New England Grassroots Environment Fund

General FAQs

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Where does NEGEF get its funds?

NEGEF receives annual gifts from private foundations, public foundations, community foundations, and individuals. Every year we raise our budget, which includes the funds we distribute through the grant program, the overhead and administration of our offices and staff, and our annual Grassroots Retreat. We are not an endowed fund.

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Does NEGEF accept individual donations?

Yes! No donation is too small, and they all support grassroots efforts.
Click here to make a secure online donation through JustGive.org.
Click here to download a form and mail in a check.

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What does “grassroots” mean for NEGEF?

NEGEF has two definitions of grassroots. The grassroots are the everyday people who are engaged in local level issues. For our grant program, we define grassroots as groups that have annual operating budgets of less than $100,000 with no more than two full time staff. Two-thirds of our grantee groups are all-volunteer.

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How is NEGEF different from private foundations and community foundations?

NEGEF is a 501c3 public charity and like a community foundation, which is a public foundation. What makes NEGEF different is that we directly fund groups, both informal and small non-profits, that are generally too small or new to meet the guidelines of private and community foundations.

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Why does NEGEF focus on the three actions of Grantmaking, Networking and Skills-Building?

NEGEF believes these three actions are critical for sustaining long-term grassroots efforts. Grantmaking boosts groups’ morale, validates their work, and provides some much needed funds; Networking sustains efforts and helps break down “issue silos”; and Skills-Building strengthens grassroots groups and leaders.