Technical Assistance
Philly Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC)
In 2023, the Overbrook Environmental Education Center (OEEC) was designated as a local hub under the EPA’s Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (TCTAC) program, serving as a trusted resource for environmental justice organizations seeking support with capacity building, technical guidance, and grant applications.
In 2025, federal funding cuts threatened to halt this important work. Rather than stepping back, we turned to alternative funding from local philanthropic organizations to continue serving as a hub for resources, technical support, and community collaboration. Alongside fellow TCTAC partners, OEEC’s ability to sustain this work reflects the resilience and determination of the environmental justice community.
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Today, the center supports more than 25 environmental justice organizations and public entities throughout the Philadelphia region. By serving as a regional resource hub alongside peer TCTAC organizations, we are expanding access to critical resources and strengthening the infrastructure that allows environmental justice organizations and their communities to thrive. For smaller organizations with limited capacity, this work helps democratize access to funding opportunities and organizational growth needed to advance meaningful environmental justice initiatives.
As another project-specific example, from 2024 to 2025, OEEC partnered with the Institute for Sustainable Communities and the Leadership Alliance to support an energy audit project for Sweet Union Baptist Church in Philadelphia, alongside Gemini Solutions and Green the Church, as well as the church’s pastor and maintenance staff. The audit identified significant opportunities to reduce emissions and lower energy costs for the church.
A final example of OEEC Technical Assistance work is our general strategic guidance that assists with organizational capacity and growth. By engaging our clients with customized strategic planning tools, such as customized logic models and tactical action plans, we help organizations break down their resources, goals and objectives, so they can prioritize action steps that allow for growth that aligns with their strategic mission, vision and values.