Groundwork: Charting a More Just and Equitable Future

Groundwork is an urban environmental justice program that aims to improve the environment and social well-being of neighborhoods struggling with a history of disinvestment. For over two decades the program has been accomplishing this by supporting locally led nonprofit organizations, called Groundwork Trusts, that work with residents and community partners to achieve a healthy, green, and resilient vision.

“Through the innovative national partnership between NPS, EPA, and Groundwork USA, community leaders across the country have received much needed resources and capacity building support to grow local Groundwork Trusts that are creating healthier, more equitable places to live, work and play.”

– Heather McMann, Executive Director of Groundwork Lawrence

Modeled after Groundwork United Kingdom, the U.S. Groundwork program started in the 1990s as a partnership between the National Park Service – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (NPS-RTCA) and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization. The first Groundwork Trust was established in 1998. Today, there are 22 Groundwork Trusts across the country.

NPS-RTCA partners with the EPA and the national nonprofit Groundwork USA to support the planning and launch of new Groundwork Trusts. These partners also provide funding and capacity building assistance for the Trusts to develop successful operations and community projects and programs.

At the local level, Groundwork Trusts work hand-in-hand with residents and community partners to transform brownfields and neglected lands and waterways into community assets that improve quality of life.

Throughout this 20-year partnership, NPS-RTCA has increased its ability to support conservation and outdoor recreation in underserved communities. The partnership empowers local leaders to advance their environmental justice agenda and implement solutions to some of the countries most difficult societal challenges such as neighborhood pollution, disinvestment, lack of access to green spaces and fresh foods, and insufficient opportunities to engage in policy development and decision-making.

Read the Groundwork Partnership Report to learn more about how we are achieving a more just and equitable future!

Visit Groundwork USA’s website for more information about the Groundwork USA Network and starting a Groundwork Trust in your community.

Groundwork Network

The Groundwork Network includes 21 Groundwork Trusts that share a mission and common approach.