As of April 2023, the Neighborhood Mini-Grant program has awarded over $85,000 to support 221 innovative grassroots projects throughout Tompkins County since we started in 2008. Our goal is to support and stimulate collaborative resident-based initiatives that develop local leadership and improve local resilience and quality of life by building and promoting environmental stewardship, economic equity, and social justice.

Eligible applicants are residents of Tompkins County, including neighborhood or community organizations, small businesses, groups of neighbors with a specific project in mind, or civic-minded individuals who can show community support for their project. Priority is given to small and/or new entities with relatively few sources of financial support.

Grants are for small, relatively simple projects that in some way support or “seed” greater equity, self-sufficiency, and lasting social, economic and environmental health. Our Mini-Grant Council, comprised of local citizens and Sustainable Tompkins’ board and staff, reviews applications biannually in spring and fall.