Neighborhood Mini-grant program logo features a green seedling with an yellow sun in a circle framed in green.

Since 2008, the Sustainable Finger Lakes (SFLX) Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program has awarded over $100,000 in 246 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.

The Chemung and Tioga Watersheds Chapter serves Steuben, Chemung, and Tioga Counties.

Thank you for applying to the Fall 2026 cycle! 

How To Apply

Next application deadline: September 1, 2026

The application form is available on request, and requires the applicant to show how the project will:

  • Build resilience, equity, and self-sufficiency in local communities
  • Improve communities’ environmental, social, and economic health in the long term
  • Promote environmental stewardship and green practices
  • Create opportunities for leadership and civic engagement

Grants are for small, relatively simple projects that build local equity, self-sufficiency, resilience, and long-term social, economic, and environmental health.

All applicants must use the Sustainable Finger Lakes application form, and all projects must take place in Chemung, Tioga, or Steuben Counties, New York. All award recipients are required to submit a follow-up report within 12 months of receiving a mini-grant, and must wait those 12 months before applying for another mini-grant.

To request an application form, please contact Sasha at 607-272-1720 or sasha@sustainablefingerlakes.org.

Empowering local change, one grant at a time!

When you join as a Neighborhood Mini-Grant Sponsor, your contribution qualifies your company for one of four tiers of giving: 

Sponsorship Tiers
$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. 

Thanks To Our Sponsors

We are grateful for the generosity of our donors, the very reason this program happens. Thanks to their support, the Mini-Grant Program has been able to take root in communities across the Finger Lakes, specifically the Chemung and Tioga Watersheds, where neighbors are bringing bold sustainability ideas to life and building a brighter, more resilient future for our 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.

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

Contact gay@sustainablefingerlakes.org

Please Join Us!

Support grassroots innovations to build a more sustainable and resilient community.

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