New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on April 22, 2022, that $59 million in funding through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is now available for the Clean Green School Initiative.
The NYSERDA initiative aims to help public schools that lack infrastructure resources become healthier and more productive learning environments, improve environmental sustainability by reducing school energy loads, decarbonize the buildings, and improve indoor air quality (IAQ).
PLAN OF ACTION
TRACK I – PLANNING:
This is open enrollment and provides funding for professional services like energy studies, on-site energy managers, and fiscal advisors. This will help existing public schools across New York State to evaluate and plan infrastructure development projects in which they can participate. Funding caps and eligible activities can be found here.
TRACK II – INSTALLATION:
Installation provides funding for schools to implement construction projects that meet the list of eligible activities. Project works will be funded for up to 100 % of the project cost.
There is a maximum of $4,030,000 per building and $6,100,000 per district.
CLEAN ENERGY EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Projects in this track will be funded up to 100% with a maximum of $10,000 per building and $50,000 per district for Track I and for Track II a maximum of $30,000 per building and $100,000 per district.
WHO CAN APPLY?
- All existing public school buildings across New York State designated as High-Need by the New York State Education Department or located in a disadvantaged community are eligible to participate in the program.
- If a school district has a mix of eligible and non-eligible school buildings, only the eligible school buildings can participate in the program.
HOW TO APPLY
For full eligibility, application, consultant, and deliverable requirements, view the Program Opportunity Notice (PON 4924).
Schools, school districts, or authorized representatives may submit completed application packages to P12Schools@nyserda.ny.gov for Track I through December 30, 2025.
The same can be submitted for Track II projects via NYSERDA’s online portal submission. Proposals for Round 1 of Track II are due by July 27, 2022, by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Schools may submit one application on behalf of multiple school buildings within a district.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Along with the Clean Green School Initiative, the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling (NYSAR) has announced the Green School Grant Program. This program will allocate a maximum of $1,000 per awardee for projects implemented during the 2022-2023 school year. The goal of this program is to support existing programs or the development of new programs that promote reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting in public and private schools. Applications for this round must be received by Friday, June 17, 2022. Additional consideration will be given to schools in disadvantaged communities. Click here to view application instructions.
For years, Walden has been providing grant writing services to public and private organizations. Call us at 516-758-1273, and our grant writing team of experts can help walk you through the various grants and eligibility requirements, and assess whether or not your needs could be met with a grant.