterprise Leadership Council agreed to serve as a “ready-made” forum for state and tribal engagement on EPA grant application and reporting efforts, and to participate in EPA projects and initiate process streamlining when needed. CRAFT aligns with these commitments.
EPA will continue to expand the use of CRAFT based on input from external partners. Please contact Stephanie Santell of EPA with questions or comments.
