As part of the Champlain Hudson Power Express project (CHPE), Hydro-Québec and Transmission Developers have created the Green Economy Fund (GEF), a $40 million fund designed to support disadvantaged communities, low-income individuals, and transitioning fossil fuel workers in accessing and building careers in New York State’s green economy.
The GEF’s direction is informed by an Advisory Board made up of experienced local community members, experts in workforce development, and environmental justice leaders across New York State.
Funding priorities include, but are not limited to:
- Workforce development training programs that link disadvantaged and low- income New Yorkers to good jobs in the green economy with sustainable wages.
- Nonprofits providing wrap-around services to workers from the target communities that enable them to connect to and/or sustain themselves in good jobs and training programs in the green economy. Some examples of eligible wrap-around services include transportation, technology, participant stipends, mentorship, and childcare.
- Community colleges or other educational institutions providing adult basic education and the qualifications needed to become eligible for union apprenticeships and training programs for jobs in the green economy.
- Organizations may apply for funding for direct training costs, wrap-around services, and general operating expenses.
The fund is currently accepting applications.
More details on the application process and the full RFP are available here.