Brownfields Buzz

Your hub for brownfields spotlights, tools, events, news, and more!

September 2025

It’s almost that time again! The FY26 Brownfields Multi-purpose Assessment and Cleanup (MAC) Grant guidance will be released by the EPA soon. Until then, consider this newsletter your preparation guide — a chance to get organized, sharpen your proposal strategy, and line up the support you’ll need.

Preparing Your Proposal:

Need help drafting your FY26 MAC grant proposal? The TAB EZ Grant Writing e-tool will be fully updated for FY26 to walk you through each section of the application, provide suggestions, and highlight key pitfalls to avoid. Visit the TAB EZ webpage to get started, and reach out to your Regional TAB Coordinator if you'd like additional support.

Proposal Reviews by Experts:

The KSU TAB team will offer in-depth proposal reviews to help strengthen your submission. If you’d like your draft reviewed, contact Scott Nightingale (scottnight@ksu.edu) and we'll be glad to help. Please know that we request at least 3 business days to complete the review.

If you're outside of KSU TAB’s service area in EPA Regions 5–8, you can use this map to find your regional provider.

Toolbox

EPA Mapping Tools

Storytelling is an essential part of successful grant writing — and having strong data to support your community's story will give you a significant boost in the competition. EPA recommends a number of mapping and analysis tools that can help you showcase local challenges, highlight community needs, and illustrate the impact of your project.

Some of these tools include:

• UST Finder – An interactive map to help you identify and locate underground storage tanks and releases across the U.S.
• Cleanups in My Community (CIMC) – Lets you see and share where cleanup and redevelopment projects are happening nationwide.
• RE-Powering Mapper – Identifies renewable energy opportunities on contaminated lands, landfills, and mine sites.
• EnviroAtlas – Gives access to a wide range of EPA environmental data for your community.

Indiana Brightfield Webinar Series

This webinar series will introduce communities to renewable energy as an option for brownfield reuse, discuss permitting and liability concerns, and explore pathways for renewable energy procurement. Each organization offers free, tailored technical assistance to help your community navigate your brightfield project. 

Be sure to bring your site-specific questions. Each webinar will conclude with a 30-minute ‘office hours’ segment, offering participants the opportunity for one-on-one technical assistance. 

Register today to save your spot!

Regional Grant-Writing

Office Hours

Stop in and chat with your Regional TAB Coordinator during any of the upcoming Grant-Writing Office Hours. These informal sessions will allow you the chance to ask questions and talk through any concerns you have.

In Case You Missed It: Brownfields Grant-Writing Strategies Webinar

Did you miss our recent U.S. EPA Brownfields Grant Writing Strategies webinar? The free two-day virtual workshop walked participants through key sections of the grant guidelines and offered hands-on strategies for preparing competitive proposals.

You can find the webinar recordings and presentations here.

EPA Helpful Guides & Resources

Looking for additional resources as you prepare for the FY26 Brownfields MAC Grant Competition? EPA has published several helpful guides and requirements to keep you on track:

• MAC Grant Application Resources: Access the full set of EPA resources for preparing and submitting a competitive proposal.
• Tips on How to Get Started Early: Practical advice from EPA on how to lay the groundwork now for a successful application later.
• Programmatic Requirements for Brownfield Grants: Review the rules and requirements to make sure your application aligns with EPA expectations.

Stay tuned — more updates and resources will be shared when the FY26 guidelines are released!

Follow your KSU TAB Team on LinkedIn and Facebook!

Visit our website at www.ksutab.org.