NeighborWooods Month Mini-Grant

Purpose: The purpose of the NeighborWoods Month Mini-Grant is to help nonprofit tree groups make their NeighborWoods Month events memorable and successful. Grants should enable you to host a more successful event rather than be the determining factor in whether you organize an event. Eligible events involve the public during October in tree planting, tree care, education, and other activity that engages people in urban and community forestry. Envision the mini-grant as a way to accomplish something extra. We encourage you to focus on marketing, media, and elevating the quality of your event.

Eligible Uses: Suggested uses include:
* Order printed posters, banners, T-shirts, and other promotional items.
* Pay for a media service to disseminate press releases to get coverage for your event. (One example is U.S. Newswire)
* Hire a professional photographer or videographer to document your NeighborWoods Month event. Professional photos make a big difference for your website, brochures, and annual reports. So make a list of the shots you want the photographer to capture. To research photographers in your area, visit the Society for Sport & Event Photographers or the Professional Photographers of America or ask colleagues about photographers they have worked with successfully.
* Pay for a sign-maker to print your logo or local sponsor's logo onto the NeighborWoods Month banner.
* Create awards or recognition for elected leaders, volunteers, or partners involved in your events.
* Make your event kid-friendly and inviting to the whole community: provide games, food, a babysitter, a children's entertainer, music, etc.
* Or other strategic one-time investment that will help you make a bigger splash and draw more attention for your NeighborWoods Month events.

Ineligible Uses: Grant funds are not permitted to be used for:
* Personnel, including salaries and benefits.
* General office expenses, equipment, capital expenses, and overhead.

Available Funding: Nonprofit U&CF organizations are eligible for up to $500 in cash assistance for one or more NeighborWoods Month events during October. In addition, you may request NeighborWoods Month posters, banners, door hangers, toolbelts, and kids' activity cards (valued at $300). Grants will be awarded on a first come-first served rolling basis. ACT estimates that we will be able to assist 125 organizations under this program, which means that most requests will be honored.

Matching Requirements: A minimum 1:1 in-kind or cash non-federal match is required. Staff time and volunteer time (valued at $18.04/hour) can be reported as matching support.

Application Deadline: To ensure shipments reach you by October 1, 2006, please make your request by September 22, 2006. After this date, call to confirm shipping logistics.

Application Procedure: Complete the two-page Application Form and submit it with a copy of page one of your 501(c)3 determination letter via fax or email. If ACT already has your letter on file, you do not need to resubmit it.) Completed applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, with notification within two business days of receipt.

Reimbursement: Your promotional materials will be shipped immediately. The cash portion of the Mini-Grant will be paid on a reimbursement basis. Once your grant is approved, ACT will supply you with a Reimbursement Request Form. Payment will be issued within four weeks of the reimbursement request.

Inquiries: Please direct questions regarding the NeighborWoods Month Mini-Grant to the ACT's Program Director, Jared Liu at 301-220-3279 (p) or 301-220-2281 (f).

NeighborWoods Month Mini-Grant Application (DOC).
NeighborWoods Month Materials (PDF).