Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC Climate Justice, Community Development, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Environmental Justice, Grant Funding, Grassroots Organizations, Justice 40, Nonprofit Organizations, Resource Development, Social Impact, Social Impact Organizations

Good Jobs in Clean Energy Prize: Competition Timeline and Phases Overview

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has launched its Good Jobs in Clean Energy Prize via the American Made Challenges Program. Through this funding opportunity, the DOE is looking to find and support new and newly focused placed-based coalitions that will help make sure clean energy jobs are created in communities that are high quality and accessible to target populations. The DOE is also looking to Increase long-term engagement of relevant place-based coalitions serving target populationswith clean energy employment opportunities and develop place-based strategies consistent with DOE’s job quality and DEIA priorities in clean energy (including implementation of the Justice40 Initiative) and EERE’s focus on implementing clean energy technologies equitably.

The Justice40 Initiative is a federal effort launched by the Biden administration aimed at directing at least 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities. The initiative is part of a broader commitment to address environmental justice, climate change, and economic inequality. The Justice40 Initiative is a significant step toward integrating social justice into federal policy and investment decisions, aiming to create a more equitable future for all communities.

The Good Jobs in Clean Energy Prize consists of three phases, with a total prize pool of $3,375,000.

Important details for Phase One Prize competitors:

1. Coalitions must include at least one entity from each of the following organization types: labor organization, clean energy employer, community-based organization, public agencies, and education and workforce provider.

2. Each coalition member must submit and sign an Evidence of Commitment letter detailing their commitment to the coalition and planned activity.

3. The clean energy employment opportunities of most interest to DOE for this prize are middleskill occupations in the manufacturing and construction industries.

Up to 15 coalitions will receive a Phase One prize of $50,000 each. Only these coalitions will be eligible to continue in the competition and compete in Phase Two.

Important details for Phase Two Prize competitors:

1. Only Phase One winners can compete in Phase Two of the Prize.

2. Coalitions must participate in a virtual DOE-provided High Road training and submit a
Coalition Action Plan to be eligible to win Phase Two.

All winners of Phase One are eligible to compete in Phase Two. Up to 10 coalitions will be selected to receive a Phase Two prize of $100,000 each.

Important details for Phase Three Prize competitors:

1. Only Phase Two winners can compete in Phase Three of the Prize.

2. Each Phase Two winner has the opportunity to win a prize in Phase Three.

All winners of Phase Two are eligible to compete in Phase Three. Up to 10 coalitions will be selected to receive a Phase Three prize. First place will receive $300,000; second place will receive $250,000; third place will receive $200,000 total; and 7 coalitions will receive runner-up prizes of $125,000 each.

Key Dates:

● Phase One Submission Opens: August 1, 2024
● Phase One Submission Closes: 5 p.m. ET on January 31, 2025
● Phase One Winner Announcement: March 31, 2025 (anticipated)
● Phase Two Submission Opens: March 31, 2025 (anticipated)
● Phase Two Submission Closes: 5 p.m. ET on September 30, 2025 (anticipated)
● Phase Two Winner Announcement: November 20, 2025 (anticipated)
● Phase Three Submission Opens: November 20, 2025 (anticipated)
● Phase Three Submission Closes: November 20, 2026 (anticipated)
● Phase Three Winner Announcement: January 20, 2027 (anticipated)

How to Enter:

Go to the HeroX prize page: Good Jobs in Clean Energy Prize and follow the instructions for registering and submitting all required materials before the deadline in the Key Dates section of this document and as displayed on the HeroX prize page timeline. Competitors may also form coalitions or find partners through the HeroX platform.

Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC Climate Justice, Community Development, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Environmental Justice, Grant Funding, Grassroots Organizations, Nonprofit Organizations, Resource Development, Social Impact, Social Impact Organizations

Funding Opportunities for Nonprofits: The Lawrence Foundation Grant 2024

By: Natisha Jordan | Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC – GrantWise Solutions Initiative

The Lawrence Foundation will be accepting grant applications from nonprofit organizations whose work addresses the following:

  1. Environment (US headquartered orgnizations operating programs in the US or anywhere in the world)
  2. Human Services
  3. Disaster Relief (US headquartered organizations responding to disasters in the US or elsewhere in the world on an occassional basis)

Grant awards typically range from $5,000 – $10,000. Grant requests for general operating and program/project costs that fall in line with funding interests are accepted.

