Sustainability Grants Advance Community Resilience
Published on August 22, 2024
SAN ANTONIO (August 22, 2024) — The City of San Antonio has named the SA Climate Ready Community Action Fund’s 2023-2024 community grant awardees. The program is funded through the Resiliency, Energy, Efficiency, and Sustainability (REES) Fund and managed by the Office of Sustainability. The SA Climate Ready Community Action Fund empowers local community organizations and businesses to implement projects that aim to create a more sustainable and resilient San Antonio.
“We are delighted with the overwhelming interest in this program, and the diverse projects that will support the implementation of the SA Climate Ready Plan,” said Doug Melnick, Chief Sustainability Officer. “These projects will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also help neighborhoods become more resilient to the impacts of climate change.”
In total, 133 businesses and organizations received more than two million dollars in funding to further their sustainability goals via education and community sustainabilityprojects. The fund’s categories are grassroots engagement, neighborhood and community, and business grants.
The Grassroots Engagement Program empowers community groups to provide climate action and sustainability education to underserved and front-line San Antonio communities. Fifteen total groups were awarded grants to pursue their engagement projects, and awardees include the Society of Native Nations, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Maestro Entrepreneur Center.
The Neighborhood and Community Grant Program is helping organizations launch or continue existing community sustainability projects. Successful projects will further SA Climate Ready goals, build community partnerships, leverage local and federal funding, and/or meaningfully involve underserved communities, diverse groups, or vulnerable populations. Highlights include composting projects, cycling education, and upgrades to energy-efficient windows and doors. Over 50 organizations were awarded funds for their sustainability projects.
The Business Grant Program aims to inspire projects that enhance community sustainability efforts and foster resilience. Applicants were asked to submit projects that reduce building and/or transportation energy consumption, leverage local and federal funding, and/or create community partnerships. Projects awarded include upgrading HVAC and installing solar power. A total of 60 local businesses were awarded funds.
The full list of awardees is available on the Sustainability Office’s website.
For more information on these initiatives and the City’s sustainability efforts, visit SASustainability.com.