Grants Program

Guidelines

The Newton Conservators, Inc. provides grants to Newton's schools, educational institutions, groups, and institutions for the purpose of fostering its mission. The grants are generally modest in size; requests of between $250 and $750 may receive priority, although smaller and larger grants will be given full consideration. They can be made for a single event, a longer-term project, or for multiple year funding. Projects for multiple year funding must be reported upon and resubmitted annually.

Program Criteria

1. Projects shall be related to the use, study, improved public awareness, augmentation, preservation, impact upon, or improvement of Newton's green and open spaces.

2. Projects can be one-time events or activities, or may be extended over a long period of time.

3. Projects must follow a clear, written description of the project with a specified starting and ending time.

4. Projects must have an environmental or educational purpose or element, rather than be solely for beautification purposes,

5. Projects must be supervised or directed by one or more specific individuals if within an organization (e.g., a teacher if a school project).

6. Projects which involve broad participation (students, groups, volunteers, etc.) or in which the result will be available to many people will be given preference.

7. Projects providing high public awareness or visibility will be given preference.

8. Proposals must be made in writing by the person who will be supervising or doing the project, or shall be endorsed by such person.

The Newton Conservators Will:

1. Provide specified funds for materials, equipment, books, speakers, transportation, documentation, etc.

2. Work with applicants to clarify proposals and assist in attempting to make them acceptable (meet our criteria).

3. Have the right to publicize the project (The NCI may make awards to individuals or groups if appropriate.)

4. Entertain proposals which may involve joint grants with other organizations.

5. Assume no liability for events which happen during the program period or as a result thereof.

How to Apply:

1. Prepare grants proposal for the proposed project including the following:

• The name of the organization or school
  
  
• The grade level(s) that will be involved
  
  
• The name of the person writing the proposal, with address and telephone number
  
  
• The names of the person(s) who will direct the project
  
  
• The name of the head of the organization or school involved
  
  
• Title of the project
  
  
• A full description of the project, including a timeline and anticipated numbers of persons involved
  
  
• Plans for the execution of the project
  
  
• Itemized budget
  
  
• Amount of funds requested.
  
  
• Future funding requirements if anticipated
  
  
• Plans for reporting results of the project.

2. If the project description exceeds three pages, attach a one-page summary.

Submit Proposals To:

Grants Committee
The Newton Conservators, Inc.,
P.O. Box 11
Newton Centre, MA 02459

Proposal Deadlines

Semi-annual deadlines for proposals are on October 31 and February 28 of each year. Proposals postmarked by those dates will be considered with that current group. Proposals also may be submitted at other times and they will be evaluated.

Reports

Successful applicants will be required to submit a final report on the project, and may be asked to make a report at our annual meeting or at another time.