Supporting Big Ideas: Funding for School Sustainability Projects Announced

Application process open for Sustainable Jersey for Schools grants funded by the New Jersey Education Association

Sustainable Jersey for Schools announced $180,000 in new funding for fifty grants to be awarded to schools and districts. Applications are due on October 31, 2018 for this cycle of the Sustainable Jersey for Schools Grants Program.

The 2018 Sustainable Jersey for Schools Grants Program cycle funded by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) will award: ten $10,000 grants to school districts or schools and forty $2,000 grants to support school green teams. Applicants must be registered in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program, which is free and voluntary. The funded projects will serve as practical and innovative models for the rest of the State and make measurable contributions toward the long-term goal of a sustainable New Jersey.

With this contribution, NJEA has provided one-million dollars to support a sustainable future for children across the state through the Sustainable Jersey for Schools Program. “As we face climate change, the mass extinction of many species, and the clogging of our oceans with plastic, we must make better choices so that we leave the next generation a planet that is in much better shape,” said NJEA Vice President Sean M. Spiller. “When our students can learn, at an early age, that sustainable and healthy practices often go “hand in hand” with economic efficiencies, we all benefit from the positive changes. To that end, it is imperative that we emphasize the value of sustainability. NJEA is proud to work with Sustainable Jersey on this important program and channel resources directly into our schools to aid in that mission.” In addition to the grant funding, NJEA supports Sustainable Jersey for Schools as a program underwriter.

“Sustainable Jersey for Schools hopes that this funding opportunity will provide schools and school districts the spark needed to accelerate their work on new, innovative sustainability actions,” said Renee Haider, the Sustainable Jersey deputy director. “These grants are part of our collective effort to tackle New Jersey’s sustainability challenges, one school at a time.”

For more information about the Grants Program and details on how to apply, visit the Grants and Resources page of www.sustainablejerseyschools.com.