Sustainable Jersey announced today that it is accepting applications from New Jersey municipalities and public school districts for energy projects focused on energy conservation, efficiency and renewable energy. Funded by the Gardinier Environmental Fund, $150,000 in grant money is now available. Applications are due on October 28, 2016.

“The Gardinier Environmental Fund is committed to conserving the earth’s energy resources and enhancing renewable energy measures,” said Gene Wentzel, president, Gardinier Environmental Fund.

“We are proud to stand alongside Sustainable Jersey, and to continue to fund worthy projects that supports our mutual goals in New Jersey.”

To date, Gardinier Environmental Fund has provided $585,000 to the Sustainable Jersey Small Grants program.

Funded projects for this cycle of the Gardinier Environmental Fund grant can fall into the following categories: innovative energy projects; energy resiliency including microgrids and/or energy storage; renewable energy installations; electric vehicle policies, programs, and infrastructure; building efficiency upgrades; energy education projects; and energy studies and engineering.

Grant proposals are being accepted from municipalities registered with Sustainable Jersey and school districts registered with Sustainable Jersey for Schools.

For this grant cycle, Sustainable Jersey is offering two $30,000 grants and five $10,000 grants.

To submit a simple, online application, municipalities and school districts should visit: https://app.wizehive.com/appform/login/Gardinier2016.

Proposed grant projects that would be eligible for funding or rebates available from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Clean Energy Program (NJCEP), regional utility company programs, or other state government incentive programs must leverage these resources in addition to the Sustainable Jersey small grant as part of the overall project budget.

Joint municipal government and school district projects are encouraged. For joint projects, each entity may submit a separate $30,000 or $10,000 grant application addressing its role in the project.

“Investments in local energy projects will help us make progress toward the goal of a more sustainable and resilient New Jersey,” said Randall Solomon who co-directs Sustainable Jersey with Donna Drewes.

He added, “These grants have funded an energy resiliency microgrid study, energy curricula in schools, energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to buildings and more. We look forward to seeing the innovative projects that our participating municipalities and school districts submit.”

Currently 437 municipalities and 204 school districts are registered and participating in the Sustainable Jersey and Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification programs.