ITHACA \u2014 Sustainable Finger Lakes (SFLX) is accepting applications for its first-ever round of Neighborhood Mini-Grants in Steuben, Chemung, and Tioga Counties. Grants range from $150 to $750 to support initiatives broadly involving sustainability and community development. Applications are due by Sept. 1.<\/p>\n
Residents often know best what projects would improve quality of life for their neighborhoods, but need a little help covering the costs. The Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program was designed to stimulate resident-based, grassroots initiatives that improve quality of life and long-term health in local communities, promote environmental stewardship and local resilience, generate collaboration between differing groups, and create opportunities for leadership and civic engagement.<\/p>\n
Since launching the program in 2008, SFLX has awarded more than $100,000 in over 250 grants to innovative grassroots projects. A Keuka and Seneca Watersheds Chapter, launched in Fall 2025, has awarded over $5,000 in 11 grants to projects in Seneca, Schuyler, and Yates Counties. In Spring 2026, Cayuga and Cortland Counties were added to Tompkins County, forming the Cayuga and Owasco Watersheds Chapter. Now, SFLX is launching a Chemung and Tioga Watersheds pilot chapter for the Fall 2026 grant cycle. The Chemung and Tioga Watersheds Chapter launch is sponsored by Applied Energy Services (AES), Visions Federal Credit Union, Chemung Canal Trust Company, Tompkins Charitable Gift Fund, Park Foundation, and local donors.<\/p>\n
Individuals, organizations, and neighborhood groups are welcome to apply, as are local microbusinesses seeking to green their operations or extend their products or services to low-income clientele. Priority is given to small and\/or new entities with relatively few sources of financial support. Funds are available for supplies and other expenses, but not for salaries or stipends.<\/p>\n
Successful initiatives supported by Neighborhood Mini-Grants in recent years include the creation of an urban neighborhood garden in Ithaca, installations of a bike repair station at the Groton Public Library and bike racks in the Village of Dryden, \u201csenior safe tools\u201d for a community garden at a senior apartment complex, a library cart of books for adult ESL students in Ithaca, textile repair workshops in Trumansburg, and reusable utensils in the Dryden Middle\/High School cafeteria.<\/p>\n
Applications must be received on or before Sept. 1. Prospective applicants may call (607) 272-1720 or email sasha@sustainablefingerlakes.org to request an application form. Sustainable Finger Lakes (SFLX) is a community-based organization whose mission is to promote the long-term well-being of the region by integrating social equity, economic vitality, ecological stewardship, and shared responsibility.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ITHACA \u2014 Sustainable Finger Lakes (SFLX) is accepting applications for its first-ever round of Neighborhood Mini-Grants in Steuben, Chemung, and Tioga Counties. Grants range from…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-110862","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-whats-happening"],"yoast_head":"\n