Proposal Evaluation Criteria

$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 t 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 impacts 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 March 2023) 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 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 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, etc.), 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.