For the past four years, the Justice40 Accelerator (J40A) has been a vital force in empowering community-based organizations to tackle climate change and drive responsible economic development. Now, in response to shifting federal priorities (says diplomatically), the program is adapting to continue its critical mission under the interim name, Economic Justice Accelerator.
Our impact to date is important to celebrate and build upon:
Rolling back community climate investments now will set us back and put the basic needs of our communities (food, water, shelter) at risk. This is why with our partners Elevate and Partnership for Southern Equity, we are focused on strengthening and protecting the implementation plans for more than 30 first-time, frontline projects receiving federal funds.
The J40A made a significant impact between 2021 and 2024, with over 80% of the 168 proposals they helped prepare being successfully awarded. This resulted in nearly $140 million in public sector funding for program participants across federal agencies and across the country. These projects addressed critical issues, including:
These initiatives were designed to benefit a diverse range of communities, including rural, urban, low-income, Black, Latino, Asian, and Indigenous communities, and all those most impacted by climate change and pollution.
“We weren’t professional grant writers, but of course I believe I am one now,” said one multi-award winning program participant from Georgia.
With changes in federal funding priorities, the Economic Justice Accelerator is focusing on protecting and expanding the progress already made by the J40A. Despite the Trump administration discontinuing these federal grant programs, threatening to claw back awarded funds, and putting the remaining $20 billion in available funding at risk, the commitment to improving the health, vibrancy, and resilience of disinvested communities remains unwavering.
The Accelerator is now prioritizing an “Implementation Cohort” of 31 federal fund-award-winning groups with dedicated support, including:
“The J40 Accelerator’s investment and commitment to cohort members like myself, has allowed me to expand my capacity in applying for funding opportunities that are available to support in addressing the needs of my communities… As well it has helped me to gain new connections and relationships with key resource providers and funders,” shared a program alumna in California.
The Solutions Project released research last year that confirms community-based organizations are essential in expanding the fight against climate change beyond government efforts. Investing in these organizations creates a ripple effect, fostering replicable, scalable projects with measurable benefits.
Building on this national success, Elevate launched the Michigan J40Accelerator in 2024, providing resources and support to 25 Michigan-based nonprofits. Elevate is currently scoping other potential states for a place-based accelerator. Continued funding could help make this reality.
The Economic Justice Accelerator calls on the philanthropic community and state governments to continue supporting this critical work. With $3,573,944 in in-kind technical and communications support already provided by the J40A to program participants across three cohorts in the last few years, the Accelerator is a proven catalyst for community-led change.
The Accelerator is led by expert staff and supported by Elevate, Partnership for Southern Equity, and The Solutions Project. Current and previous funders include Bezos Earth Fund, Builders Initiative, McKnight Foundation, and many others.
As climate change and related social challenges accelerate, now is the time to scale up funding for locally based organizations.
“We won our first-ever federal grant, and we owe it all to the J40 Accelerator for being right there providing us the resources and the confidence to apply,” shared another multi-award winning program participant in Maryland.
Now is the time to act. Join past and present funders like Bezos Earth Fund, the McKnight Foundation, and the Kresge Foundation in sustaining and scaling climate and economic justice solutions for frontline communities. As we transition to the Economic Justice Accelerator, we call on foundations, investors, and state governments to double down on funding and advocacy for community-led climate solutions. Together, we can ensure that the progress made over the past four years is not lost but expanded, creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all