We are excited to share that the Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program is growing this fall, in line with our mission to bring grant opportunities to communities across the Finger Lakes region.
We are proud to share that funding is secured for three chapters:
- Cayuga & Owasco Watersheds Chapter — This is an expansion of our original Tompkins County program, to now serve residents in Tompkins, Cortland, and Cayuga counties.
- Seneca & Keuka Watersheds Chapter — This chapter grew out of a successful pilot in Fall 2025 and will continue serving residents in Seneca, Schuyler, and Yates counties.
- Chemung & Tioga Watersheds Chapter — In September 2026, this chapter will serve residents in Steuben, Tioga, and Chemung counties.
If you live in any of these nine counties, you may be eligible to apply for a mini-grant to support projects in your community.
Each chapter will have its own application deadline, so be sure to review the website for the timeline and details that apply to your area.
Since 2008, the Sustainable Finger Lakes Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program has awarded over $100,000 in over 250 grants to support sustainability-related projects in the region.
The Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program was designed to stimulate resident-based, grassroots initiatives that improve quality of life and long-term health in local communities, promote environmental stewardship and green practices, generate collaboration between differing groups, and create opportunities for leadership and civic engagement.
Empowering local change, one grant at a time!
Sponsorship Tiers
When you join as a Neighborhood Mini-Grant Sponsor, your contribution qualifies your company for one of four tiers of giving:
$500
- Profile feature on the Neighborhood Mini-Grant webpage.
- Celebratory spotlight on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
$1000
- All benefits of the $500 tier.
- Expanded story featured on our social media and listserv.
$2000
- All benefits of the $1000 tier.
- Short video feature on the Neighborhood Mini-Grant webpage.
- Feature in the Sustainable Finger Lakes newsletter.
- Inclusion in press releases about Neighborhood Mini-Grant projects.
$5000
- All benefits of the $2000 tier.
- The opportunity to share a brief message or welcome note with grantees.
- Recognition of the sponsor of one of our fall or spring cycles.
Grant Recipients
Project Themes
These charts display data on 256 projects that received awards from September 2008 through April 2026
Mini-Grant Project Gallery
Our seed money has supported over 250 local projects, including community gardens, waste reduction, youth programs, and biking infrastructure. Click on the image to read their story.
Mini-Grants In The News
Appreciation Note from the OPT In team, a local youth group:
Dear Sasha + Sustainable Finger Lakes team,
We wanted to thank you so much for your generous support with this initiative! It’s been so meaningful for us, and wouldn’t have been possible without you.
In appreciation,
The OPT In team
Thanks To Our Sponsors
We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our sponsors, the very reason this program happens. Their support makes it possible to nurture grassroots projects, uplift local leaders, and empower neighbors across the Finger Lakes to bring bold sustainability ideas to life, creating a brighter, more resilient future for our region.
Wegmans is more than a grocery store; it’s a family company dedicated to nourishing communities and caring for the planet. Through its commitment to sustainability, healthy living, and community partnerships, Wegmans continues to support initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods and inspire positive change across the Finger Lakes region.
Visions Federal Credit Union believes in people before profits. With a strong commitment to community well-being, financial empowerment, and sustainability, Visions supports initiatives that help neighbors thrive and build a brighter future across the Finger Lakes region.
AES, a next-generation energy company with over 40 years of expertise, is accelerating the global transition to renewable energy. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability is shaping a greener future for communities worldwide.
The Park Foundation is dedicated to creating a more just and sustainable world by investing in people and communities. With a focus on education, the environment, and civic participation, the foundation supports initiatives that strengthen the Finger Lakes region and inspire long-term positive change.
For over a decade, donor Craig Riecke has generously supported the Sustainable Finger Lakes Mini-Grant Program, reflecting his belief that small, everyday choices can drive lasting community change. His ongoing commitment continues to empower local residents and inspire a more sustainable future across the region.