Sustainable Communities Grant: Empowering Municipalities with Atlantic City Electric

Atlantic City Electric is actively supporting local communities not just by delivering dependable energy services, but also by fostering environmental responsibility and resilience through grants for municipalities in South Jersey. Administered in collaboration with Sustainable Jersey, the Sustainable Communities Grant Program has allocated $310,000 since 2020 to finance sustainability initiatives throughout the region. Applications for the grant are currently being accepted until June 27, 2024. Interested parties can find more information and submit their proposals by clicking here.

Doug Mokoid, the regional president of Atlantic City Electric, emphasized the company's commitment to empowering local communities, expressing enthusiasm for the continuation of the Sustainable Communities Grant program. Mokoid highlighted the impact of previous grants, which supported various projects including the enhancement of Atlantic City's open space master plan, the establishment of a weather station and lightning detection system in Medford Township, and several park revitalization efforts across South Jersey. 

In 2024, the program offers $25,000 in environmental stewardship grants, with individual grants of up to $5,000, aimed at projects focusing on preserving open spaces, enhancing parks and recreational facilities, and promoting environmental conservation. These initiatives align with the company's dedication to community support by promoting energy empowerment through sustainable practices and environmental preservation. Eligible projects may include the development of recreational trails, acquisition of open spaces, and planting of trees and other vegetation. 

Additionally, the program provides $10,000 in resiliency grants, also up to $5,000 each, to aid communities in implementing innovative strategies to ensure safety and reliability during emergencies such as severe weather events. 

"These grants help municipalities prioritize the responsible management and conservation of natural resources while ensuring that people and communities are less vulnerable to climate hazards affecting us today and tomorrow," said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. 

"We’re proud to partner with Atlantic City Electric to support projects made possible through the Sustainable Communities Grant Program." 

Municipalities within the service area of Atlantic City Electric are eligible to apply for a Sustainable Communities grant on an annual basis. A committee comprising representatives from Atlantic City Electric and Sustainable Jersey meticulously evaluates each application and selects the projects that will receive financial support. 

Dale Archer, the mayor of East Greenwich Township and a previous recipient of the grant, expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by the Sustainable Communities Grant. Archer highlighted the efforts of their Environmental Commission and Green Team in educating the community about the importance of replacing invasive plants with native ones. The grant, according to Archer, will enable them to set an example for the community, demonstrating the benefits of such projects. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental values for Atlantic City Electric and its parent company Exelon, both within the workplace and in their outreach efforts. The company actively encourages underrepresented communities to apply for the Sustainable Communities grant, emphasizing its commitment to supporting a broad range of initiatives that benefit the communities it serves. 

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