The Sanitation Foundation awards tool grants to neighborhood cleanup groups throughout New York City as a part of its larger Community Stewards Program, which aims to support and empower local, community-led, neighborhood cleanup efforts. We believe in the power of collective action and our tool grants help train and equip new and established groups to increase their efforts and impact.
Grant awards include a combination of tools and resources designed to support community groups to either start or strengthen their cleanup initiatives.
Starter Kit
Tools
- 5 Litter Pickers
- 10 Pair of Gloves
- 1 Broom & Dustpan Set
- 25 Trash Bags
- 1 Scale
- 1 Reusable Tote
- 1 First Aid Kit
- 1 Hand Sanitizer
Tools must be picked up from Sanitation Foundation offices unless otherwise stated.
Resources
- Virtual Training + In-person Meetups
- Office Hours with Sanitation Foundation Staff
- Access to Community Stewards network
- Access to our Volunteer Management Hub
- Opportunity for to Adopt Your Spot
Eligibility
- Grants are available to new and established community cleanup groups operating in New York City.
- Groups formed by minors must have at least 1 adult group representative supporting their events and operations.
- Groups can receive 1 grant / 12-month award period.
Grant Requirements
Training
- Attend grantee virtual kickoff meeting on March 31, 2025
- Complete Tool Grant Virtual Training Module
Cleanup Events
- Grantees must host their first cleanup event before May 31, 2025 as part of NYC Big Spring Clean.
- Grantees must agree to host at least 3 cleanup events over a 12-month period starting from the date that tools are received.
- Grant-related events must be listed in the Sanitation Foundation Volunteer Hub and be free to attend and open to members of the public regardless of race, gender, religious identity, disability, sexual orientation, or the age of participants.
Reporting
Grantees must complete simple reporting requirements to document each of their cleanup events. Except for the Post Event Survey, the requirements should be completed no less than 2 weeks before your event.
- Post your event on Volunteer Hub
- Complete DSNY Volunteer Cleanup Application
- Complete Parks Department event form (when applicable)
- Complete Post Event Survey
At the end of the grant cycle, all grantees must complete a brief Final Grant Report to share their cumulative experience. Additional details about reporting requirements will be included in grant award letters.
Deadline
March 01, 2025
Our grant committee will evaluate applications based on alignment with the Foundation's mission, thoughtful plan for cleanup events, and the area served. Grant applications submitted by the deadline will be prioritized. Applications received after the deadline will only be considered if there is remaining funding capacity.
Please reach out to us at communitystewards@sanitationfoundation.org with questions or requests for support completing the application. Groups who have completed the grant requirements successfully are encouraged to reach out to us for information about additional grant opportunities.
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