Grassroots Grantees Share Insights

In their own words, Grassroots grantees offer advice for other grassroots activists:

Go forward in faith with your visions and dreams. If you have a hint of a good idea, try it out. Sell it to yourself first by writing about it in your own journal or notes. If it keeps ringing true, begin to float it around by blogging and e-news articles. Even then, no one may mention it to you, so talk about it all the time to others you meet. Make a Powerpoint or a podcast about it and explain what the benefit or pure joy of it is, then ask for the money to help launch it. Mare Island Heritage Trust

Work with staff to make sure they understand your position and convince them of the sound policy implications as soon as possible.  If the staff is on your side you can have significant additional leverage over the issue. Wild Equity Institute

If you find that the amount of funding you receive for a project does not turn out to be enough to cover the duration of a project don't be afraid to seek help from your community.  There are many people and organizations that want to help.  Also, the more people and organizations that are involved the more impact you give the project at hand to the greater community. Fresno Youth Mural Arts Project

Ingenuity and resourcefulness are the key to success!  We have developed stronger relationships with local service groups and businesses to secure funding and in-kind donations. The Sugar Pine Foundation

If you going to fight some kind development, hire good attorneys, and try to do as much of the work as you can.  It will save you money but also make you better informed.  Also, take the long view and if it happens in a shorter period of time be happy. Mountain Meadows Conservancy

Share resources with other groups. Recruit retired people to volunteer in the organization. Work with junior colleges and universities to have interns work in the office. Provide guidance and specific tasks for them to do. Outreach to diverse communities. Town Hall Coalition

a) Move deliberately, and clearly, each step of the way when planning major projects, whether films, events, or campaigns. 
b) Do not assume that others, even those whom you hold close, understand what you have in your mind. 
c) Talk things over, repeat essential points, and send follow-up notes to seek confirmation and clarification. 
d) With artists and other contractors, put your agreements in writing.  If prospective collaborators are not willing to engage in the process of negotiation and contracting, look for other partners. 
e) When faced with an unexpected response, go to the person involved as soon as practical to find out what went wrong and to set things straight. 
f) Seek expert advice on recurrent difficulties. Green Sangha

Form strategic partnerships. For grassroots groups, two (or three) heads are usually much better than one. For example, we wanted to hold a large clean up event for Earth Day and include breakfast snacks as well as a BBQ lunch. We didn't have enough money in our budget for the entire event. We partnered with the County and the local Boys and Girls Club so that everyone was able to meet their goals. We organized the clean up and focused on the creek and area around the Boys and Girls Club. We also sent one group of volunteers to do a trash survey to satisfy the County's permit requirements. The Boys and Girls Club organized the BBQ, using their kitchen and equipment. The County made a monetary contribution for the day. We all performed outreach for the event and we received a record turn out. Without the partnership, we could have never held such a large and effective event. SPAWNERS

It is easier to ask forgiveness than ask permission. If you wait till everything is in order sometimes, you have missed out on an opportunity to make advances in your mission and purpose. Mare Island Heritage Trust

This past year we’ve learned two things that we knew before but have realized with greater intensity. The "business as usual" procedures of our rural county are very hard to overcome. It takes a number of things to move the County government beyond its traditional comfort zone: a mobilized citizenry, informed testimony, constant pressure and the potential threat of legal action.  Secondly, as we near our goal, significant anti-planning opposition has emerged from the woodwork and needs to be strongly countered. We do not engage in tit-for-tat rebuttals to everything these individuals do, but try to maintain a positive outlook and have our presentations be factually based and not ideologically driven. Community Action Project

If it seems to take forever to get past a significant BIG first step, you are not alone.  It's helpful to keep energy up, keep communication lines open, always be open to finding a new solution of pathway, and then remain devoted to reaching a goal and continuing. Stay true to your mission and do not be swayed by potentially huge grants that may come with lots of strings attached.  It's easier to sleep at night!  Maintain self-reliance with a grant like one from Rose Foundation being used to supplement and enhance the organization and process.  Lean times do not mean an organization isn't meaningful.  It just means lean times and a motivation for seeking ways to fundraise and connect to community. Paula Lane Action Network

For organizations with a limited budget, attempt to secure a good volunteer base that includes some professional individuals who could manage and administer the programs and the organization should something unexpected occur that alters the organization's leadership. Siskiyou Land Conservancy

