In 2022, the Children’s Home Society of NJ was nearing completion on the construction of a new Early Childhood Center in Hamilton, NJ. The project was costly, and CHSNJ was in need of diversified funding streams to help offset some of the costs. In 2023, The Aubrey Group presented the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) Clean Energy Program, specifically the SmartStart New Construction Buildings Program, which provides rebates for energy-efficient equipment and systems installed in new construction projects to the CHSNJ team.

As part of our community engagement efforts in NJ, we entered into a Pro Bono contract with CHSNJ to apply. After many meetings with architects, CHSNJ staff, and various contractors and personnel overseeing construction on the new Vivian B. Shapiro, MSW, PhD Early Childhood Center, including USA Architects Planners + Interior Designers, an application was submitted, and CHSNJ was awarded in the categories of Food Service Equipment, Gas Water Heating, and Performance Lighting in 2023.

CHSNJ received a request for additional information on the application on July 6, 2023, and The Aubrey Group began an extremely lengthy process of administering the grant, which included filling out BPU Excel sheets with technical information, tracking down manufacturers' spec sheets and energy efficiency certifications, and conversations with contractors and program staff. At the end of the year, all eligible equipment was successfully approved for reimbursement, and CHSNJ received a total of $8,253.39, with $3,903.39 for Performance Lighting, $3,300.00 for Food Service Equipment, and $1,050.00 for Gas Water Heating reimbursements.

About the Client: Founded in 1894, The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey (CHSNJ) is a nonprofit organization that helps at-risk infants, children, youth, and families achieve their potential. They protect abused or neglected infants and children, strengthen families, and strive for stable, permanent, and loving homes for every child. The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey gives parents the knowledge they need to help their children and themselves long after our active services have ended.