How We Can Help

OUR MISSION

The WEST Environmental Justice Center’s mission is to work as authentic partners with communities towards environmental and energy justice by being a one-stop shop for hands-on technical assistance, multi-faceted training, and other eligible forms of assistance, resources, and support to program participants. We serve American Samoa, Arizona, California, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Hawai'i, and Nevada including Native American Tribes and Indigenous communities in these areas.

 
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GRANT NAVIGATION

Guidance in finding, applying for, and managing grants. Click for more details!
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COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Building advocacy and leadership through Community Resource Fairs, Advocacy Training and Resources, Student Internships, and Community Champions. Click for more details!
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TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

Hands-on technical assistance and resources in a wide range of expertise areas. Click for more details!
 

We can provide you with hands-on assistance in identifying a wide range of funding opportunities tailored to your needs. Whether you're looking for federal, state, or local grants, or seeking support from philanthropic organizations and private sources, our team is here to help you navigate the complex road of finding, applying for, and managing grants.

 

Our Grants Navigation services include:

 

  1. Find Funding We conduct thorough research to identify and create a tailored list of suitable funding opportunities available to you, ensuring alignment with your project goals and objectives. Our funding database features a wide array of options to explore in addition to our team’s expertise.
  2. Application Support Our Grants Management Specialist can provide guidance throughout the entire application process. We assist in crafting proposals, developing budgets, and preparing the necessary documentation to maximize your chances of success.
  3. Grant Management Once you secure funding, we provide ongoing support to help you manage your grant. This includes tracking expenditures, meeting reporting requirements, and complying with funding guidelines.
  4. Drop-In Grants Support We offer drop-in sessions for quick assistance and advice on grant-related questions or challenges. This flexible option allows you to receive guidance without a formal appointment. Check out our calendar for the next drop-in!
  5. Trainings and Resources We offer grant training opportunities along with an extensive list of grant-related resources to enhance skills in grant writing and funding management that can empower you to pursue future funding opportunities with confidence. Our collection of grant-related materials is readily available to support you in navigating the complexities of grant processes and improving your effectiveness in securing and managing grants.
  6. Customized Strategies Understanding that every organization is unique, we work closely with you to develop customized funding strategies that align with your mission and vision.

 

*We can provide technical expertise and guidance on grant applications and forms, but cannot write, manage, or submit your application.

 

We are excited to offer a range of Community Leadership Opportunities designed to empower individuals and strengthen community engagement. These initiatives include:

  1. Community Resource Fairs: Join us at our Community Resource Fairs, where, with the support of our regional partners, we bring together local organizations to share resources, information, and support for community members. These events provide a platform for networking, learning, and fostering collaboration among community members and local organizations and are free to the community. Check out our calendar to stay updated on when we’re coming to your community!
  2. Advocacy Resources: Our advocacy trainings and resources equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively advocate for environmental justice and community needs. You can gain access to advocacy resources, strategies, and templates. Visit our advocacy resources page to learn more about what learning opportunities are available to you!
  3. Community Champions Program: The WEST Environmental Justice Center's Community Champions Program builds on local knowledge and community expertise by providing capacity building, leadership training, and peer learning through a cohort approach. Participants engage in monthly virtual meetings that cover essential topics like policy development, public speaking, and community advocacy, along with smaller accountability group sessions to delve deeper into specific issues with the goal of gaining valuable skills and tools to address environmental and energy justice challenges in their communities. The 2025-2026 application is expected to open in Summer 2025. To stay updated sign up for our newsletter
  4. Student Internship Program: Our Student Internship Program provides students with hands-on environmental and energy justice experience under the mentorship of organizations serving the WEST Environmental Justice Center’s service area. Interns receive a stipend of $5,000 upon working a minimum of 180 hours, submitting a reflection of their experience, a feedback survey, and a digital story presentation. Students have up to a year to complete the internship, with the option to work full-time or part-time, on-site or remotely, depending on their goals and organization needs.

Our center is dedicated to equipping you with the tools and expertise needed to tackle environmental and energy justice issues through a multidisciplinary approach. We provide comprehensive, hands-on consultation to identify specific needs and challenges and connections to resources and experts. Our areas of expertise include:

 

  • Climate Change
  • Community Data Mapping Tools
  • Cultural Awareness
  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Evaluation
  • Exposure Assessment
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Grant Planning
  • Grants Navigation
  • Leadership Development
  • Mining Communities
  • Needs Assessments

 

 

How can we help you?

Fill out our contact form or contacting us directly:

Toll-free: 1 (877) 518-4634 

Email: WESTEJ-Center@arizona.edu