Giving back to the community is an important part of Live Green, Live Smart.  We work with individuals and organizations interested in creating a green community through research, information sharing about sustainable and energy saving ideas or lifestyle changes for eco-friendly citizenship.

One way we foster these goals is through our Micro Grant Program, grant awards of $50 to $500 for individuals and organizations working toward greener practices close to home.

Live Green, Live Smart Micro Grant Focus Areas

Research on energy efficiency and healthy habitats.   We support individuals and organizations doing research in the areas of energy efficiency and environmental health.  Research eligible for support can be in the form of technical development of a piece of equipment, technology, or software, or studies of ecological issues and green practices.

Information Sharing.  Support is available to teachers, individuals and organizations that promote information sharing through blogs, printed materials, events, development of web sites and any information sharing method. Eligible proposals will be those promoting and protecting the environment through sustainable practices in the areas of Shelter, Transportation or Lifestyle.

Fostering a Sustainable Environment.  This category encourages individual initiative in making incremental progress toward sustainability.   Planting trees and native plants, organizing distribution of recycling containers, replacing an inefficient water heater in a recreation center, giving compact fluorescent bulbs to low income families – you tell us about your proposal to make a difference now and we will consider it.

Guidelines

To be eligible for a Live Green, Live Smart Micro Grant applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Objective must be within one of LGLS focus areas.
• Applicant must be a member registered on the Live Green, Live Smart community website, able to be contacted through an e-mail address.
• Applicant must reside in a state or country that permits this Grant program to be active.
• Only one grant is allowed per individual or organizational applicant per year.
• Applicants agree to provide proof of expenditure and completion of project for which funds are received.

Restrictions

Grants may not be used for personal expenses, to pay debt, or for the purchase of products or services other than those specified in an approved grant application.  Live Green, Live Smart reserves the right to recover any funds that are spent for purposes other than those for which the grant was made.

Micro Grant Monetary Awards

Micro Grants vary in size from $50.00 (fifty) US dollars to $500.00 (five hundred) US dollars.

The Micro Grant Committee reserves the discretion to provide larger amounts at any time, discontinue the program, or create additional grant focus areas at any time.

Micro grants are gifts, not loans. Contributions to the Micro Grant pool are welcome.

 

Application Process

Submit a Letter of Interest to microgrants@livegreenlivesmart.org. In a letter of no more than two pages, include the following information:

• Description of the purpose and benefit of the request.
• Description of how the Micro Grant fits into one or more of Live Green, Live Smart's three focus areas (sustainable shelter, transportation, and lifestyle).
• Date of project beginning and end.
• Amount that is needed (see Micro Grant Monetary Awards below) in US Dollars, and source of any funds in excess of the $50 - $500 support from Live Green, Live Smart, as well as documentation of such funds being committed.
• Organizational applicants must provide IRS tax-exempt status determination letter and EIN.  If not tax exempt, provide organization’s IRS identification number.
• If you are applying on behalf of an organization, provide a description of your organization including mission statement.
• Individuals receiving grants may be required to provide social security number prior to grant payment.

Allow 45 days from time Letter of Interest is received for further information to be requested.  Grant requests can take several months to process, and are subject to the availability of funds.  The Micro Grant committee reserves the right to decline any grant without explanation or response. Due to the large number of requests, the committee may not be able to respond to specific questions.