2024 Fall Grow Grants

The Grow Grants program is offered by the New England Grassroots Environment Fund, which is dedicated to supporting community-based environmental initiatives in New England. This fund seeks to empower grassroots groups through financial assistance, network-building, and leadership development. Its mission emphasizes inclusive and locally-led efforts that embrace environmental justice and community well-being, interpreted broadly to include a wide variety of projects. Grow Grants specifically target community groups that have previous experience implementing local projects and are aligned with the fund's Guiding Practices, particularly those who are often overlooked by traditional funding sources. Eligible projects span a wide range of environmental and community-oriented activities. The program encourages applicants to explore previously funded projects via an interactive map to better understand the types of initiatives supported. The program funds groups based in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont. It is designed for groups that are primarily volunteer-driven or have minimal paid staff (no more than two full-time equivalents), and those with an annual operating budget under approximately $100,000. The fund does not require applicants to be formally incorporated or have 501(c)(3) status; a group bank account is sufficient for eligibility. Applications are accepted twice annually, with deadlines on the third Tuesday of March and September (March 18 and September 16 for 2025). The funding range is from $1,000 to $4,000, and groups are encouraged to request the full amount if needed. Awards are typically announced at the end of June and December. All application materials must be submitted online, and applicants can preview application questions before starting. The review process involves three stages: volunteer Community Grant Readers provide initial scores and comments based on a defined rubric; staff members conduct interviews and align their evaluations with community feedback; and a Grantmaking Committee (GMC) comprised of diverse regional leaders makes the final funding decisions. Approved applicants are notified by email and must sign a grant agreement before funds are disbursed. Post-award, a grant report is due once the funds are fully spent or within one year of receiving the grant. The reporting process is managed via a Google Form. For assistance, applicants can contact Mary Jones via email. Additional engagement opportunities include becoming a Community Grant Reader to help evaluate future applications.