Sustainable Jersey for Schools Grants & Technical Assistance Programs
Sustainable Jersey for Schools strives to connect participating schools and districts with financial and technical resources to successfully complete actions and make progress towards a sustainable future. To that end, we directly offer multiple competitive grant and technical assistance opportunities funded by program underwriters and partner organizations each year.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools grants not only provide crucial financial support for projects that might otherwise not materialize, but also enable schools to complete actions that contribute toward certification. Review the Actions page for ideas on possible projects. All actions have a Resources section with organizations that can help with project completion.
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Current Opportunities
Trees for Schools Program
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is providing $2.5 million in grants to public school districts, colleges, and universities. Grant awards of $10,000 to $250,000 will cover the costs of planting, site preparation, and 2 years of maintenance for trees planted on public school and college campuses, as well as on other public property used by students. Learn more about the Trees for Schools program here.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 11:59pm
Free Energy Technical Assistance for New Jersey School Districts
Schools will work with a technical assistance representative from Sustainable Jersey to track and analyze the usage data of each facility, identify and apply for appropriate incentives for energy efficiency upgrades. This technical assistance aids schools in saving energy and money, as well as gaining points in the Sustainable Jersey Certification Program. Learn more here.
SJ-PSE&G Partnership Program to Support Energy Efficiency in School Facilities
Eligible school districts can now participate this program to receive free technical assistance for energy efficiency in school facilities. The Program empowers school districts to better manage energy use and leverage PSE&G’s energy efficiency programs and incentives and will accept participants on a rolling basis beginning Fall 2023. Learn more, view the list of eligible school districts and apply here.
Become an EmPowered School in 2024-2025!
The EmPowered Schools program provides free support and resources to educate PK-12 students about protecting the environment while saving energy in their schools and homes. The EmPowered activities can help schools earn points toward Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification. Schools that are registered with Sustainable Jersey for Schools and that are in the New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), South Jersey Gas (SJG) or Elizabethtown Gas (ETG) service area, or that receive both electricity and gas from PSE&G are eligible to participate. Learn more and sign up for the program here.
Since 2009, Sustainable Jersey has awarded over $8.4 million in grants to participating municipalities and school districts.
Annual Sustainable Jersey for Schools Grant Cycles
| Sponsor | Project Type | Funding Levels | Cycle Announced | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NJEA | General | $10,000 | Late-Summer | End of October |
| PSEG Foundation | General | $10,000 | Mid-October | Mid-March |
Projects Funded
Visit the Previous Recipients & Projects page to learn about the projects funded since 2015.