Selection Process

A municipality can apply for one Environmental Stewardship Grant AND/OR one Resiliency Grant. However, only one grant will be awarded to a municipality. The selection committee will evaluate applications that meet the grant eligibility requirements based on criteria listed below. Sustainable Jersey reserves the right to reallocate the funding based on the quality and quantity of grant applications received. The selection committee will also consider the needs of the community and the distribution of grants throughout the ACE service territory.

Proposal Evaluation

Below is the criteria that will be used to evaluate the grant proposals. Download a PDF of the criteria here.

Project Description 15 Points	The description concisely summarizes the specific project to be funded by the grant award
Project Team Members 10 Points	The designated project team appears qualified to undertake the proposed project. The project team includes representation from municipal and community stakeholder groups that will be involved in or impacted by the implementation of he proposed project.
Action Plan & Timeline 15 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 12-month performance period. Events where the grant will be promoted, such as a ribbon cutting ceremony, and materials will be distributed are identified.
Community Engagement 10 Points	The proposed project will capitalize on collaborations between community stakeholders including representatives from the schools, 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 community are included.
Project Impact & Evaluation 25 Points	The proposed project will address the community need identified in the proposal. The project will preserve, protect, and improve public spaces designated as open space or used for passive recreation or contribute to a more resilient community. The project will augment existing green team efforts and contribute toward making progress in the Sustainable Jersey Certification Program.
Budget 25 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 all 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.