Clean Green Schools Initiative
Eligibility
New York K-12 public and private schools and school districts may apply. Projects must focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy installation, or environmental sustainability programs at school facilities. Schools must demonstrate a commitment to incorporating energy and environmental education into curriculum alongside the physical improvements.
Program Goals
NYSERDA's Clean Green Schools Initiative provides funding to New York schools for clean energy and sustainability projects. The program funds solar panel installations, energy efficiency upgrades, electric school bus programs, and student environmental education initiatives. Schools that participate in Clean Green Schools improve their facilities while building environmental literacy for students through hands-on sustainability programs.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications are submitted through NYSERDA's online portal. The current solicitation deadline is August 18, 2026. NYSERDA reviews applications in recurring rounds. Submit a project description, energy or sustainability plan, educational component, and budget.
Cycle Notes
Clean Green Schools solicitations run in multiple rounds per year. The current deadline is August 18, 2026. Monitor nyserda.ny.gov for future round announcements and the current solicitation portal.
Grant Award Amount
Clean Green Schools award amounts vary widely by project scope. Small curriculum and program grants may award $10,000–$50,000. Large solar or energy infrastructure projects can receive $500,000 or more. Check the current NYSERDA solicitation for specific award parameters.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — energy and environmental monitoring for Clean Green Schools programs
- micro:bit Starter Kit — data logging and energy data visualization for student sustainability projects
- Smart Hydroponics Kit — sustainable growing systems for Clean Green Schools environmental education
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Clean Green Schools in New York?
New York K-12 public and private schools and districts may apply. Projects must focus on clean energy, energy efficiency, or sustainability with a student education component.
How much funding is available through Clean Green Schools?
Awards vary widely. Small program grants range from $10,000 to $50,000. Large infrastructure projects can receive $500,000 or more.
Can Clean Green Schools funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. Clean Green Schools funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
How do New York schools apply for Clean Green Schools?
Apply online at nyserda.ny.gov by August 18, 2026 (or future rounds). Submit a project description, energy or sustainability plan, educational component, and budget.
How can Forward Education help with Clean Green Schools funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for New York schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes this program funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — New York standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Explore more New York funding resources
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