Celebrating NYC Community Cleanup Leaders – And Introducing Our First Tool Grant Recipients
This spring, we launched our newest program to support the incredible work of New Yorkers across the city who are taking action in their communities and inspiring their neighbors to do their part in keeping NYC clean. We provide resources to community cleanup organizers – including webinar trainings, a guide to working with the Department of Sanitation, and tool grants for new organizations and established groups.
Now, we’re excited to introduce you to the first recipients of our cleanup tool grants. The program offers free resources to local cleanup groups and is a result of all the wonderful work community leaders and volunteers are doing to help keep our city clean.
During the early days of the pandemic, as many new local cleanup groups formed to combat the increasing litter on NYC streets, the Sanitation Foundation wanted to help support the sustainable growth of this movement. In early 2022, with the guidance of community leader consultants and focus groups with cleanup volunteers, we came to better understand their experiences and the type of support that would be most valuable to them. Our program was formed from what we learned and aims to empower these local, community-led, neighborhood cleanup efforts. We currently offer tool grants and free webinars, with more coming soon!
Our two different tool grants are open on a rolling basis to all community groups throughout New York City, regardless of whether you’re a few neighbors getting together or an officially registered nonprofit. The Tool Starter Kit Micro-Grant is for both new and established cleanup groups. These Starter Kit grants provide each group with a kit filled with basic tools and supplies. For more established groups that are growing and have more specific needs, we offer our Customized Tool Kit Grant. Amounts of $300 are awarded to go towards purchasing tools and supplies for each group, and selected grantees are provided a list to select from.
This past month, we awarded our first set of Tool Starter Kit grants to ten local cleanup groups. We held an orientation session to meet everyone and distribute the kits. Grantees were also able to connect and learn from each other as well as share information about any upcoming events. It was great to bring together such an amazing bunch of leaders and we’re looking forward to seeing all that they accomplish!
Spring 2023 Grantees
Tool Starter Kit Grant Winners
Community Bridges to Success Inc.
The Groundskeeper Club
Jackson Heights Beautification Group East
Red Hook Cleanup
Ridgewood is Beautiful
Santana & Vargas Charities Inc.
Customized Tool Kit Grant Winners
Abuela Neighborhood Maintenance
Cypress Hills Local Development Corps
Congratulations and thank you for all that you do!
Learn more about our available grants and sign up for upcoming webinars or access the recordings here.
Thank you to our supporters for making this program possible: NYC Service and The Association for a Better New York (ABNY)