Transform Your School’s Air Quality

A $45K Grant Opportunity You Can’t Miss!

Can you Imagine walking into a school where every breath students take supports their learning, health and wellbeing. An environment where the  air is clean, monitored, and optimized for educational success. For ten lucky school districts across the United States, this vision is about to become reality.

The National School Boards Association (NSBA) and the Go Green Initiative have launched an ambitious EPA-funded program that’s changing the game for improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in schools serving low-income and Tribal communities.

If your district qualifies, you could receive up to $45,000 in funding, free air quality monitors and comprehensive expert support to transform your school environments. Here’s everything you need to know:

WHY INDOOR AIR QUALITY MATTERS

Before we dive into the grant details, let’s talk about why this matters. Studies consistently show that indoor air quality directly impacts:

• Student academic performance 
• Attendance rates (fewer sick days = more learning time)
• Teacher retention and satisfaction
• Long-term health outcomes for students and staff
• District operational costs (energy efficiency saves money)

Poor air quality isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s a barrier to educational equity. Students in under-resourced communities often face the greatest environmental challenges, making programs like this essential for leveling the playing field.

WHAT THIS GRANT OFFERS

Selected school districts will receive comprehensive, hands-on support that extends far beyond just funding. Here’s what’s included:

• Financial Support: Up to $45,000 in grant funding to support your IAQ and GHG reduction initiatives
• Free Technology: Air Quality monitors to help you measure, track and improve air quality across your facilities in real-time.
• Expert Guidance: On-the-ground technical assistance from qualified EPA and Go Green Initiative staff who know schools, understand your challenges and can help you succeed.
• Comprehensive Training: Collaborators from facilities managers to principals to board members will receive training to build lasting capacity in your district.
• Implementation Support: Experts help to develop School Board policies, complete assessments, create management plans and implement changes districtwide.

WHO CAN APPLY?

This program is specifically designed to support districts serving students who need it most:

• School districts where 50% or more students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch
• School districts serving Tribal communities
• Location: All 50 states and U.S. Territories are eligible

Already doing IAQ work? That’s great! You’re still eligible. This program is designed to help buil and sustain ongoing efforts, taking your existing work to the next level.

THE APPLICATION TIMELINE

Mark these critical dates on your calendar:

• 🗓️ November 1, 2025: Applications open
• 🗓️ February 27, 2026: Application deadline (don’t wait!)
• 🗓️ Summer 2026: Onboarding for selected districts
• 🗓️ August 1, 2026: Program implementation begins

With only 10 spots available nationwide, competition will be significant. Starting your application early gives you the best chance of success.

WHAT SELECTED DISTRICTS WILL DO

Selected districts commit to:

• 1. Enact School Board Policy addressing both IAQ Management and GHG Reduction
• 2. Complete baseline IAQ and GHG assessments
• 3. Ensure key stakeholders complete required training
• 4. Develop comprehensive plans to manage IAQ and reduce GHG emissions
• 5. Implement plans districtwide
• 6. Measure, quantify, and report on results

Don’t worry, you won’t do this alone. EPA and Go Green Initiative staff will guide you through every step, providing the expertise and support you need to succeed.

WHY THIS PROGRAM IS DIFFERENT

Many grants offer funding and walk away. This program offers partnership. You’ll have:

• Experienced professionals who understand the unique challenges of school facilities
• A proven framework for sustainable change
• Ongoing support throughout implementation
• Connection to a network of other districts doing similar work
• Tools and resources that will serve your district for years to come

This is about building capacity, not just completing a project. The skills, policies and systems you develop will benefit your district long after the grant period ends.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Ready to apply? Here’s your action plan:

• 1. Review eligibility requirements carefully
• 2. Identify your district’s key stakeholders (who needs to be involved?)
• 3. Gather information about your current IAQ and GHG efforts
• 4. Review your student population data to confirm eligibility
• 5. Start your application early, don’t wait until February!
• 6. Reach out with questions (see contact info below)

QUESTIONS?

Andrew Kamali, Program Manager at Go Green Initiative, is available to answer your questions and help you determine if this program is right for your district.

Email: andrewkamali@gogreeninitiative.org

With only 10 spots available, the districts that act quickly and thoughtfully will have the best chance of success. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

The deadline is February 27, 2026. Your students’ health and learning environment are worth the effort.