The Just Transition Fund (JTF), the only national philanthropic initiative solely focused on supporting the economic transition of coal communities, has announced the winners of its inaugural ‘Coal Communities Get Ready!’ Challenge. This initiative provides essential resources and technical assistance to help organizations in coal-dependent communities develop innovative solutions to revitalize their local economies.
The JTF’s Federal Access Center empowers these organizations to successfully apply for and manage federal investments, paving the way for a more sustainable future. Twelve winners, representing hard-hit coal communities across the United States, will receive a one-year grant valued at $250,000. This includes grants for capacity support and customized technical assistance, ensuring they are well-equipped to access complex federal funds at the end of the grant period.
Heidi Binko, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Just Transition Fund, emphasizes the need for resources to bridge the gap between ambitious ideas and their successful implementation. She states, “Local leaders in coal communities have ambitious ideas to transform their economies. What they often lack are the resources and technical assistance to bring ideas to reality and then help them scale.”
The JTF prioritized funding visionary projects that demonstrate the potential for significant economic impact, measurable outcomes, and the ability to serve as models for other communities undergoing similar transitions. Funded projects will focus on key areas:
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Connecting rural and urban markets:
Bridging the gap between rural and urban communities to create new economic opportunities.*
Stimulating entrepreneurship:
Providing support and resources for local entrepreneurs to launch and grow businesses.*
Training workers for new economy careers:
Equipping residents with the skills needed to thrive in emerging industries.*
Planning for transition amidst plant or mine closures:
Developing strategic plans to mitigate the impact of economic disruption.The winning projects span a range of sectors, including tourism, clean energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. They represent a diverse approach to tackling the challenges of economic transition in coal-dependent communities.
Some examples of the winning projects include:
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Allamakee Energy District (Iowa):
Implementing a technical assistance program to reduce energy costs for households and businesses, while also training workers to address energy-related infrastructure needs.*
Backroads of Appalachia (Kentucky):
Revitalizing a former high school into an arts hub to drive community renewal and creative expression.*
Boom KY (Kentucky):
Partnering with school districts to implement technology training and develop an AI-driven entrepreneurship program.*
City of Becker (Minnesota):
Developing a hybrid business accelerator and education training center to support new business growth and innovation.*
Center for Community Growth (Pennsylvania):
Launching a community-driven initiative to identify and develop economic and workforce opportunities.The JTF’s commitment to supporting locally-led initiatives is critical to building sustainable and equitable solutions for a resilient future. By providing the necessary resources and expertise, the JTF is empowering coal-dependent communities to navigate complex transitions and create thriving economies for future generations.