The next grant cycle opens on September 1, 2024. Deadline to apply is October 31, 2024. No LOI is required. For more info visit: The Lawrence Foundation ~ Apply for a grant info

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Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC Climate Justice, Community Development, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Environmental Justice, Grant Funding, Grant Masters, Grant Writing, Grassroots Organizations, Nonprofit Organizations, Social Impact, Social Impact Organizations

Empathy… The Grant Writer’s Secret Weapon

(Originally posted on LinkedIn on 6/9/2024 by Wisdom Born Consulting)

Often overlooked yet profoundly impactful, empathy is the grant writer’s secret weapon. When crafting proposals, it’s not just about presenting data or outlining project goals; it’s about connecting with the reader on a human level. Understanding the needs, challenges, and aspirations of both the organization and those they serve can transform a standard application into a compelling narrative that resonates deeply.

This empathetic approach helps in crafting stories that highlight the real-world impact of a proposed project, making it more relatable and inspiring. By weaving personal anecdotes and testimonials from those who have directly benefited, the narrative gains authenticity and emotional resonance. Incorporating diverse perspectives ensures that the story appeals to a broad audience, fostering a sense of shared purpose and community. This method not only captivates the audience but also drives home the importance of the project, encouraging stakeholders to invest their time, resources, and support.

As the story unfolds, vivid descriptions and compelling visuals can paint a picture of the transformative changes the project brings about. Whether it’s a community revitalized through sustainable practices, individuals empowered by new opportunities, or ecosystems restored to their natural glory, each element of the story serves to underscore the project’s significance.

Ultimately, this empathetic storytelling approach does more than just inform; it inspires action. By connecting on a deeper emotional level, it mobilizes people to become advocates for the cause, creating a ripple effect that amplifies the project’s reach and impact. In this way, storytelling becomes a powerful tool for change, bridging the gap between vision and reality, and turning aspirations into tangible results.

Empathy fosters collaboration and trust. When grant writers genuinely understand and communicate the vision and mission of their organization, they build stronger relationships with stakeholders, partners, and funders. This mutual understanding can lead to more successful and sustainable projects, ultimately driving positive change in the communities they serve.

In essence, empathy is the bridge that connects the technical aspects of grant writing with the emotional and human elements, creating a holistic and persuasive narrative that stands out in a competitive landscape.

Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC Climate Justice, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Environmental Justice, Grassroots Organizations, Justice 40, Nonprofit Organizations, Social Impact, Social Impact Organizations

Making a Difference With Stripe Climate | Wisdom Born Consulting

Wisdom Born Consulting is dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote environmental justice and sustainability. By collaborating with organizations striving to make a positive impact on the environment, I have gained valuable insights and knowledge. Through Frontier, an Advance Market Commitment (AMC), established by Stripe, Alphabet, Shopify, Meta, McKinsey, and tens of thousands of businesses using Stripe Climate, some of the projects funded include: Spiritus (Spiritus | Home), EDAC Labs (EDAC Labs), Vycarb (Vycarb (vy-carb.com), Airhive (Airhive – Direct Air Capture for Rapid Carbon Removal and Decarbonisation), Kodama (Kodama Systems | Restoring forests for future generations) and others. Wisdom Born Consulting currently contributes 1% of its revenue to support carbon removal initiatives.

As a Stripe Climate contributor, I am committed to furthering these efforts and contributing to a more sustainable future for all. My goal is to continue learning, growing, and advocating for environmental justice in every way possible. Together, we can make a difference and create a more equitable and eco-conscious world for generations to come.

Visit: https://climate.stripe.com/kvmGXF to view Wisdom Born Consulting’s Climate Impact Report

Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC Climate Justice, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Environmental Justice, Justice 40, Resource Development, Social Impact, Social Impact Organizations

Supporting Justice40 Cohort Organizations Affected by Climate Disasters

Earlier this year, the Justice40 Accelerator community and supporters were asked to share and support calls to action to help those who have and are being affected by current climate disasters on the West coast.

To support immediate requests, please view these links: 

Local Clean Energy Alliance, Oakland, CA

Shelterwood Collective, Cazadero, CA

Hunters Point Biomonitoring Foundation, San Francisco, CA

Regeneración – Pajaro Valley Climate Action, Watsonville, CA

For information on how the Justice40 Accelerator is working to assist community-based organizations advance equity driven climate and environmental justice solutions and the Justice40 cohort organizations please visit Justice40 Accelerator.