It is important to be realistic about the amount of time your Executive Director will need to dedicate to a first-time, signature event for your organization.  In our initial scope of responsibility for the event contractor, they were in charge of 95% of the event responsibilities, including fundraising and developing key relationships with city staff and elected officials. It became clear very quickly that our Executive Director needed to participate in the fundraising and relationship development, especially since as a new staff member, this was the first time our organization had meet with these individuals. Our core lesson learned was that you should make sure that permanent staff are a part of developing key relationships that your organization will depend on beyond the one event you're planning. Walk Oakland Bike Oakland

Our advice would be that an organization should double or triple its estimate of the length of time they will need technical legal support and determine the organization’s capacity to augment the grant funds from other sources – in-kind, other fundraising, etc. Mariposans for the Environment and Responsible Government

Have a strong visual presentation to counter the highly funded public relations teams from industry. Battle Creek Alliance

Read the materials.  Documents count.  The public process is important.  Have a clear understanding of your mission and purpose.  Identify and follow through on realistic, achievable goals.  Be consistent.  If you are attempting to influence policy – do not expect a silver bullet strategy or an immediate response; this work takes time and patience.  Local land use authorities and staff take groups seriously when they know you are here to stay.  Flexibility is key.  It is important to keep options open and if your initial strategy fails, be flexible enough to change tactics – even at the eleventh hour. San Joaquin Et Al

It is important to develop leadership capacity throughout the organization, and not have all the work and leadership rest only with one person. El Quinto Sol de America (EQS)

If you have a passion for your cause you will do everything to survive. Bring others on board: volunteers, friends.  Share the love and hang in there.  You are doing good work. Let everyone know it.  Find new ways of doing things.  Take good care of yourself and don't give up.  You are making the world a better place! Breathe and be patient.  Good things will happen. Community Grows

We suggest partnering with organizations that are hosting summer youth programs, and allowing their youth to participate in the development of existing programs. Youth from around the city/region can participate in supporting an individual organization's outreach efforts, gardening efforts, administration and preparation for future program planning. For instance, this summer, we will host 2 youth from Y.E.P. (Youth Employment Partnership), WYSE (West Oakland Youth Standing Empowered), New Voices are Rising, and a number of school and garden groups. Youth from each of these groups will work with OFC staff in our school garden programs, help OFC staff with promoting the Oakland Community Farmers Market and a number of planned community events. Oakland Food Connection

It is important to collaborate with other organizations, to build a strong movement for environmental justice. The problems are big and the solutions complex, so working together is our best chance for accomplishing our goals in the long-term. Committee for a Better Alpaugh (CBA)

I would strongly recommend the Rose Foundation's Grantee Convening to those struggling in this economy. Conservation Action Fund for Education

Additionally, I suggest using (to the extent time allows) online social marketing tools (Facebook, Myspace, websites) to promote and communicate your organization. It is an easy and relatively free way to keep your supporters and "followers" informed on what's happening with your organization, and when it comes time to make an ask, they will be more in the know and thus more likely to give. Conservation Action Fund for Education

Trust in your communities, volunteers and organizers.  Each individual faces challenges every day but when that individual sees results that not only affect them but others they continue to work together and dedicate their time.  Our mission is to make long lasting changes in the community.  You can not make long lasting changes with out a little struggle. El Quinto Sol de America

Maintain a strong public presence and cultivate a large constituency. Direct appeals to supporters can be the quickest and most effective way to weather financial setbacks. Friends of the Petaluma River

Because the impacts of human induced climate change don't respect socio-economic or geographic boundaries, it can be a galvanizing force and one which can bring a community together rather than causing division as many issues can. Truckee Climate Action Network

I think collaboration is the way to go to share expenses, especially of organizations that have similar missions. West Oakland Asthma Coalition

It is important to collaborate with other organizations, to build a strong movement for environmental justice. The problems are big and the solutions complex, so working together is our best chance for accomplishing our goals in the long-term. Committee for a Better Alpaugh

You can work and cry at the same time. National Disease Clusters Alliance

With funding for organizations becoming more scarce and competitive it makes sense to narrow down your focus and decide what goals are most important to the board, staff and volunteers and go with that. There's nothing wrong with acknowledging and pursuing your strengths and putting side projects on hold for a while. Community Clean Water Institute

We're always trying to include local youth and under-served communities, thus allowing for greater opportunities and outreach. Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed

