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Grant Selection Process & Criteria

Two funding opportunities are currently available with slightly different selection criteria. Review the selection criteria for the Gardinier and NJEA cycles.

Sustainable Jersey Grants Program for Energy Projects

Funded by The Gardinier Environmental Fund

Proposals will be evaluated based on the criteria below:

  • Innovativeness and Uniqueness:  The proposed action could lead to a new “best practice” and/or is being implemented in a new or unique way.
  • Impact of Proposed Project:  This includes the project type, expected outcomes, and importance to meeting sustainable energy goals.
  • Influence on Future Activities:  The proposed project either augments existing energy initiatives and/or will serve as a catalyst for future efforts.
  • Likelihood of Success:  The action plan: 1) clearly lists the steps needed to complete the project; 2) identifies accurate estimates of the time needed to complete each step; 3) is realistic and likely to be successfully accomplished.  The budget is realistic, includes only eligible and reasonable expenses, and leverages incentive funding (where applicable).
  • Applicant Capacity:  The applicant has demonstrated commitment to sustainable practices, leadership capacity through an active and effective green team, and success at managing grant projects in accordance with program requirements.
  • Partnerships and Leveraging:  The proposed effort effectively leverages additional external resources ranging from local foundations to other federal grant programs that may be available for project implementation.  Partnerships with community organizations and/or other local government entities is encouraged.

Approximately 50% of the grant funds will be reserved for certified municipalities and school districts with certified schools. Sustainable Jersey reserves the right to reallocate the funding based on the quality and quantity of grant applications received. The selection committee will also consider efforts towards Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification, project diversity, previous funding, economic need, and the regional distribution of grants throughout the state.

 

2020-2021 NJEA Grant Cycle

$10,000 district and school project grant Applications

A Blue Ribbon Selection Committee will evaluate applications that meet the grant eligibility requirements based on criteria listed below. Up to 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 selection committee will also consider efforts towards Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification, project diversity, previous funding, economic need, and the regional distribution of grants throughout the state.


Project Description

(15 Points)
 
 
  • The description concisely summarizes the specific project to be funded by the grant award and how it will contribute to earning points in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification program

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

(10 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 February 2021)
  • Events where the grant will be promoted, such as a ribbon cutting ceremony, and materials will be distributed are identified

Community Engagement

(20 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, non-profits, professional organizations and local businesses)
  • Details on how the project will be shared with the school community are included

Project Impact and Evaluation

(25 Points)

 
  • The project will augment existing green team efforts and support certification efforts
  • The proposed project is unique, innovative and addresses a specific need in the community
  • What the project hopes to accomplish is clear and relevant background information is provided to better understand the true impact of the project
  • Who will benefit from the proposed project (students, school staff, families, community) and how is clearly articulated
  • Proposal includes plans to evaluate project outcomes

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 besids 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

 

$2,000 school green team grant applications

Grants will be awarded based on the green team’s commitment to advancing sustainability initiatives in the school and how the proposed activities will lead to the successful completion of specific Sustainable Jersey for Schools actions.

Up to 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 selection committee will also consider efforts towards Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification, project diversity, previous funding, economic need, and the regional distribution of grants throughout the state.

Grants & Resources