Community Stewards
We believe in the power of collective action.
The Sanitation Foundation supports local, community-led neighborhood cleanup efforts through our Community Stewards program. We provide neighborhood cleanup groups with training, equipment, and resources to help them take action to keep their streets clean and divert waste from landfills.
Our Volunteer Hub amplifies the efforts of Community Stewards groups by sharing upcoming events and activities with over a thousand New Yorkers ready to jump in and volunteer.
We also award tool grants to new and established cleanup groups through our tool grant program to help increase their impact and engagement in their community.
Start now with NYC Big Spring Clean!
Sanitation Foundation Volunteer Hub
Your go-to destination for citywide volunteer cleanup opportunities.
Are you a community group currently organizing cleanups in NYC? Joining our network will allow you to use our volunteer management platform to easily share your group's information and promote your events to a broader audience. You can also use the platform to register participants and manage your volunteers.Not sure if your group qualifies? Reach out to us at communitystewards@sanitationfoundation.org.Cleanup Tool Grants
The Sanitation Foundation awards tool grants to neighborhood cleanup groups throughout New York City as a part of its larger Community Stewards Program, which aims to support and empower local, community-led, neighborhood cleanup efforts. We believe in the power of collective action and our tool grants help train and equip new and established groups to increase their efforts and impact. Grantees will join NYC Big Spring Clean contributing to the citywide initiative to create a cleaner and more sustainable city!
Applications due March 1, 2025.
Just getting started or need a supply bundle with the basics? Apply for a Starter Kit.
Tool Grant \\ Starter Kit
Our Starter Kit grant is intended to support groups just starting their cleanup journey as well as more established groups looking to improve their tools and formalize their efforts. Grantees are awarded a standard set of tools and receive support and resources from Sanitation Foundation staff throughout the grant cycle. Successful grantees must complete basic training and reporting requirements and use the tool kit to host at least 3 public cleanup events.
Tools
5 Litter Pickers
10 Pair of Gloves
1 Broom & Dustpan Set
25 Trash Bags
1 Scale
1 Reusable Tote
1 First Aid Kit
1 Hand Sanitizer
Resources
Virtual Training + In-person Meetups
Office Hours with Sanitation Foundation Staff
Access to Community Stewards network
Access to our Volunteer Hub
Opportunity to Adopt Your Spot
Eligibility
Grants are available to new and established community cleanup groups operating in New York City.
Groups formed by minors must have at least 1 adult group representative supporting their events and operations.
Groups can receive 1 tool grant every 12 months.
Growing your group and need specific supplies? Apply for a Customized Kit.
Tool Grant \\ Customized Kit
Our Customized Kit grants are intended to support groups that have an established cleanup initiative and are looking to improve their impact and effectiveness. Grantees are awarded a custom set of tools based on their individual needs and receive support and resources from Sanitation Foundation staff throughout the grant cycle. Successful grantees must complete basic training and reporting requirements and use the tool kit to host at least 6 public cleanup events.
Tools
Grantees are awarded up to $300 in tools and supplies purchased by the Sanitation Foundation from a pre-approved list. Requests for alternative items will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and require approval.
Resources
Virtual Training + In-person Meetups
Office Hours with Sanitation Foundation Staff
Access to Community Stewards network
Access to our Volunteer Hub
Opportunity to Adopt Your Spot
Eligibility
Grants are available to established cleanup groups operating in New York City.
To be considered an established cleanup group, your group must meet at least one of the following requirements:
Your group was awarded a Tool Grant Starter Kit and has completed all grant requirements within one year of the application date.
Your group has hosted at least 5 cleanups in the last 12 months.
Groups formed by minors must have at least 1 adult group representative supporting their events and operations.
Groups can receive 1 tool grant every 12 months.
Organizing cleanups with your classroom or youth group? Apply for a Youth Ed Kit.
Community Cleanup Resources
Want to get started hosting cleanups in your community? Our Community Cleanup Resources explain how to lead impactful neighborhood litter cleanups and share best practices from the Sanitation Foundation, NYC Department of Sanitation, and experienced community cleanup group organizers from across the city.
DSNY Volunteer Cleanup Application
We partner with NYC Department of Sanitation to provide a tool loan program for community groups to borrow brooms, shovels, rakes, bags and gloves for their own neighborhood cleanup projects.
It is not necessary to borrow tools from DSNY to receive trash collection for your cleanup.
Post Cleanup Form
Please complete this brief survey for every community cleanup you host, within 2 weeks of the event date, to help document your important work and impact.
Community Cleanup Webinars
How to: Organize a Community Cleanup
In this introductory session, we cover:
Identifying a location for a cleanup
Gathering tools and supplies
Community outreach efforts
Volunteer recruitment
Event planning and impact reporting
Cómo Organizar un Evento de Limpieza Comunitaria
La capacitación cubrirá las mejores prácticas para:
Identificar un lugar para limpiar
Elegir las herramientas y suministros necesarios
Realizar estrategias de promoción entre la comunidad
Reclutar Voluntarios
Planificar eventos e informes de impacto
How to: Create An Impactful Cleanup Event
Our second webinar offers organizers additional information and resources for engaging volunteers & community partners by covering:
Best practices for volunteer recruitment & retention
Ways to cultivate community partnerships
Available resources from DSNY & the Sanitation Foundation to support cleanup efforts
A panel discussion with community cleanup organizers
Opportunity for Q & A
How to: Access Community Cleanup Funding
Our third webinar will cover how to secure funding for your events—whether you are an individual, community group, or a registered nonprofit.
Overview of Organization Types
Applying for Grants
Grant Opportunities
Tools & Supply Donations
Fundraising
Registered Nonprofits
Panel Discussion & Questions
THANK YOU
These resources were created in partnership with the New York City Department of Sanitation, in collaboration with Abuela Neighborhood Maintenance, Clean Bushwick Initiative, The Litter Legion & STR8OUTTABKLYN, and made possible with support by ABNY & NYC Service.
