The Climate Justice Fellowship Plus Program

Description of goods to services to be bid: 

November 18, 2024:
Summary of Revisions PON 5566 was modified as follows:

• Eligible applicants were updated from non-profit organizations located in and/or serving the Bronx and Queens to non-profit organizations, municipalities, public colleges and universities, private non-profit universities, and public libraries located in or serving the Bronx and Queens.

• The length of the fellowship program was reduced from 24 months to 15 months.

• Funding for professional development and supportive services was adjusted to $5,000 with a bonus/retention payment of up to $3,500 upon completion of the fellowship.

• Employer cost share was removed with NYSERDA providing a full subsidy of $73,125 over the course of the 15-month fellowship.

• Increased funding available for wage subsidies.

NYSERDA is seeking applications from non-profit organizations municipalities, public libraries, public colleges, public universities, or private non-profit universities in the Bronx and Queens to hire full-time Climate Justice Fellow for 15 months. NYSERDA will fully fund a 15-month $30 per hour wage for 15-months. NYSERDA will also provide up to $5,000 in professional development and supportive services throughout the 15-month period. Fellows must be both a member of a priority population an a resident of New York’s 14th Congressional District. Applications from eligible host employers will be accepted on a continuous first-come, first-served basis until the solicitation due date or until funds are expended. Funding may be adjusted based on demand and availability of additional funds.

Fellowships are designed to take place in non-profit organizations municipalities, public libraries, public colleges, public universities, or private non-profit universities that advance climate justice and clean energy priorities in the New York City boroughs of the Bronx and Queens. It is expected that fellows will assist with community engagement activities (e.g., plan, policy, or project), support clean energy/climate justice project development and implementation, facilitate, or build upon partnerships, or engage in other projects related to advancing climate justice and clean energy priorities in the Bronx and Queens. NYSERDA’s Climate Justice Fellowship Plus (CJF+) Program is 100 percent funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through an award totaling $3,000,000.

Solicitation Due Date: December 12, 2025

If changes are made to this solicitation notification will be posted on NYSERDA’s website at: www.nyserda.ny.gov/funding-opportunities

Eligibility/Qualifications Requirements/Preferences: 

• Be a non-profit organization municipality, public library, public college, public university or private non-profit university at the time of application.

• Have at least one physical business address in New York State, serving or located in the Bronx and Queens, with the legal authority to hire employees and conduct business in New York State and where the fellowship will be hosted with the space and equipment needed to support the work of the fellow.

• Attest to compliance with all applicable labor laws, and not have failed to file any applicable local, state or federal tax returns, nor failed to pay New York State Unemployment Insurance. 

• Offer health benefits as per detailed in the PON.