Microgrants, Big Impact

Stamford helps small orgs beautify the city

Towns and cities are in charge of running things, of course, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are passive actors like the great Wizard of Oz. Municipal governments play an active role in their communities, and in many communities, the CEOs have the chance to support local organizations or businesses through microgrant programs. Recently, Mayor Caroline Simmons of Stamford announced the recipients of her city’s 2023 Mayor’s Community Microgrant Program.

Joined by the Director of Partnerships and Community Engagement Janeene Freeman and several community members and recipients, Mayor Simmons announced the 21 organizations that would each receive a grant award of between $1,150 and $8,000. In total, the Community Microgrant Program had $75,000 available for distribution toward specific projects aimed at improving the quality of life across Stamford’s neighborhoods, according to a press release from the city. There were 31 applications.

A microgrant is a “small, one-time only, cash award given to community groups and others for short-term community projects,” according to a resource from the University of Kansas. And they have far reaching benefits: “When used correctly, they can engage citizens in creative community betterment efforts, and generate real accomplishments citizens can take pride in.”

The highest recipient was Pollinator Pathways, which received $8,000 to install pollinator gardens across three parks – Chestnut Hill, Cove Island, and Kosciuszko Parks. Several projects fell under the banner of beautification, many involving planting trees or native plants. Other projects include three murals, one at the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, one at Hart Magnet School, and one for Liberation Programs.

“I want to congratulate all the recipients of the 2023 Mayor’s Community Microgrant Program,” Simmons said in the release. “Each of the recipient organizations create opportunities to enhance their neighborhoods and invest in projects that not only benefit our City but build connection and community with others. I am excited to see and visit these projects in the coming months and I want to thank the countless volunteers for all the time and work they put into each of their projects.”

These kinds of projects may not be a new bridge or a new housing project, but each small act of civic pride is the testament to the ability of organizations to make a difference in people’s daily experience in town. Thanks to leadership like Mayor Simmons in Stamford, these micro projects are going to make a big difference.