The New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission (PRC), a division of the New Jersey Department of State, has announced the inaugural launch of its Alternative Energy Grant for 2025. This $200,000 state-funded initiative aims to support community organizations in Puerto Rico with the implementation of off-grid energy solutions, such as emergency standby generators and solar-powered devices. The goal is to ensure that organizations can maintain services, programs, and operations without reliance on Puerto Rico’s often unreliable power grid.
Eligible applicants include organizations based in either Puerto Rico or New Jersey; however, all proposed projects must be located in Puerto Rico. Preference will be given to applicants sourcing equipment from New Jersey businesses or manufacturers. The grant is intended to encourage both energy resiliency in Puerto Rico and economic ties between the two regions.
Examples of eligible expenditures include solar panels, generators, and devices like solar-powered phone charging stations and backup power for medical refrigerators. The grant period runs from May 23 to June 17, 2025. Applications are submitted through the System for Administering Grants Electronically (SAGE) beginning at 5:00 PM EST on May 23, 2025.
This funding opportunity was created in response to the repeated failure of Puerto Rico’s electrical grid following natural disasters such as Hurricanes Irma and Maria. It reflects the state's ongoing commitment to strengthening cultural and economic connections with Puerto Rico.
Inquiries about the grant may be directed to the New Jersey Department of State at Feedback@sos.nj.gov. While no specific phone number is provided, all interested applicants are encouraged to visit PRC.NJ.GOV for detailed instructions and submission guidelines.
Priority given to projects using NJ manufacturers or businesses
