Applications are due on October 28, 2016 for the Sustainable Jersey for Schools Small Grant program, which provides opportunities for public schools and school districts to implement sustainability projects. Two grant opportunities are now open through two different funders. The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) has funded $180,000 in grant money, available to support sustainable projects at the school and district level. This grant cycle will award ten $10,000 grants to school districts or schools, and 40 $2,000 grants to support school green teams. Applicants must be registered in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program. For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/2aMEv1H. In addition, the Gardinier Environmental Fund has provided $150,000 in grant money to fund energy projects focused on energy conservation, efficiency and renewable energy. Grant proposals are being accepted from municipalities and school districts registered with Sustainable Jersey. For this grant cycle, Sustainable Jersey is offering $30,000 and $10,000 grants. For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/2aOtfBs.

Milestone Reached: 500 NJ Schools Pursue Sustainability Certification In addition to announcing the new grant funding available, Sustainable Jersey for Schools is proud to announce its latest milestone: A total of 500 schools have registered for the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification program. At the school district level, 204 districts, or one-third of New Jersey school districts, have passed a resolution to participate in the program. The list of the 500 schools (http://bit.ly/2az5H1a) participating represents all 21 New Jersey counties.

According to Donna Drewes, who co-directs Sustainable Jersey, “Reaching the 500 school mark with one-third of all the school districts participating, is impressive. A special thank you to the New Jersey school boards, principals, staff, teachers, students and parents who have stepped up to make their schools more sustainable.”