2. a. There is established in the Department of Environmental Protection a special non-lapsing fund to be known as the “Sustainable New Jersey Fund.” The department shall annually distribute moneys in the fund to a public institution of higher education that has an existing contractual relationship with a qualified nonprofit organization that offers certifications and grants to municipalities and public schools across the State in support of efforts to realize environmental, economic, and social sustainability. A public institution of higher education that receives moneys from the Sustainable New Jersey Fund shall distribute such funds to a qualified nonprofit organization to support the provision of such certification and grants.

b. As used in P.L.2023, c.81 (C. 13:1D-9.6 et seq.) “qualified nonprofit organization” means a nonprofit organization that:

(1) is organized under, and governed by, the laws of the State;

(2) has a board of trustees with representatives from State agencies and formal representation from local government officials;

(3) has a formal contractual affiliation with a public institution of higher education for the purpose of providing sustainability research, consulting, and program support to entities contracting with the affiliated public institution of higher education for such service or support, and has at least five years’ of experience operating under similar agreements; and

(4) has experience collaborating with State agencies, including at least five years’ of experience successfully implementing a total minimum of $5 million of State contracts and grant awards through a contractually affiliated public institution of higher education.

L.2023, c.81, s.2.