Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute and Center for Rural Engagement are launching a joint program to help Hoosier communities find and compete for federal climate, energy and resilience grants recently made possible by new legislation.

The Indiana Resilience Funding Hub will help Hoosier communities with fewer than 50,000 residents pursue federal funding for climate, energy and resilience projects. The hub will provide these communities with technical help and state-specific environmental expertise in the preparation and submission of competitive grant applications.

“Smaller Hoosier communities know the challenges they face because of climate change, but because of capacity issues, they may not be able to take advantage of these new funding opportunities to address those challenges,” ERI Managing Director Sarah Mincey said in a media release.

Rural communities, which face unique resilience challenges and often get overlooked in national climate discussions, will be especially encouraged to take part in the hub’s outreach and training offerings.

“The Indiana Resilience Funding Hub will work with ERI’s existing network of local government and environmental partners to help ensure these communities have the opportunity to solve identified environmental challenges,” Mincey said.

Through the hub, smaller Indiana communities will be better equipped to overcome ability barriers by tapping directly into IU expertise free of charge. ERI and the Center for Rural Engagement will guide smaller communities through an environmental needs assessment, provide data and solutions management and support proposal development.

Local government staff and community leaders who want to connect with the hub and stay informed on news and opportunities can submit a brief interest form.