The Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy (OCAGE), in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), has announced the release of a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) to support innovative pilot programs focused on building a diverse, inclusive green workforce. Through the Building our Resilient, Inclusive, and Diverse Green Economy (NJ BRIDGE) initiative, a total of $5 million is available to fund scalable projects to support residents entering the green workforce or climbing the green career ladder, with a focus on engagement in overburdened communities.

Respondents are invited to submit proposals in response to this solicitation. Proposals shall be submitted electronically to OCAGE/NJDEP at green.economy@dep.nj.gov by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 6th, 2023 to be eligible for funding.

Additionally, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is accepting applications for a competitive grant program that will help New Jerseyans, particularly those in overburdened communities, develop skills for offshore wind careers. The $3.725 million Offshore Wind Workforce and Skills Development Grant Challenge (Grant Challenge) will offer grants to selected entities that will aid in launching or expanding workforce training and skills programs focused on strengthening and diversifying New Jersey’s offshore wind workforce. The application portal for this grant challenge is now open and will close on Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.