In April 2015, the Just Transition Fund (JTF) was created by eight American family funds and foundation partners as a response to the POWER Initiative. The JTF aims to create economic opportunity for communities and workers hardest hit by the transition away from coal. $8.25 million in grants were committed until 2020, while $120 million in public funding were leveraged to create +2,000 jobs, 380 new businesses, train 6,500 low-income workers for jobs in sustainable sectors, and help families save more than US$23 million in energy costs. 

A key service provided by the JTF is its Blueprint for Transition, a comprehensive online resource to help coal communities create an equitable, sustainable, and inclusive future. The Blueprint was leveraged by many communities, including in Minnesota, where it helped the Town of Becker to plan and mobilize businesses (recycling, trucking, data centre…) years before the first of three power generation stations was retired. In West Virginia, the blueprint helped the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority repurpose former mining sites and unused lands for new economic activities such as manufacturing, farming, and tourism.

Key elements

• Free “Build Your Plan” guide helping to take stock of impacts, engage stakeholders, and build a framework for action for communities impacted by coal plant or mine closures following 4 steps:

1. Take stock of the community’s capacity for transition planning by identifying a leadership team, building the community profile, and quantifying the impacts of the closure as well as the opportunities for the community.

2. Engage with all partners and stakeholders and agree on clear, measurable goals.

3. Build the framework for action by determining how the community will measure progress towards shared goals and generating ideas for getting to an agreed upon vision for the future.

4. Take action with organizations such as JTF providing technical assistance to support communities on their journey.

• A policy database providing an overview of policies that state/local lawmakers and transition advocates can adapt to address local needs and opportunities as they transition away from coal to more diversified economies.

Benefits

• Provides impacted stakeholders with tips and information that are backed by first-hand experience of coal communities that are on track for a successful and just transition.

• Shares relevant policies and legislations that can guide communities with sound decision-making. 

Enabling conditions

• Feedback gathered from coal communities undergoing energy transition in order to shape the JTF’s Blueprint for Transition.

• Diverse set of Philanthropic Partners that support JTF’s grant making activities, technical assistance, and operations.