BDPNN Mini-Grants
Berkeley Disaster Preparedness Neighborhood Network is collaborating with Collective Resilience to pilot test a mini-grants program, to support at least $9000 in funding for neighborhood groups and community facilities for projects which both prepare for emergencies and build community relationships.
Funds should be spent by December 31st and involve at least 25 community members. Applications from individuals (not part of group) will not be eligible.
There are two types of grants for Neighborhood groups:
- Up to $500: Neighborhood groups just getting started – funding could pay for meetings or emergency supplies
- Up to $1000: Groups and sites with a history of working together – for groups that already have an emergency cache and committee meeting on a regular basis
Any neighborhood or community space is welcome to apply. Please note that applications from neighborhoods who traditionally have been underserved (West and South Berkeley) will be prioritized.
For Community Sites
Places of worship, libraries, community centers, community-centered local businesses and other trusted community sites play an important role in Berkeley’s disaster preparedness. They can be used as cooling centers during extreme heat, distribute supplies or be used as evacuation sites. Read more about resilience hubs here.
To be considered for the grant program, we ask that your community site offers – or is working toward offering at least ONE critical service during emergencies, including: Food distribution, Shelter, Clean air or climate-controlled space for community members during extreme heat, Refrigeration, device charging, free wi-fi, free water access, off-grid power.
Examples of Grant Projects
We will accept any project, as long as works on preparing community members for emergencies while building relationships. Emergencies may include either natural or climate disasters, including earthquakes, extreme heat, atmospheric rivers and flooding.
Host a party with a disaster preparedness theme! Spend funding to bring your community together. Test your skills for disaster preparedness, make a meal together… get creative!
Buy emergency Supplies! Buy needed supplies for your neighborhood cache, then bring your neighborhood group together for a party to introduce them to the group.
Host an event with another group or site! Plan an event with a nearby neighborhood group or community space in your neighborhood. Event ideas might include neighborhood mapping or a disaster preparedness workshop.