Sustainable Jersey Offers Municipalities Small Grants

The PSEG Foundation is partnering with Sustainable Jersey to provide $200,000 in grants to fund 32 municipal projects that will help make towns "more livable, environmentally friendly and prosperous."

Sustainable Jersey is a nonprofit that provides tools, training and financial incentives for communities that pursue sustainability programs.

New Jersey is the first state in the nation to have a comprehensive sustainability program for communities that links certification with strong state and private financial incentives, and a fully resourced program of technical support and training. 

By partnering with Sustainable Jersey, Anne Hoskins, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability for PSEG said in a statement, “PSEG is committed to being a steward of the environment and making meaningful contributions to the communities it serves.” 

The 2012 Sustainable Jersey Small Grants Program will award local governments with four $20,000 grants, eight $10,000 grants and twenty $2,000 grants for projects like electric vehicle charging stations, school food composting centers and community gardens. Pam Mount, Chair of the Sustainable Jersey Board of Trustees, said in a statement, “Aiding towns and Green Teams to achieve their sustainable goals by funding green initiatives throughout New Jersey will have a ripple effect that will benefit us all.” 

To apply for a grant, a municipality must submit a proposal describing its local sustainability initiative, detailing the commitment of the municipality to sustainability and collaboration with nearby municipalities to leverage resources. Proposals will be reviewed and scored by a Blue Ribbon selection committee composed of sustainability experts and public figures. 

Sustainable Jersey towns and cities implement practices that lead to cost savings in energy, water and garbage bills. The program helps communities improve efficiency, cut waste and stimulate their local economies.

The Sustainable Jersey Small Grants Program has funded $595,000 worth of sustainable projects since 2009 across New Jersey.

Click here to read the grant requirements and download the application. Proposals are due to Sustainable Jersey by July 15, 2012.