A note from arts enrichment leader, Yasamin Safarzadeh:
Grass Roots Environmental Fund has been an integral asset we utilize in the nonprofit and civic service space. I have had the privilege of not only engaging with these incredible advocates and donors, but also of receiving funds for my programs.
Recently we reviewed grant submissions together, as a diverse team from all over New England. This coming together was more than a review panel; it was a chance to meet and bond with others in the region who are dedicated to their communities. At the start of this year the fear of our work being targeted and gutted was such an existential and real threat. However, engaging with spaces supported by organizations like GMC, strengthened my belief and hope.
Below is an article written by the team at GMC regarding the success of efforts aimed at uplifting smaller organizations who uplift their communities.
On a sunny day in the heart of Worcester, MA, 15 grassroots leaders from across New England gathered to start their journey together as Grow Grantmaking Committee members (GMC). Their assignment over the next week was not an easy one. Not only were they tasked with making final decisions on funding requests from 144 groups across the region, they were asked to do it in small groups of mostly strangers using a process that centers group consent.
One challenge the GMC didn’t have was a restrained budget in order to make these funding choices. Grow applications surged by almost 50% this Spring, and as an organization we decided to meet this growing need head-on. Despite the demand for funding far outpacing 2025’s original budget, the Grassroots Fund board voted to dip into the Fund’s reserve accounts, if needed, in order to fill the gap to fund this Spring’s round.
This meant the GMC could evaluate each application based on its own merit instead in a context of funding scarcity. With the board’s support, the GMC awarded a record $446,600 in Grow grants to 130 groups across New England – getting much needed dollars out the door and into our communities. For a list of groups who were awarded funding, please see here.
As a public foundation, Grassroots Fund must raise every dollar we give out – so this decision was not made lightly. Nor is our reserve fund unlimited. When systems fail, communities prevail, so it’s no surprise that grassroots groups are stepping up and need our support. Alone we cannot meet the incredible need we are seeing in the region, which is why we urge philanthropy to follow our lead and join us in digging deep during these trying times.
Although we get a large chunk of funding from other foundations, an increasingly important source of income is our donors. These are everyday people all pitching in small amounts to keep our programs running through whatever curveballs the current reality throws at us. As with our grant programs, donors collectively contributing many small amounts can add up to big change. Learn more about becoming a donor here.
Guiding Practices:
Primary issue area:
- Climate Change & Energy
- Food
- Environmental Health
- Land & Water
- Living Economies