How We Do It

Grassroots Efforts

Photo Credit: Grounded Knowledge

Related

​Our Citizen Action program fosters environmentally-focused community organizations, helping them grow and succeed.

Now in its fourth decade, Citizen Action has mentored, trained and launched nearly 150 grassroots start-ups in New York City and beyond.

Groups under Citizen Action all work in some way to protect the environment. Our participants have ranged from community gardens and land trusts, to environmental educators and promoters of nature-based arts and activities.

Donate Directly to a Citizen Action Group

You can make a donation to over 40 projects here.

DONATE
tan-circles
  • Our Citizen Action group The Kensington Stewards maintains a new plaza at Avenue C and McDonald in Brooklyn, NY. Joining OSI's Citizen Action program has helped The Kensington Stewards mobilize around its long-term mission, using the plaza to raise awareness of social issues.
  • BK Farmyards is a collective of experienced urban farmers working to expand food justice through farming and outreach in Brooklyn. Since joining OSI, the group has gained critical capacity around day-to-day operations, allowing it double down on its mission.
  • Students in Grounded Knowledge work with community members to turn available empty lots into viable, productive urban green spaces. Since joining OSI's Citizen Action program, the group has gained valuable operating support, allowing it to double down on its mission.

What we offer

When participating with Citizen Action, groups gain support: 

  • Managing grants, contracts and donors 
  • Meeting strategic goals and outcomes 
  • Administering monthly and quarterly financial reports 
  • Serving as a fiscal agent to provide tax-exempt status 
  • Offering workshops and seminars to help grow the project.

Our groups

  • Black Urban Growers was fulfilling a critical role in cultivating rural and urban farmers and gardeners, and leading discussions healthy food and high rates of diet-related disease among African-Americans. When the group’s busy, all-volunteer staff needed more structure and capacity around financial administration, they turned to us.
  • Several years ago, Honoring the Future was seeking critical seed money to use art to educate, empower and engage the public on climate change. Today Honoring the Future works with the Smithsonian Institute, the EPA, and schools and nonprofits to hold art exhibits and educational programs.
  • See list of all groups here.

A Closer Look

Citizen Action

The Citizen Action program fosters the growth and success of community-based organizations focused on environmental causes. Citizen Action mobilizes newly-formed nonprofits to achieve their mission and meet their organizational goals.

Learn More

What You Can Do

Donate to support OSI’s work

Become a part of our mission to safeguard at-risk places through your tax-deductible gift.

Donate

Subscribe to our newsletter

We get in touch once a month with our most important news, stories, and updates.

Subscribe