Action 4: Mini-Grants for Bike Programming

Encouragement

Oct 19

Let’s make mini-grants available to spur the development of bicycle programs and projects.

Mini-grants could help support intersection repair projects like this one on Fair and South St. (Photo: Bike Walk Tompkins)

About This Action

A mini-grant program can help catalyze bicycle programming in areas of our community that do not often see it. Mini-grants amplify the grassroots bicycling energy that exists in our community. Prospective grantees consider how bicycling can support the goals of the organization or group they will be working with, and grantors fund multiple ideas to see which have the most impact.

Mini-grants for bicycle programming can act as seed funding for new, creative ideas to become proofs-of-concept, such as new bicycling groups or bicycle-related businesses. Mini-grants can also expand the implementation of proven tactics that increase bicycling or ensure safer streets, such as employer incentive programs and intersection repairs. Sustainable Tompkins currently operates a successful Neighborhood Mini-Grants Program that can serve as a guide or a conduit to implement this action.

The Friends Bike Clinic was a free bicycle repair service that was started with a mini-grant from Sustainable Tompkins. (Photo: Sustainable Tompkins)

Focus on Building Equity

A little bit of money can be the spark that ignites an individual or group to start something new, especially if a person does not have disposable income to spare for a new project. Receiving a mini-grant from an organization that is already involved in the local bicycling scene means that the recipient can lean on existing expertise and connections to make their bicycling project a reality. The granting agency should keep an eye on the targeted audiences of the portfolio of funded projects to ensure that the benefits are spread equitably across our community. They should also bring reporting requirements to a minimum, make space to support struggling grantees, and allow room for grantees to fail gracefully if necessary.

Let’s Make It Happen

Bike Walk Tompkins is currently seeking funding to begin a mini-grant program exclusively devoted to local bicycling projects. We do not currently have a mini-grant funding opportunity available.

Are you a grant-making organization or other group or organization interested in funding mini-grants? Let’s talk about how you can support this project.

Are you a bike enthusiast, engaged citizen, or community leader interested in applying for a future mini-grant? Contact us via email or make sure to subscribe to our newsletter.