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 Community Development, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Environmental Justice, Grant Masters, Grant Writing, Grassroots Organizations, Justice 40, Nonprofit Organizations, Resource Development, Social Impact, Social Impact Organizations, Uncategorized

How does Grant Writing Benefit our Communities?

(Originally posted on LinkedIn on 5/29/2024 by Wisdom Born Consulting)

In a recent article, I explored how grant writing can create opportunities for both organizations and the communities they support. How do our communities specifically gain from grant writing? What doors does grant writing open for them?

Community Development

Grant writing benefits our communities in numerous ways. It provides essential financial resources that can be used to fund programs, projects, and services that directly address community needs. The process of grant writing itself often necessitates a thorough assessment of needs and resources, leading to better-informed decision-making and strategic planning. This can result in more targeted and efficient use of funds, ensuring that the initiatives supported have the greatest possible benefit.

By securing grants, nonprofits and other agencies can leverage these resources to attract further funding and investment, creating a ripple effect that amplifies their impact. These funds can support a wide range of initiatives, from educational programs and healthcare services to infrastructure improvements and social services.

Community Empowerment

Grant-funded projects provide valuable opportunities for community engagement and empowerment. By involving community members in the planning and implementation phases, projects and initiatives can foster a sense of ownership and pride, building stronger, more resilient communities. In this way, grant writing not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to long-term community development and sustainability.

Grant writing often involves collaboration and partnerships among various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups. This collaboration can strengthen community ties and foster a sense of collective purpose and solidarity.

Capacity Building

Successful grant writing can enhance the capacity and sustainability of organizations within our communities. By securing funding, organizations can expand their reach, improve the quality of their programs and services, and invest in staff development and training. This, in turn, leads to better outcomes for the community members they serve.

Overall, grant writing is a vital tool for community development, enabling organizations to secure the necessary resources to create positive, lasting change.

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 Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Environmental Justice, Freelance, Grant Writing, Grassroots Organizations, Independent Contractors, Justice 40, Nonprofit Organizations, Resource Development, Social Impact, Social Impact Organizations

Reflecting on Kwanzaa’s Seven Principles and My Work as a Grant Writer

Yesterday marked the beginning of Kwanzaa, a cultural holiday celebrated in the African American/Pan African community. For me, the holiday is a reminder of why I chose to become a grant writer and help community-based, grassroots organizations. I frequently turn to Kwanzaa’s seven principles for inspiration and guidance in my work.

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The seven principles of Kwanzaa are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. These principles align well with the values and goals of many community-based organizations that seek to improve the quality of life for marginalized communities. As a grant writer, I strive to support these organizations by helping them secure funding to implement their programs and initiatives.

Unity is particularly important in this work, as it requires collaboration and partnership between organizations, funders, and the communities they serve. Self-determination is also crucial, as it empowers communities to identify and address their own needs rather than relying on outside sources to dictate their priorities.

Collective work and responsibility emphasize the importance of working together to achieve common goals, while cooperative economics encourages the development of sustainable and equitable economic systems. Purpose and creativity are essential for developing innovative approaches to social issues, and faith provides a foundation of hope and resilience in the face of challenges.

By incorporating these principles into my work as a grant writer, I hope to contribute to a more just and equitable society, one that aligns with the values and goals of Kwanzaa and other cultural traditions that prioritize community empowerment and social justice.

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.