Grants
(Through a 2007 grant, Vietnamese floor finishers learn how to use non-toxic and non-flammable materials)
Apply for the 2009 Community Grant Today!
- Projects run from August through June.
- Tier I or Tier II funding (as described below) is available.
We encourage you to apply for a 2009 Community Grant. To date, the TURI Community Program has awarded 87 grants to community and municipal organizations.
This year, the deadline for proposals is June 30, 2008. The notification of the award will take place by early August and grantees will have the opportunity to work on their projects from August through June of 2009.
Any non-profit community/environmental organization, individual, or municipal department, office or agency within Massachusetts can apply for the Community Grants. Community Organizations include any non-profit group operating at the local level, particularly those involved or otherwise interested in promoting environmental activities.
The primary office and majority of work must be performed in Massachusetts. Examples include, but are not limited to: environmental organizations, environmental justice organizations, public interest groups, neighborhood associations, community development corporations, youth organizations, health centers, hospitals, civic organizations such as chambers of commerce, local unions and labor organizations.
Municipalities include any office, agency, or department that is operated through a city or town in Massachusetts. Examples include, but are not limited to: schools, departments of public works, fire departments, police departments, local emergency response offices, boards of health, planning and zoning boards, town commissions, and libraries.
We also encourage youth and youth organizations to apply for a Community Grant. Teaching the next generation about safer alternatives is a great way to go about changing the culture of our material usage. Youth groups such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs, YMCA, YWCA are encouraged to apply and to encourage their members to apply.
1. Review Past Projects
To increase your knowledge and therefore your chances of being awarded a Community Grant, be sure to review current and past project descriptions and materials on this web site. Notice that project leaders had clear goals, worked collaboratively with other organizations to influence change, and planned outreach activities directed to their target audiences.
2. Make a Phone Call
We strongly encourage all who are considering applying to call TURI with their project ideas. We can help determine if your project is appropriate for a Community Grant and assist you in fine tuning your ideas, putting you in touch with potential partners, and pointing you to other funding sources if they would be more appropriate. TURI staff can also make accessible resources from past projects that may add significant feasibility to your project; we highly encourage using previously developed materials from past projects.
Please call Joy Onasch at 978-934-4343 to discuss your project ideas.
3. Attend a May Training Session
Before you write your proposal, plan to attend a TURI training session scheduled in May at UMass Lowell. You'll gain valuable insight that will help you develop project ideas and partnerships, understand the concept of toxics use reduction, and know key ingredients for a successful application.
Levels of Grants Available:
Tier I: up to $1,000 for project development, capacity building, and networking; to prepare for a potential Tier II project next year. The Tier I grant money can also be used for a small project such as printing materials already developed for distribution, completing training sessions for which materials have already been developed, or completing a survey to determine stakeholders or public interest in a project.
Tier II: up to $15,000 for fully developed project work plans and partnerships
TURI anticipates awarding at least four of each type of grant, dependant on the applicant pool.
Please note that all grants are contingent upon the availability of program funds.
This page updated Thursday April 03 2008