The Village Bank and the City of Newton are happy to announce their new microgrant program to support local projects designed to help address climate change. The Village Bank and the City are aware of the enormous contributions that environmental advocates in the City make on this issue, and anticipate that with the availability of small grants, advocates will be able to make even greater contributions.
The Village Bank and the City are each contributing $2,500 to the microgrant program for one year, with the expectation that the program will be continued if there is sufficient interest on the part of advocates. Grants of $250 to $1,000 will be available. The Village Bank and the City plan to meet on a monthly basis to review project proposals. Grant awards will be announced on a rolling basis.
Possible types of projects
The climate change microgrant program will support local efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
A project proposal must illustrate how the proposed project will achieve a demonstrable GHG reduction.
The proposal does not have to be completed within one year. The initial installment of funding will be guaranteed, with the possibility of renewal if progress and/or success are demonstrated in a new application. A budget and a timeline are required as part of every project application.
The program will not fund proposals to buy food or rent space for conferences. We anticipate the availability of space for meetings/conferences in City Hall.
Possible applicants
The microgrant program encourages anyone or any organization with a GHG-reduction proposal to apply. Proposals need not come only from established organizations.
A project application must be accompanied by an attestation/recommendation from a third party, indicating that the proponent has the capability to implement the project.
A project application form is available on the City’s website.