Where can I start looking for grants for "going green"?

October 7, 2008 8:51 AM

GreeningGrantFilter: I'm a volunteer at a soup kitchen who recently got asked to look for sources of funding for a "green" initiative. I have lots of experience chopping vegetables and coming up with ideas in the past, but on this issue of financing....none at all.

A large (physically, and in terms of client base) urban soup kitchen is looking for grant aid (other type of assistance welcome too, in terms of consulting, etc.) to "go green" in its operations....not just because it's the right thing to do, but also because they're spending nearly $2000 per month in paper goods and associated trash costs--overwhelming for a place that's virtually running on a month-to-month basis given the current need and economic crunch.

This is one of the largest soup kitchens in our region (and serves 6 nights a week) and unique in other ways as well (consistent efforts to use fresh produce, salads at every meal, meals cooked from scratch--not dumped from cans--whenever possible, etc., (even as they serve 150+ per night), meeting restaurant standards of serving and presentation and cleanliness, etc.), so it might make an attractive cause and serve as a nice test case for an environmental group.

We currently need to retrofit an existing dishwasher on site to be operational and to bring it up to code, as well as buy all associated supplies for the switch (trays, cups, plates, etc.) so there is a definite plan in place. Donors in past years have been local and regional (financial institutions, churches, fraternal organizations, etc.) and I'm wondering if there's a directory or short list of donors on a national level who are interested in environmental issues whom I could be researching and contacting regarding this.

I have access to some online databases through a university, obviously the internet, etc. What I don't have is any grant research experience, or much connection to environmental organizations/foundations at this point.

Throwaway address is [e-mail]

posted by anonymous to work & money (2 comments total)

From an old question on writing grants comes this list of grant development resources. Also, have a look at this list of foundations and their missions. You might want to check out Patagonia's grant-giving as well. Good luck!
posted by MonkeyToes at 9:55 AM on October 7, 2008

Patagonia is a great idea. REI and Whole Foods also have community donation programs. You could personally solicit other "business sponsors" as well.

If you're retrofitting stuff to use less water and electricity, check with your local water and electric utilities, and your local integrated waste management district and ask rebate programs.

Your city and county may have a green business program coordinator or a green cities plan or a sustainability planner who might be able to help you think of other ideas. They might even have money to give tiny grants.

And yeah, grantwriting may be your best hope. Find someone who will help you think about this. Does your organization belong to any overarching support groups? (Eg, a lot of land trusts belong to the Land Trust Alliance or California Council of Land Trusts.) Try those people. Are there local nonprofits with a related interest (eg, the Berkeley Ecology Center)? You might even be able to ask a local grantmaker for suggestions, even if they don't support your interest. A good funder to start with might be your city or county's community foundation (if one exists).
posted by salvia at 2:29 PM on October 7, 2008