Purpose
Eligible Groups
Size of Grant Award
Projects or Activities That Will be Funded
Projects or Activities That Will NOT be Funded
Grantmaking Criteria
Application Form
Application Deadlines
Grantmaking Process
Evaluating Projects

Looking for Small Grant Guidelines? Please go here.

The purpose of the New England Grassroots Environment Fund (NEGEF) Boston Grants Initiative is to increase engagement and citizen participation on environmental health, environmental justice and greenspace issues in greater Boston. The Initiative is designed to help increase the number of citizens involved in concrete actions that improve the quality of the environment and public health. The Initiative's priority objectives are solving environmental problems and fostering stewardship, increasing community involvement and building networks among Boston citizens. To meet these objectives, the Initiative interprets the word "environment" broadly and will support a wide range of activities.

Organizations interested in applying should contact NEGEF staff before submitting a grant proposal. This program is designed for groups or projects not likely to initially receive funding from larger foundations. Applicants must be working at a grassroots level on environmental health, environmental justice and greenspace initiatives in Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea or Somerville, and must demonstrate a significant element of volunteer involvement in their programs.

Incorporated organizations (with or without established 501(c)(3) status) and unincorporated, ad hoc groups may apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Grant awards range from $500 to $10,000. (NEGEF has another grant program with a separate application process that awards smaller seed grants to groups just starting. Contact the NEGEF staff for more information.)

A broad range of activities will be funded. They include, but are not limited to: general operating support, communication needs, technology equipment and systems, technical experts, capacity building, advocacy campaigns, institutional support, training workshops, meeting registration and travel costs, and activities that enhance partnerships in the region.

The Initiative will not fund the following proposals: Litigation, educational curriculum and/or in-school projects, publication of books or reports, lobbying or partisan political activities, studies with no follow-up action, capital funding for acquisition of land and/or buildings.

The Initiative uses an Application Form that is available upon request. The Application Form can also be downloaded from NEGEF's website at Boston Grants Initiative application.
Applicants should follow the Boston Grants Initiative application format and type the information into the appropriate sections. The completed application, Cover Sheet and Narrative, should be no more than three (3) pages long.

Please attach a list of your board of directors, advisors, key volunteers and current staff, if any. If applicable, also send a copy of your letter of determination of tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that identifies your EIN (Employee Identification Number). You may also include the group's general brochure, news clippings and other background information you feel would help the Initiative better understand your request.

There are two grant rounds per year. Completed applications must be postmarked by January 15th for an April decision and June 15th for a September decision. In unusual circumstances, applications may receive immediate review if time is a critical element in effectively completing the project.

Mail one copy of the completed application and all attachments to NEGEF's office by REGULAR MAIL. Do not send FedEx or Express Mail packages. Copies of your application will be sent to each member of the Boston Grants Initiative Steering Committee, so please print single-sided on recycled paper if possible. Do not send the application in plastic covers or binders.

All applications will be acknowledged upon arrival with a postcard to the applicant. Proposals will be presented to the Steering Committee, a group of Boston environmental activists and funders, who will make the final decisions. Telephone calls, email and fax inquiries are welcome at any time during the application process. Applicant organizations will be advised of the Steering Committee's decision, in writing, as soon as possible after each meeting. Grant checks will be mailed after the Grant Agreement letter has been signed and returned.

The Initiative is interested in knowing the results of its program through grantee feedback. A Final Report is required within one year of an organization's receiving a grant to assist with this evaluation.