Start a Thriving Earth Exchange Project

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About Thriving Earth Exchange

Overview

Thriving Earth Exchange encourages communities of any type – including environmental justice communities, local governments, faith communities, etc. – to submit a priority, issue, and/or project idea related to natural hazards, environment health, pollution, natural resources, sustainability and resilience, or climate change.  

General Details for Conducting a Project

The program is free of charge for communities, and projects do not need to join the program with external funding. Projects are designed to make an impact through creative problem-solving and in-kind support. Projects are supported by volunteer Community Science Fellows – project managers we train and match with you. These project managers will work with you to define the priorities of your project and to secure volunteer scientists or technical experts to achieve your community-led solutions. Projects can also access a small seed fund to support their work. Typical project outputs can include – but are not limited to – developing reports, webinars, podcasts, data, maps, exhibits, grant proposals, applications of technology, or interviews.  

Role of a Community Lead

We invite any community representative comfortable operating in English and/or in Spanish interested in launching a community project to complete the form below. At least two community leads representing their community’s perspective should apply and understand that this requires a dedicated 2 hours per week at least for projects. Projects typically last 18 months, but have the ability to graduate early. 

What kinds of projects does Thriving Earth Exchange support?

As a geoscience organization, our work focuses on local challenges related to natural hazards, natural resources, and climate change. Projects must utilize earth and space scientific knowledge or methods to collect data, apply scientific knowledge or processes, or make results of scientific research accessible. Some examples of projects we have supported are: collecting air, water or soil samples to examine them for pollutants; using existing GIS data to create an interactive map so communities can determine their relative environmental hazard risks; helping determine the cause of an environmental issue; creating green space or gardens; and creating a plan to protect a natural resource. Please note this is not an exhaustive list – we are always happy to consider new and innovative ways to use earth and space science to support communities.

However, we are unable to support projects that collect personal health information or human biomedical specimens such as saliva, urine, blood, psychological data, etc. Please also keep in mind that project participants including the Community Leads, Community Science Fellows, and Volunteer Scientists are volunteers and projects have limited funding and should conclude within 6-18 months. See above regarding project outputs.

If you are unsure whether your idea for a project is a good fit please reach out to us at [email protected]

Upcoming Project Launches

Projects typically launch two times a year. If your community is interested in being a part of our community science program and would like to submit an application, please ensure your priority issue or project idea is science-based such as natural hazards, environment health, pollution, natural resources, sustainability, water resiliency, or climate change. Please note that this program may be the first step in a larger process. Spots for projects are limited. 

To apply as a Community Leader, see the cohort launch schedule below and fill out the short application form that follows. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you can learn about future deadlines.

2024 Cohort Dates and Application Deadline

Questions? Email [email protected]  

Check out these recent projects:

• Monitoring the safety of drinking water in 3 communities in the Northern Navajo Nation
• Assessing blue oaks for climate impacts and health to guide land managers in Central California
• Visualizing environmental health risks in Adel, Georgia
• And many others!

Learn more about being a Thriving Earth Exchange community lead, what we look for, and next steps here. Check out a video Q&A here.

Interested in being a Thriving Earth Exchange Community?

Use the form below to apply! Form not loading? Click here to open in a new window.  

Questions? Email our program at [email protected] or call us at (202) 777-7309 to talk through your idea for a project. We look forward to hearing from you! 

Note: Prior to engaging with Thriving Earth Exchange, all communities are asked to read and consent to Thriving Earth Exchange’s Statement on Integrity in Community Science. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.