Overview
The Just Transition Fund invests in organizations that are firmly rooted in our priority regions and states, and are creating economic opportunity or pursuing policy changes aligned with our goals and values.
We prioritize efforts that are led by or serve historically marginalized groups and those most impacted by changes in the coal economy, including low-income people, women, and Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.
Our grantmaking aims to balance opportunities to achieve near-term impact with longer-term needs related to planning and capacity building, combining the elements we believe are necessary to create and sustain inclusive economic opportunity.
Photo credit: Sam Levitan and the Natural Capital Investment Fund
Our Strategies
Our grant investments support effective programs, policies, and projects that:
-
1Connect Markets
-
2Stimulate Entrepreneurship
-
3Prepare Workers
-
4Expand Broadband
-
5Advance Policy
Connect Markets
We support initiatives that build local capacity and advance low-carbon sectors to create and retain wealth locally, including through creatively engaging the private sector or linking rural and urban markets.
Stimulate Entrepreneurship
We support efforts that foster collaboration among entrepreneurs, capital providers, and researchers. We also support efforts to incubate and scale innovative and entrepreneurial training programs.
Prepare Workers
We support workforce development programs that train affected workers and community members for new economy careers, including programs that offer wraparound support, partner with local employers, and create remote work opportunities.
Expand Broadband
We support community-driven broadband projects in places that lack sufficient connectivity in order to realize broadband’s potential to enable new economic development opportunities and reduce economic and social inequities.
Advance Policy
We support advocacy campaigns to create, strengthen, and implement just transition policies at the state and federal levels that drive investment in energy communities and are responsive to local needs and priorities.
Grant Opportunities
Now Open
State Policy Grant Cycle
State transition funds include resources to replace lost property tax revenues, provide critical support for workers, and create new funding streams to diversify and strengthen local economies. Tailored to the specific needs of the affected communities, and informed by what’s working on-the-ground, state transition funds also help build toward federal action.
Grants for Accessing Federal Funding
With increasing levels of public funding available for local economic development, we are committed to helping more communities secure government grants to scale community-driven economic initiatives. Our Federal Access Center offers grants to help organizations plan and apply for federal funding opportunities.
Federal and State Policy Grants
When our Policy grant cycle launches each year, we release a Request for Proposals with details about the funding criteria and the application process. Sign up for our email list to be notified about RFPs. This cycle, typically launching each summer, focuses on efforts to advance federal and state transition policies that support coal-impacted communities and workers.
Subscribe for All Grantmaking Updates
We announce Requests for Proposals via our newsletter. Sign up.
