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Grant Selection Process & Criteria

 

2020 PSEG Grant Cycle

$10,000 Applications

A Blue Ribbon Selection Committee will evaluate each application based on the selection criteria below.

Project Description

(10 Points)
  • The description concisely summarizes the specific project to be funded by the grant award

Project Team Members

(10 Points)

  
  • The designated project team appears qualified to undertake the proposed project
  • The project team includes representation from district, school, and community stakeholder groups that will be involved in or impacted by the implementation of the proposed project

Action Plan & Timeline

(15 Points)
  •  The proposed project action plan addresses the steps needed to successfully complete the project
  • Target completion dates are realistic and will enable the project to be completed within the 18-month performance period (starting June 2020)
  • Events where the grant will be promoted, such as a ribbon cutting ceremony, and materials will be distributed are identified

Community Engagement

(15 Points)
  • The proposed project will capitalize on collaborations between district/school stakeholders including union leadership, certificated staff, parents, and representatives from community-based organizations (i.e., municipal green team municipal and county agencies, civic or community-based organizations, nonprofits, professional organizations and local businesses)
  • Details on how the project will be shared with the school community are included

Impact on the School Community

(30 Points)

 
  • The project will augment existing green team efforts and contribute toward making progress in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program
  • The proposed project is unique, innovative and addresses a specific need
  • What the project hopes to accomplish is clear and relevant background information is provided to better understand the impact of the project
  • Who will benefit from the proposed project (students, school staff, families, community) and how is clearly articulated
  • Project outcomes will be evaluated

Budget

(20 Points)

 
  • The Budget Narrative clearly summarizes project expenses and identifies all the sources of funding needed to complete the proposed project, including in-kind contributions such as volunteer hours
  • The project leverages no or low cost resources to cost-effectively complete the proposed project
  • It is clear that all additional funding besides the grant is in-hand or committed
  • The detailed project budget is consistent with the Budget Narrative and clearly identifies the eligible project expenses that will be billed to the grant
  • The budget is realistic, costs are justified and resource contributions, including in-kind, have a reasonable value
  • Promotional items including “give-aways” (i.e. T-shirts, water bottles), incentives, refreshment or awards do not comprise more than 10% ($1,000) of the proposed grant budget

Approximately 50% of the grant funds will be reserved for certified schools. Sustainable Jersey for Schools reserves the right to reallocate the funding based on the quality and quantity of grant applications received in a given funding cycle. The review process will also consider the regional distribution of grants throughout the state.

$2,000 Capacity Building Grants

 Grant proposals will be screened using the following criteria:

  • Strength of the work plan that will guide the green team's activities
  • Likelihood of success as demonstrated by a reasonable budget
  • The demonstrated commitment of the green team and school community to move forward on sustainability issues in their school

Approximately 50% of the grant funds will be reserved for certified schools. Sustainable Jersey for Schools reserves the right to reallocate the funding based on the quality and quantity of grant applications received in a given funding cycle. The review process will also consider efforts towards Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification and the regional distribution of grants throughout the state.  Priority will be given to schools that have not previously received Sustainable Jersey for Schools grant funding.

Grants & Resources