New England Grassroots Environment Fund

Grow Grants

Established Groups

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Grow grants are geared to established groups who are ready to expand the scope of their work. Grow groups often have 1+ year experience running community projects and are ready to take on (pieces of) local system strategy around their issue. Grants are intended to support community groups who represent the most exciting energy in the environmental movement that are not being reached by traditional funders. The Fund interprets the word ‘environment’ broadly and will provide funding for a wide range of activities. Whole systems-thinking is critical to initiatives focused on making our environment better, healthier and more sustainable.

Examples of Grow grant projects:

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• a community garden looking to initiate a food policy council and take on food security challenges in their community;
• a local energy committee planning to implement a community-wide energy plan;
• a sustainability committee establishing a time trade effort to support local resources.

The goals of NEGEF’s Grant programs are to:

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• Increase civic engagement, volunteerism, emerging leaders and community initiatives that create health, just, safe and environmentally sustainable communities at the neighborhood and town level in New England;
• Help community leaders move single issue, backyard debates to positive, inclusive, systemic, constructive, and lasting community solutions;
• Link community-based advocacy with the work of state-wide and national organizations without losing local identity; and
• Establish and maintain informed networks of activists across the region that are committed to building a just and equitable society.

NEGEF does not fund the following projects:

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• Publication of books or reports
• Lobbying or partisan political activities
• Studies with no follow-up action
• Acquisition of land and/or buildings
• Individuals
• For-profits
• Micro- or mini-grant programs