Roots & Shoots, a service-learning program of the Jane Goodall Institute, is excited to announce grants of $250 to $750 to support youth-led service projects in New England. As part of the Roots & Shoots New England Diversity Initiative, up to 10 mini-grants will support youth groups that represent underserved communities or populations.

We encourage youth to address the theme of “Promoting Engagement in World Harmony.” This is based upon a recent initiative of the New England Youth Leadership Council; they seek to translate a vision of World Harmony into speech, art or action.

Three types of mini-grants will be awarded:

1. World Harmony

Your group’s vision of World Harmony can be broadly interpreted; your project should address the interests of your group, important local or global issues and promote harmony with or among animals, the environment and the human community. A maximum of six mini-grants will be awarded in this category.

2. Upcoming Roots & Shoots Water Campaign

The Roots & Shoots National Youth Leadership Council is in the process of finalizing details for the launch of our new national campaign.  This new campaign will address issues related to water conservation and quality.  Two or more mini-grants will be given to groups that submit applications for projects that address water issues in their community or region.  Details of this new campaign will be forthcoming!

3. Peace through the Arts

Two or more mini-grants will be given to groups that submit applications for projects supporting the Peace through the Arts campaign. One goal of this campaign includes inspiring people to promote peace locally, through the use of visual and performing arts. Another goal is to raise money for the Peace through the Arts campaign, which seeks to support eight Roots & Shoots groups at the Lugufu Refugee Camp in Tanzania. (These groups distribute fuel-efficient stoves, help grow organic vegetables for their fellow refugees and raise chickens for eggs and meat.)  Eligible service projects include any project addressing issues of living in harmony with the environment, animals or the human community.

Eligibility Requirements

1.                  An eligible youth group must represent an underserved community: ethnic or racial diversity, immigrant population, youth with disabilities and/or low-income youth.

2.                  Teachers, Roots & Shoots group leaders, older youth (ages 16-24), and youth-serving organizations are eligible to apply.

3.                  Projects must be completed between February 1 and May 31, 2009.

4.                  Grantee youth groups must be either:

·        A Roots & Shoots group in good standing (up-to-date membership enrollment and up-to-date project reports) OR

·        A group that is willing to become a Roots & Shoots member group upon winning the mini-grant. (A free one-year membership will be provided to grantees.)

Your Project Timeline

Mini-grant proposal due: 12/31/2008

Mini-grant notification date: 1/15/2009

Project period: 2/1 - 5/31/2009

Project Report due date: 5/31/2009 

For Application and more info., email Christine Ellersick at cellersick@janegoodall.org.