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Clean Air-Cool Planet

Clean Air-Cool Planet is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated solely to finding and promoting solutions to global warming.


Community program

Community Catalyst fund logoCOMMUNITY CATALYST FUND

In 2010, Clean Air-Cool Planet will support groups in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey that are focused on improving the environmental sustainability, health and economic well-being of small towns through energy use reduction, public engagement and the promotion of environmental stewardship. Grants in this program will range in size from $250 to $2,500 per project. There are no deadlines for grant submission, and we will review proposals on a rolling basis. We will endeavor to respond to all requests within 30 days of receipt.

We will not fund: individuals; projects or programs promoting religious or ideological doctrine; political lobbying; land, site acquisition, equipment purchase or facilities construction; institutions that discriminate on the basis of race, creed, age, sexual preference or gender; or grant-making to other organizations or individuals. 

Organizations may apply for funding for one project at a time, and must wait six months before applying again if the project is not funded. Priority will be given to projects supporting processes and actions that lead to real advances in community sustainability and energy solutions in towns with fewer than 25,000 residents and under-served communities. Examples of the types of projects that the Community Catalyst Fund might support include:

Organizational Planning:

  • Fees for expert help
  • Development of Sustainable Community Action Plans
  • Local visioning or sustainable organizational development sessions
  • Attending or organizing weatherization training workshops
  • Organizing community light-bulb swap-outs
  • Development of transportation emission reduction plans

Project Planning and Implementation:

  • Energy audits
  • Hiring interns to undertake greenhouse gas inventories, analyses and reduction plans
  • Implementation of recycling and/or composting programs
  • Development and installation of living and/or white roofs
  • Renewable energy siting assessments
  • Local sustainable agriculture programs
  • Community drinking water fountain initiatives

Education and Outreach:

  • Community education and outreach development
  • Sponsorship of speaker events (e.g., at the local library or school)
  • Support of school programs or partnerships
  • Residential energy reduction campaigns, such as the New England Carbon Challenge
  • Educational programs on food sustainability
  • Development of sustainability websites and/or educational materials

arrow CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY, AND COMPLETE AN APPLICATION FORM HERE