Evolve has launched an all-new Equity Program: the eMobility Microgrant Initiative, funded by Evolve Corporate Catalysts, General Motors, and bp.
This initiative will facilitate a peer-review process to award microgrants to local electromobility – or “eMobility” – projects that address community mobility needs in the Greater Houston area. The application is open now through Friday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m. CT.
Founded in 2019 through the City of Houston’s Climate Action Plan, Evolve is a non-profit coalition of sustainability-minded civic, business, and academic leaders who seek to accelerate clean transportation in Houston through electrification. Evolve’s mission is to lead the emerging eMobility ecosystem within Houston by promoting electric vehicle adoption and education.
Evolve established the Equity Program to address poor air quality and limited access to public transportation in vulnerable communities. Through investment in local community-led efforts focused on increasing access to all forms of electric mobility and EV charging stations, this initiative will provide additional support to mitigate the negative long-term effects of environmental injustices experienced within these communities.
Transportation now accounts for 48% of total greenhouse gas emissions within the City of Houston. Low-income and predominantly Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) neighborhoods disproportionately bear the impact of climate and mobility injustices and, historically, have not been given a voice in infrastructure decisions necessary to correct these injustices.
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals, private organizations, nonprofits, collectives, and other community-led groups serving residents in the Greater Houston area (Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller counties) are eligible to apply. Projects that fall within Houston’s Complete Communities and Historically Disadvantaged Communities will receive priority.
Evolve seeks to fund projects that:
- Increase access to and awareness of all forms of electric mobility and EV infrastructure.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation sources.
- Expand economic opportunities in terms of workforce development to support transportation electrification, increased connectivity to places of employment, health and recreation, and general economic support.
Evolve is also in the process of recruiting “Community Champions,” individuals who will review microgrant applications, advocate on behalf of their community, and identify projects that maximize value and impact for their neighborhoods.
