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The March 1 deadline to apply for CitizensNYC’s 2024 Community Leaders Grant and Neighborhood Business Grant is coming up in just two weeks - the time is now to share your ideas for improving your neighborhood! Read on for more information on how to apply, the story of a long-time CitizensNYC partner driving change in their community, and other opportunities for funding and support. |
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iDig2Learn Amid the towering skyscrapers of NYC lies an oasis of green activism: iDig2Learn. This grassroots organization, spearheaded by the dedicated leadership of Christina Delfico, is more than just a nature education program; it's a vibrant community hub fostering connection, environmental awareness, and sustainable practices. |
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Founded in 2012, iDig2Learn has blossomed into a force for good, transforming Roosevelt Island and beyond. Their impact is multifaceted:
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Connecting with Nature: They bridge the gap between urban residents and the natural world, offering hands-on experiences like community gardens, tree walks, and food waste reduction workshops.
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Building Community: By fostering shared experiences and collaborative projects, iDig2Learn fosters a strong sense of community, bringing neighbors together to care for their environment.
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Promoting Sustainability: Their "smart waste reduction" initiatives educate residents on composting, recycling, and responsible consumption, empowering them to make eco-conscious choices.
Christina Delfico, the organization's founder, is the driving force behind its success. Leveraging her expertise in producing award-winning children’s educational television, she recognized the need to disconnect kids from screens and reconnect them with the wonders of nature. Her passion and dedication have inspired countless volunteers, donors, and community members to join the cause. |
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A CitizensNYC award in 2013 was among the organization’s first grants, and over the past decade, we have continued to partner and support their vision – including by making nine micro-grants, fostering relationships with peer leaders through events with our network, and connecting them with additional partners and volunteers. These resources have enabled iDig2Learn to expand their free programs, implement a wider range of activities such as innovative waste reduction projects, and nurture a sense of environmental stewardship within the community. To get involved, you can visit their website and learn more about attending an event, volunteering your time, or providing support. Together, we can nurture a greener, more connected future for our city. |
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Apply by March 1 for our 2024 Grants! |
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Community Leaders Grants Grants of up to $3,000 to community building projects carried out by resident-led groups to improve neighborhood life, strengthen local leadership, and scale community partnerships. |
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Neighborhood Business Grants Grants of up to $5,000 for small businesses who are “doing well by doing good” in their neighborhood. These awards can provide funding to support the wide range of initiatives your business undertakes to positively impact your community, especially those that are custom-tailored to meet the local needs you see. |
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Applications for both grant programs are open now and due on Friday, March 1, 2024. We will make final decisions and distribute grants in summer 2024. |
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Youth Leadership Council Grants  In partnership with NYC Service, CitizensNYC made a special round of 5 grants supporting community projects designed and led by Youth Leadership Councils across the city. Their initiatives tackle a diverse range of challenges, from promoting environmental sustainability and fostering community engagement, to advocating for restorative justice and improving educational access, to building community between youth and police. Click here to read the full announcement >> Remembering Inger McCabe Elliott The CitizensNYC community mourns the passing of Inger McCabe Elliott, a remarkable woman who played a vital role in shaping the landscape of New York City and beyond. As the wife of our co-founder Osborn Elliott, Inger's influence on CitizensNYC was profound. Inger's personal story was one of resilience and courage. Escaping Nazi persecution in Norway as a child, she embarked on a journey that led her to build a remarkable life in America. Throughout her career, she championed the arts, fostered cross-cultural understanding, and served as a mentor to countless individuals. Her unwavering commitment to civic engagement across the fabric of NYC mirrored the values at the heart of CitizensNYC. We offer our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. |
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Funding Opportunity - New York Foundation: Applications are due March 1 for NYC groups that use community organizing and grassroots advocacy as primary strategies to address the root causes of oppression. Grants are $47,500 per year, up to 3 years for established groups and 5 years for emerging groups. Click here to apply >> |
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Beauty and Household Bottle Collection - Sustainable Fashion Community Center: Support our partners as they collect 20,000 plastic beauty and household bottles for an art installation this Earth Day by artist Benjamin Von Wong. Bring in your empty and clean bottles which will be turned into a beautiful sculpture! Collection ends Feb. 28th - click here to learn more and make your donation >> |
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Workshop Series - Nonprofit Essentials: Fueling Success for Emerging Nonprofits. The Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services is offering this free series designed to equip start-ups or very small nonprofits (budget under $100,000) and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) led nonprofits with the essential skills needed to navigate the challenges of growth. The in person orientation is Thursday, 2/29 with weekly virtual sessions from March 7 thru April 4. Click here to register >> |
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Community Engagement Event - FloodNet: On Friday, March 15th, FloodNet is hosting an event from 6-9 pm at Flatbush Central Marketplace dedicated to understanding and addressing urban flooding. Click here to RSVP >> |
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Have an event or opportunity you'd like featured in our newsletter? Send an email to info@citizensnyc.org. |
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About Citizens Committee for New York City |
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CitizensNYC is a nonprofit organization that supports community leadership and neighborhood businesses, brings New Yorkers together, and gives them the resources and power to create lasting change across all five boroughs. Since 1975, we have made direct cash grants to hundreds of New Yorkers each year who have ideas to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Our programs are made possible by the the support of our partners, including The Wells Fargo Foundation, Trinity Church Wall Street Philanthropies, Apple Bank, Bessemer Trust Company, Citi, Con Edison, Google, MetLife Foundation, MUFG, National Grid Foundation, Siegel Family Endowment, Sony, The Staten Island Foundation, TD Bank, Verizon, New York City and New York State elected leaders, our Board of Directors, and many generous individual donors. |
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30 East 125th Street, #189
New York, NY 10035 |
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