Background

The Coalition for Green Capital (CGC), a non-profit organization, engaged CohnReznick to assist their national coalition with their Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) application for the EPA. The organization specifically needed help structuring and developing their submission to succinctly highlight the impact the funding would have on their identified set of priority projects related to reducing GHG emissions and other air pollution initiatives. CGC’s plan included a summary of their intent to deliver the benefits to low-income and underserved communities, and their overall approach to operationalize and help ensure compliance with the key requirements related to GGRF program objectives. 

How we helped 

We collaborated with the client to develop a strategy and vision to deploy funding across their value chain of grantees, subrecipients, community lenders, and the private sector. Based on these insights and CohnReznick's past grant application experience and research, we helped the organization manage the complex process related to the various components of the application including:

• Developing the program plan, investment strategy, and policies
• Setting up an impact reporting program, equity policies and practices, and organizational and governance plan
• Gaining insight into effective financial, legal, and compliance risk management plans
• How to work with various constituencies to determine credit implications of various investments and structures at both the fund and investments levels

Results

By leveraging CohnReznick’s  comprehensive and cross-functional approach, the organization:

• Gained a competitive edge by submitting a differentiated application that showcased their strengths and diverse achievements specific to the GGRF guidelines and requirements related to air pollution-reducing projects for American communities
• Has an established framework that can be leveraged to effectively manage ongoing planning and fund allocation
• Is positioned to capitalize on future opportunities for leveraging grant awards for sustainability impact