Sustainable Jersey is accepting applications from school districts seeking funding under its 2023-2024 Grants Program cycle funded by the New Jersey Education Association, according to a news release.
Since the inception of the Sustainable Jersey for Schools Program in 2014, NJEA has provided $2.25 million to support a sustainable future for children and communities across the state. Applicants must be affiliated with the NJEA.
The following grants are available:
- Ten $10,000 grants to fund school and district sustainability projects.
- Forty $2,000 grants to fund school sustainability projects or support green teams.
The organization, which is a network and movement of municipalities, schools and school districts working collectively to bring about a sustainable New Jersey, invites local educational agencies to submit an online application by Oct. 30, 2023.
Visit the NJEA Cycle page on the Sustainable Jersey for Schools website to learn more about the cycle and explore application resources. Sustainable Jersey will also hold an informational webinar on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Register here for a link to attend.
Notifications of grant awards will be made in mid-February and an announcement event for grant recipients will be held in mid-March. Please reach out to Kaitlyn Vollmer, grants program manager, at 609-771-3189 or via email with any questions.
Additional Funding Opportunities
Sustainable Jersey also informed school districts of some other funding opportunities that they may want to explore.
U.S. EPA’s 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program: The U.S. EPA has opened a $400 million fund to award grants for alternative fuel school buses. Grant amounts are determined by bus fuel type, bus class size, number of buses being replaced, and prioritization status. Click here to learn more and apply. The application deadline is Aug. 22, 2023. These incentives can help schools districts earn points in the Sustainable Fleets action.
NJDEP Funding for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicle Electrification: The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will be awarding $13 million in funding to replace medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles, such as shuttles, transit buses, garbage trucks, dump trucks, and small Type A/B buses, with electric versions. Applications are due Sept. 4, 2023. Visit NJDEP’s Vehicle Electrification Projects webpage for more information. This incentive can help school districts earn points in the Sustainable Fleets action.
2024 Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Grants: The New Jersey Department of Transportation announced the grant solicitation period for the 2024 Safe Routes to School program is open, with applications being accepted through Nov. 17, 2023.
The program is administered by the NJDOT Division of Local Aid and Economic Development, in partnership with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, and the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization.
SRTS grants are available for infrastructure projects that encourage and enable students to walk and bike safely to school. Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the program has been expanded to include high schools for the first time.
Proposed infrastructure improvements must be within a two-mile radius of a K-12 school. SRTS facilitates the planning, development and implementation of projects that improve safety and air quality, as well as reduce traffic and fuel consumption around schools. Learn more and sign up for free online training webinars, which will provide participants with information about applying for a Safe Routes to School grant here. The application deadline is Nov. 17, 2023.