Press Release: Justice Climate Fund Finalizes Agreement With U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Clean Communities Investment Accelerator Program

JCF Will Support Community Lenders in Delivering Equitable Climate Solutions to Under-Resourced Communities

(Washington, DC/August 16, 2024) — The Justice Climate Fund (JCF) today announced it has finalized its agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) program, which is part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). The agreement solidifies JCF’s workplan in preparation for the EPA’s distribution of CCIA funds. JCF has been selected to receive $940 million in funding through the CCIA.

JCF is a purpose-built nonprofit, designed to provide the capital and technical knowledge necessary for community lenders to successfully finance clean energy projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities across the country. JCF will capitalize its coalition members, including CDFI banks, loan funds, and housing developers, to create a clean and just energy transition for their communities.

“This funding is both a profound responsibility and a remarkable opportunity. We are truly thankful to the EPA for their confidence in our ability to steward these resources effectively. It underscores our commitment to driving equitable climate solutions that uplift the voices and lives of those who have been historically marginalized. Together with our coalition members, we are poised to lead transformative change that will create lasting impact and ensure that clean energy opportunities reach every corner of our nation,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., Chair of the JCF Board and CEO of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs.

With its $940 million award, JCF will stand up a Community-Based Green Lender Certification Program that utilizes several application waves and capital reservations to ensure that community lenders receive funding only once they have been appropriately assessed, trained, and certified.

“We are grateful to the EPA for their support. The CCIA will enable JCF to deliver investments that will help revitalize and build resiliency in under-resourced communities,” said JCF CEO Amir Kirkwood. “The green energy projects JCF will support through our network of experienced community lenders will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build stronger local economies and generate healthier lives that result from having clean air and water and stronger local infrastructure.”

JCF is supported by an existing ecosystem of coalition members, including the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders, National Bankers Community Alliance, Partners for the Common Good, and Oweesta Corporation, along with technical assistance partners that will help community lenders deploy clean energy projects.

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The Justice Climate Fund (JCF), founded by the Community Builders of Color Coalition, is a purpose-built nonprofit created by experienced mission-driven lenders and climate equity leaders that represent Black, Latino/a, Asian and indigenous organizations. JCF anchors and empowers a diverse coalition of community lenders to more quickly, efficiently and successfully deploy affordable, accessible financial assistance to enable families, communities and businesses in low-income and disadvantaged areas to save money while investing in a greener and safer future. JCF is committed to meeting or exceeding GGRF objectives and to driving responsible, impact-driven finance at scale, nationwide.

Press Contact: press@justiceclimatefund.org