Grassroots Efforts

Citizen Action

Image Credit: courtesy The Butterfly Project

The Open Space Institute’s Citizen Action program fosters the growth and success of community-based organizations focused on environmental causes. Offering a range of technical and professional support and services, Citizen Action mobilizes newly-formed nonprofits to achieve their mission and meet their organizational goals.

Now in its fourth decade, Citizen Action has mentored, trained and launched nearly 150 grassroots start-ups in New York City and beyond. With a focus on open space access, outdoors recreation and environmental education, groups under Citizen Action all work in some way to protect the environment. Participants range from community gardens and local land trusts, to environmental educators and promoters of nature-based arts and activities. Many groups have gone on to become independent non-profits. (See list of alumni)

What Citizen Action Offers

When participating with Citizen Action, groups gain support:

  • Offering workshops and seminars to help grow the project 
  • 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

Our groups

Donate directly to a Citizen Action Group

Make a donation to one of more than 20 groups today.

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For information and inquiries

Jessica Watson

Conservation Communities Director

212.356.4288

1350 Broadway Suite 201, New York, New York 10018

Active Citizen Action Groups

What You Can Do

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