Urban Heat Island Mitigation Grant Program

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) Mitigation Grant Program is administered by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), a state regulatory agency responsible for ensuring safe and affordable utility services for residents of New Jersey. This initiative is part of the NJ Clean Energy Fund's broader effort to address the disproportionate impact of extreme heat on vulnerable urban communities. Launched for Fiscal Year 2026, the program aims to reduce energy costs and improve resilience in high-heat urban zones across New Jersey. The program provides a total of $5 million in grants distributed across three intervention categories. Comprehensive UHI Interventions offer up to $1 million each for two large-scale neighborhood revitalization projects. These may include initiatives such as tree canopy expansion, installation of smart-misting systems, deployment of cool pavements, and other forms of urban cooling infrastructure. The second tier, Cooling the Built Environment, provides up to $500,000 each for four projects aimed at retrofitting public buildings and cooling centers. Eligible upgrades include geothermal heat pumps, green or cool roofs, and battery storage systems to create resilience hubs in communities with large renter populations. The third category, Urban Micro-climate Interventions, supports smaller community-led initiatives with grants of up to $50,000 for projects like shaded transit stops, water stations, and community gardens. All funded activities must take place on public land or in publicly accessible spaces. Eligible applicants include municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and community groups operating in New Jersey. The grant program is intended to reduce urban heat effects, lower electricity demand, and provide co-benefits such as improved public health and quality of life in disadvantaged communities. Applications are being accepted until December 15, 2025. A series of informational Zoom drop-in sessions have been scheduled to support applicants in preparing proposals and addressing questions. The NJBPU and Sustainable Jersey, a program under the Sustainability Institute at The College of New Jersey, are providing direct technical assistance through these drop-in sessions. No appointments are required, and participants are encouraged to bring draft proposals and specific questions for review. The program emphasizes equitable energy access and environmental justice, encouraging early applications to maximize technical assistance and review opportunities.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early and bring draft concepts to Zoom sessions.