Local Economy Lab: Funding to Support Coal Communities in Transition
Marissa Berkley
mberkley@justtransitionfund.org
The Just Transition Fund will provide funding and technical assistance to help coal communities build community-led economic transition projects. Community-driven solutions will be across 3 strategy areas: workforce development, entrepreneurship/small business support, and place-based infrastructure.
Project examples include, but are not limited to:
- Workforce development
- Employer-driven training
- Barrier removal
- Youth career pathways, such as healthcare and manufacturing
- Integrated workforce models
- Entrepreneurship/small business support
- Business incubation
- Small business technical assistance
- Industry cluster development
- Integrated models
- Place-based infrastructure
- Broadband and digital connectivity expansion
- Revitalize community spaces, historic buildings, or downtown corridors to support economic activity
- Create outdoor recreation and tourism infrastructure
- Restore, reclaim, or repurpose existing coal sites
Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments are eligible to apply.
Awardees will receive:
- Flexible, 1-year grants between $50,000 - $300,000
- Tailored technical assistance based on individual project needs, including accessing public and private funding sources and frameworks for tracking and communicating impact
- Connection to a national peer network
A link to the online application form is available on the program website.
Application instructions:
The deadline for proposals for workforce development and entrepreneurship/small business support is June 12, 2026. Information about place-based infrastructure proposals is expected to be released in June, 2026.
For complete information about funding programs, including your
application status, please contact funders directly. Summaries are provided
for your convenience only. RHIhub does not take part in application processes
or monitor application status.