New England Grassroots Environment Fund: SEED Grant

From New England Grassroots Environment Fund

The mission of the funder is to support community groups representing the vibrant energy in the environmental movement that are overlooked by traditional funding sources. They have a broad interpretation of 'environment' and are dedicated to funding a wide range of activities that promote a better, healthier, and more sustainable environment through whole systems-thinking.

Type of Support

Overview

The Seed grant program aims to encourage new projects or expand existing ones, focusing on initiatives that foster a healthier, more sustainable environment. It targets community groups who are not typically reached by conventional funders. The program supports a diverse array of environmental activities, emphasizing the importance of whole systems-thinking in project development. Specific causes supported by the Seed grant include:

Civic engagement, volunteerism, and the emergence of new leaders and community initiatives at the neighborhood and town level in New England.
Transitioning from single-issue debates to positive, inclusive, systemic, constructive, and lasting community solutions.
Connecting local advocacy with broader state-wide and national efforts, while preserving local identity.
Building and maintaining networks of activists committed to fostering a just and equitable society. Examples of projects suitable for Seed grant funding include community gardens needing materials, local energy committees seeking outreach materials for new campaigns, and sustainability groups wishing to expand educational offerings.

Eligibility

Organization's Location

USA

Program Location

CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT

Organization Type

Organization Budget And Years

Organization's annual budget is less than 100k

Other

Located in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont
Doing community-based environmental work
Volunteer-driven or has no more than 2 full-time paid staff (or equivalents)
Has an annual operating budget under $100,000
Must have a bank account in the group's name

Ineligibility

Individuals

National or international work

Lobbying or partisan political activity

Acquisition of land and/or buildings

Studies with no follow-up action

Publication of books or reports

Micro-, mini-, re-granting programs

Retroactive expenses (pre-dating application submission)

500 – 1k

Application deadline

Rolling

Submission

Review Criteria

Our focus is on supporting organizations that primarily rely on volunteers or have a small paid workforce, not exceeding two full-time employees (up to 80 hours per week). Additionally, we favor groups with an annual operating budget of less than $100,000, in line with our 2022 guidelines.