Sustainable Tompkins' Mini-grant Program: Next round of applications due May 15
The Mini-grant Program provides small ($150-$1,500) grants that support and stimulate relatively simple resident-based initiatives that improve the quality of life and long-term health of residents in mixed income neighborhoods of Ithaca and in nearby low and middle income housing developments. The program also aims to build neighborhood capacity, opportunity, and leadership, and generate more collaboration between residents, organizations, and leaders. Currently, we are soliciting applications for projects that will benefit the Northside and Southside neighborhoods, but we hope to eventually extend this program to the larger Ithaca region, with an emphasis on opportunities for underserved populations. The grants are available for neighborhood or community organizations, newly formed groups of neighbors with a specific project in mind, or civic-minded individuals who can show community support for their project. The grants can be for ongoing or one-time projects, as long as they meet the stated criteria. A council of residents who live in or who serve these neighborhoods reviews and decides upon the applications. This Mini-grant Council is an essential component of the program, as it ensures that the grants are responsive to the needs of the neighborhoods. A short report is required of the grantees at the end of three months and when the project is completed. Possible grant projects include funds for tools for a new block-wide garden or compost project, materials for a community quilt with intergenerational participation, tuition scholarship for a training session on leadership development, and start-up funds for a youth-run business that increases neighborhood self-reliance. Organizations and individuals with other ideas are encouraged to apply. Grants are awarded four times a year, and the next deadline for applications is May 15. The application form is short and simple. It asks applicants to show how the project: . Will benefit the neighborhoods or community; . Will be carried out; . Will have some specific results in 6 months or less; and . Will gain community support. For more information and to request an application form, email Jan Quarles: [email protected]. More info at www.sustainabletompkins.org. _______________________________________________ For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please visit: http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/ RSS, archives, subscription & listserv information for: [email protected] http://lists.mutualaid.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainabletompkins Questions about the list? ask [email protected] free hosting by http://www.mutualaid.org
