Since 2007, Boise Bicycle Project (BBP) and its army of volunteers have worked hard to build a stronger cycling community by promoting the personal, social, and environmental benefits of bicycling. It functions as a bicycle recycling center as well as an educational workspace in a diverse and non-threatening atmosphere. In 4 action packed years, it has recycled over 3000 bicycles destined for the landfill; 1103 of which were donated to children of low-income families.
As a non-profit bicycle cooperative, Boise Bicycle Project is far from your typical bike shop. Within seconds of opening the front door, you will notice the lack of spandex, carbon fiber, and glass display cases. Instead you will find volunteers with greasy hands, old bicycles being resurrected from the grave, and recycle bins filled with used parts looking for a new home to bolt on to.
Because of BBP’s focus on community, education, and sustainability, it doesn’t fix bikes for people; it teaches people how to fix their own bicycles. This method of bike repair promotes the sustainability of education, and empowers the new mechanic with confidence and a sense community. Many people who come in to fix their bicycle, later come back to teach others their newly acquired skills.
“We are proud of the community we’ve created at BBP, and what we’ve done for the community outside of our walls, “ says Executive Director Jimmy Hallyburton “People are always excited when they realize we are taking the sustainability of the bicycle to the next level.”
The green grants contest is designed to give a boost to the green economy. We want to draw attention to projects that are doing a great job of combining social justice with environmental responsibility, and reward them with a grant toward their work.
What kind of groups are eligible?
If the project is good for both people and the planet and a $1,000 or $2,500 grant could make a difference to them – you should nominate the group. The group is not required to be a nonprofit organization or have 501c(3) status.
Will you be contacting my nominee?
If your nominee makes it into our top-ten, we will contact them to let them know. We'll work with the ten nominees to get a full description of their projects on our Web site for the round of top-ten voting.
What kind of projects are you talking about?
Here are some examples: Maybe a local school could use a green-grant for its organic garden project. Maybe a local pro-bicycling non-profit organization wants to extend its reach into the inner city. Maybe a local solar-installation business wants to make a commitment to provide job-training. Really, we're looking forward to seeing what you report to us. We're excited about publicizing good news about the green economy and rewarding good green projects.
When will the grants be given?
The nomination period runs through June 7. The top-ten voting runs through June 30. We'll publicize the winners and disburse the grants shortly after that. We'll also keep up with the winners and profile the great ways that they use their "green grants."
How else will the nominees benefit?
We'll list all the nominees (not just the top ten) on our Web site with links to their work. This will become an honor roll of organizations doing great green work in their communities, bringing together social justice and environmental health. People from all over the country will see their work and have an opportunity to link to it.
How are the top ten nominees chosen?
Top ten nominees will be chosen by Green America staff.
How are the green grants funded?
A generous Green America donor provides these funds for us to disburse to other groups as we see fit. This year, we decided to invite you to help us decide who receives these grants.
