The Green Economy Fund (GEF) is a $40 million initiative created by Hydro-Québec and Transmission Developers as part of the Champlain Hudson Power Express project (CHPE). This fund is dedicated to fostering careers in New York State’s green economy, specifically targeting disadvantaged communities, low-income individuals, and transitioning fossil fuel workers. The overarching mission of the GEF is to create pathways for these populations to access and build sustainable careers, aligning with broader goals of economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.
The program's primary beneficiaries are individuals within the "target population": disadvantaged communities, low-income individuals, and workers transitioning from the fossil fuel sector. The GEF aims to achieve significant impact by funding green jobs training programs and associated wraparound services. The expected outcomes include increased participation of the target population in the green economy, enhanced skills development, and successful job placement, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable workforce in New York State.
The GEF prioritizes funding for green jobs training programs and essential wraparound services such as transportation, case management, professional development curriculum, and childcare. These services are crucial for removing barriers to participation and ensuring the success of individuals in training programs. Priority is given to applicants serving communities located in counties intersected by the CHPE Project Route, including Clinton, Essex, Washington, Saratoga, Schenectady, Albany, Greene, Columbia, Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, Bronx, and Queens, with specific focus on Astoria and the South Bronx within the latter two counties.
Acceptable areas of funding encompass training costs (e.g., instructors, curriculum development, materials, equipment), wraparound services, costs associated with recruiting from disadvantaged communities, and participant stipends or wage supports for graduates placed in jobs. The program seeks measurable results through successful completion of training programs, job placement rates, and sustained employment in green economy careers. Funding will be disbursed over 20 years, with individual grants in the current round expected to range from $50,000 to $150,000. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, 501(c)(6) chambers of commerce, and 501(c)(5) unions, with a focus on workforce development, community-based organizations, building trades unions, nonprofit pre-apprenticeship programs, community colleges, career and technical education schools, and adult education programming.
