As background, Anchor of Hope is a non-profit organization with over 15 years of experience working on environmental justice issues in disadvantaged communities. Our organization maintains extensive data on demographics, environmental burdens, economic indicators, and community assets to identify marginalized populations that stand to benefit from increased federal investment.
Under the Justice40 initiative, DOE is committed to delivering 40% of the overall benefits from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act to disadvantaged communities. As outlined in the Funding Opportunity Announcement, applicants are required to submit a Justice40 Plan describing how the project will equitably distribute benefits. This section accounts for 25% of points awarded through DOE's merit-based review.
To strengthen the Justice40 component of your proposal, Anchor of Hope is prepared to provide the following services and deliverables as a subcontractor:
Mapping and analysis to identify disadvantaged communities within a 25-mile radius of the proposed project site based on DOE criteria
Data and calculations of the percentage of economic, social, and environmental benefits that could potentially accrue to disadvantaged communities through this project
Partnerships with at least three community organizations located in and representing disadvantaged communities, including formal letters of support
Community listening sessions and focus groups to gather input, identify needs, and measure support in disadvantaged communities
Workforce training curriculum tailored to disadvantaged community residents, focused on providing job skills related to the project
Strategies for maximizing contracting opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses from disadvantaged communities
Accountability framework outlining metrics, reporting procedures, and monitoring plans to track Justice40 commitments
Ongoing community outreach and relationship management through the life of the proposed project
Anchor of Hope will work closely with your proposal development team to incorporate this information into a compelling Justice40 Plan that demonstrates strong community partnerships, social equity considerations, and creative approaches to expanding opportunity for marginalized groups through this DOE project.