✓ No nonprofit required
✓ Application takes less than 10 minutes
✓ Decisions in 7–14 days
✓ Grants from $100–$1,000
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Small Ponds Microgrant Program
Small Ponds Microgrant Program
Small Grants. Fast Decisions. Local Impact.
Small Grants. Fast Decisions. Local Impact.
Across our communities, people see problems every day—and often know exactly how to solve them. What they frequently lack is access to flexible funding.
The Small Ponds Microgrant Program exists to bridge that gap.
We provide small grants to individuals, grassroots groups, educators, volunteers, and community leaders working to create positive change where they live. Whether you're organizing a neighborhood cleanup, launching a community garden, supporting local youth, or creating a new community resource, we want to hear your idea.
FAQ
FAQ
Who Can Apply?
Who Can Apply?
Anyone with a project that benefits their community.
You do not need to be a registered nonprofit or have previous grant-writing experience. We welcome applications from:
-Individuals
-Community volunteers
-Informal groups
-Teachers and educators
-Students
-Neighborhood leaders
-Nonprofit organizations
If you see a need and have a practical plan to address it, you are encouraged to apply.
What We Fund
What We Fund
We support projects that strengthen communities through local action.
Examples include:
-Community gardens
-Neighborhood improvement projects
-Youth programs
-Educational initiatives
-Community events
-Arts and cultural projects
-Environmental stewardship efforts
-Accessibility improvements
-Resource-sharing programs
-Creative community solutions
We are especially interested in projects that are locally led, achievable, and capable of creating meaningful impact.
Fast Track Application
Fast Track Application
Applying is simple.
Our Fast Track application is designed to take less than 10 minutes to complete.
We'll ask:
1) Who you are
2) Where you're located
3) What you want to do
4) How much funding you need
5) How your project will help your community
No lengthy proposals. No complicated paperwork.
How Much Can I Request?
How Much Can I Request?
Most grants range from $100 to $1,000, depending on project needs and available funding.
Our Review Process
Our Review Process
We believe good ideas shouldn't get stuck in bureaucracy.
When reviewing applications, we consider:
-Community impact
-Feasibility
-Local leadership
-Responsible use of funds
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and our goal is to provide funding decisions within 7–14 days.
Why Small Ponds?
Why Small Ponds?
A single stone can create ripples across an entire pond.
Likewise, a small investment in the right person, at the right time, can create lasting change throughout a community.
At Small Ponds, we believe meaningful impact often begins with small, thoughtful actions. Our mission is to help those actions happen.
Ready to Apply?
Ready to Apply?
If you have an idea that could make your community stronger, safer, healthier, or more connected, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help create the next ripple.
Microgrant Approval Guidelines
Microgrant Approval Guidelines
Purpose
Purpose
The purpose of the microgrant program is to support projects that create a measurable public benefit within the communities served by the organization.
Projects should improve quality of life, strengthen community connections, enhance public spaces, expand educational opportunities, address local needs, or otherwise provide a clear benefit to the public.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
-Be at least 18 years old or have a sponsoring adult or organization.
-Be located within the organization's service area.
-Propose a project that primarily benefits the community rather than a private individual.
-Agree to provide reasonable documentation of project completion.
-Disclose any relationship with board members, officers, or staff.
Applicants may include:
-Individuals
-Informal community groups
-Neighborhood associations
-Schools
-Nonprofits
-Civic organizations
Ineligible Projects
Ineligible Projects
The organization will not fund:
-Political campaigns or lobbying activities.
-Religious worship activities.
-Projects that primarily benefit a private business.
-Personal expenses.
-Debt repayment.
-Projects involving illegal activities.
-Projects that discriminate unlawfully.
-Grants to board members, officers, employees, or their immediate family members unless approved through the conflict-of-interest procedures.
Evaluation Criteria
1. Community Impact
1. Community Impact
How significantly will the project benefit the public?
2. Number of People Benefited
2. Number of People Benefited
How many community members are expected to benefit?
3. Feasibility
3. Feasibility
Can the project realistically be completed?
-Clear plan
-Realistic timeline
-Achievable goals
4. Budget Efficiency
4. Budget Efficiency
Will the grant funds be used effectively?
-Reasonable costs
-Strong value for money
-Appropriate use of resources
5. Sustainability
5. Sustainability
Will benefits continue after the grant funds are spent?
6. Innovation and Community Engagement
6. Innovation and Community Engagement
Does the project encourage participation, collaboration, or creative solutions?
Grant Agreements
Grant Agreements
Approved recipients must agree to:
-Use funds only for the approved purpose.
-Notify the organization of significant project changes.
-Submit a brief completion report.
-Provide receipts or documentation if requested.
✓ No nonprofit required
✓ Application takes less than 10 minutes
✓ Decisions in 7–14 days
✓ Grants from $100–$1,000
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