What is Environmental Grants funding? Why doesn’t every county receive them?

In 2000, the Attorney General and Smithfield Foods entered into a 25-year agreement that, in part, provided $2 million per year for environmental projects across the state. This money was used to establish the EEG Program, which has awarded environmental grants since 2002. EEG awards range from $5,000 to $500,000 in grants for a three-year grant project. These grants are only available to non-profit organizations, including academic institutions, and government entities. Eligible applicants can apply for funds for projects in the areas of land acquisitions, construction, remediation, restoration, planning, education, or research. EEG also fund small grant projects (awards of $50,000 or less) within these areas. There is a preference for projects that address environmental harm and damage to overburdened and underserved communities as well as for projects in eastern North Carolina.