Con Edison Donates $50k for Resident Climate Action Grants Program
The Public Housing Community Fund (PHCF), the NYCHA-focused non-profit dedicated to building and supporting beneficial programs for NYCHA communities, recently announced that the NYCHA Resident Climate Action Grants program received a game-changing $50,000 donation from Con Edison to power an expanded second year of sustainability projects conceived by and for NYCHA residents. PHCF Executive Director Alex Zablocki announced the milestone donation last week on Monica Morales’ PIX11 segment “Monica Makes it Happen,” where he presented a ceremonial $5,000 check to Inner City Green Team for Economic & Environmental Development founder Brigitte Charlton-Vicenty, in recognition of her group’s success in the Climate Action Grants program in 2023.
“Public housing residents are acutely aware of how climate change is impacting their communities,” Mr. Zablocki said. “This global problem will take local action to address, and the Resident Climate Action Grants program will empower residents to develop their own climate action and sustainability plans and provide funds to help implement these projects.”
NYCHA’s Resident Climate Action Grants Program launched last year – its first $20,000 round of funding was also provided by Con Edison – to realize the power and possibilities of NYCHA resident-led ventures in community climate action and sustainability. In January 2023, the first four grant winners – including the Inner City Green Team – were announced at a ceremony at NYCHA headquarters. Thanks to the renewed and expanded support from Con Edison, the program’s application process has now officially reopened for 2024. Two information sessions will be held before the application closes on March 24, 2024.
So it’s time to ask: Are you a NYCHA resident who doesn’t just see problems but dreams of solutions? Are you excited by the rare opportunity to strengthen your community by creating a collaborative, resident-led program for sustainable, healthy change to make life better for your friends and neighbors? If so, NYCHA’s Sustainability team and the Public Housing Community Fund want to hear from you! Residents have a chance to bring their visions and skills to the next level by exercising climate and sustainability leadership that can truly make a difference. Dream it up, write it down, and submit your proposal – you might be the next recipient of a $5,000 grant to turn a dream into reality.
What kinds of proposals is the program looking for? Here are some projects to help inspire your climate-action idea toward a greener, healthier tomorrow:
COMMUNITY GARDENS
Bring green spaces back to life by creating pollinators or herb gardens or places to admire flowers through the seasons. Grants can cover plantings, tools, equipment, composting, and any other supplies or services needed.
EVENTS/COMPETITIONS
Community-centered gatherings or contests that get neighbors outside working and talking together help solve problems while building a stronger neighborhood network in the process. Think of beautification days, community green days, or cleanest lobby competitions that are tailored to the interests and needs of the community.
RECREATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Engaging residents in climate action is essential to NYCHA’s evolution. Senior programs, family playdates, friendly competitions, afterschool programs, or any artistic event that inspires the community is welcome.
TRAINING
Help your neighbors connect with climate action initiatives by teaching them about job opportunities in the emerging field of green infrastructure. Internship programs, workshops, or pathways toward hands-on jobs are just some of the ways to motivate and inspire.
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To help with the application process, the Public Housing Community Fund and its climate-action consultant Kinetic Communities will host two online information sessions to share all details about the program and how to apply:
Resident Climate Action Grants Info Session #1
Wednesday, February 21 at 6pm: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pcuitpjgjGdCrLlLmeM2Wn27UlrMjaWu9
Resident Climate Action Grants Info Session #2
Tuesday, March 12 at 6pm:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElcO6hrTktGtyUN_LSoE7dw-Esn5PO3w5S
Ready to submit your application? Access the application at https://form.jotform.com/residentclimateactiongrants/resident-climate-grants.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2024, AT 11:59 P.M. EST
Please feel free to reach out for application support by emailing climate@communityfund.nyc.