Read the materials. Documents count. Process is important and shouldn't be taken for granted. Have a clear understanding of your mission and purpose.  Identify and follow through on realistic, achievable goals.  Be consistent.  If you are attempting to influence policy – do not expect a silver bullet strategy or an immediate response; this work takes time and patience.  Local land use authorities take groups seriously when they know you are here for the long haul.  Flexibility is key.  It is important to keep options open and if your initial strategy fails, be flexible enough to change tactics – even at the eleventh hour.  We attribute our success to following these simple rules. San Joaquin Et Al

I would suggest to any organization that “knowledge is power” and they would be well served to practice due diligence and learn every nuance of all guidelines and the process. Foresthill Residents for Responsible Growth

We have no control over the state legislature which means that if you are ready for a meeting that gets cancelled at the last minute, you should consider still attending and turning it into an opportunity to build relationships and continue the momentum. AGUA-La Asociacion de Gente Unida por el Agua

If you are opposing an EIR, it is VERY important to have your own expert witnesses. Shasta County Citizens for a Healthy Environment

Capitalize on your niche – despite or perhaps because of the recession, our members have an appreciation for a local group focused on tangible improvements in their own neighborhood and close-to-home fun events. Walk Oakland Bike Oakland

I suggest using (to the extent time allows) online social marketing tools (facebook, myspace, websites) to promote and communicate your organization. It is an easy and relatively free way to keep your supporters and "followers" informed on what's happening with your organization. Conservation Action Fund for Education

Focus on quality programming over quantity. Try to be realistic about what a good event or program really takes. To do it well you need to be thorough with your planning and have every member of the team feel involved and willing.  There can be a tendency for us to think that we have more energy and time than we really do. Keep this in perspective. Living Lands Agrarian Network

Learn from those who came before you. San Joaquin Valley Cumulative Health Impact Project

In addition to foundation grants, we are making an effort to partner with other organizations and businesses that share our values to find “win-win” situations. Green Cafe Network

Have a strong visual presentation to counter the highly funded public relations teams from industry. Battle Creek Alliance

Our advice would be that an organization should double or triple its estimate of the length of time they will need technical legal support and determine the organization’s capacity to augment the grant funds from other sources – in-kind, other fundraising, etc. Mariposans for the Environment and Responsible Government

I recommend that organizations build strong coalitions around core principles early in the campaign process: before making the campaign public.  This behind-the-scenes work can be done successfully before the campaign reaches an intense pitch, and therefore when the campaign becomes pitched resources can remain focused on the fight, rather than cultivating the base of support. Wild Equity Institute

The "business as usual" procedures of our rural county are very hard to overcome. It takes a number of things to move the County government beyond its traditional comfort zone: a mobilized citizenry, informed testimony, constant pressure and the potential threat of legal action. Community Action Project

Let everyone help. During one of the creek clean ups, a homeless woman volunteered to help us pick up trash. Everyone has something to offer. We make an effort to contact everyone in the watershed, from the homeless to community leaders. Inclusion of everyone in the watershed, from people to plants to animals, is one of our major values. Gallinas Watershed Council

Funding is very important to combat the deep pockets of large developer interests.   Education and funding go hand in hand as it allows groups such as ours to reach a wider audience in our effort to protect California Central Valley farmland. Valley Land Alliance

Have a plan, maintain open communication, and think of change as an opportunity rather than a challenge or set back. Noyo Food Forest

I think the most important thing to consider when beginning this process is to be informed of what the CEQA process means.  You can be 100% right in your logic & cause, but legally you must exhaust your remedies and offer alternatives.  It is very important to take advantage of any experts available to you, and if none are, to budget to include experts to rebut the areas of the document (EIR) that are flawed. Shasta County Citizens for a Healthy Environment

Research the laws and policies and find out what officials CAN do; make requests that are in keeping with their official responsibilities. Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center

Create allies at the local government agency . . . These are public servants, not the enemy. No Wetlands Landfill Expansion

People often judge you by not only what you say, but by countenance, body language, and courtesies such as expressing humbleness, acknowledgement of their views, and appreciation for their time.   Parents for a Safer Environment

Seek out tech-savvy members with time to spare who will join your core working group. Tulare County Citizens for Responsible Growth

Try to learn from others who have similar problems, even if they are from a different region of the state, or of the country. Committee For a Better Alpaugh

Focus on the positive (“we want clean air!”) versus the negative (“air pollution sucks!”). Save the Air in Nevada County

If working in the rural [areas] downplay the “ecological” and “environmental” language and focus on 'community development,' 'preserving rural lifestyle' or 'clean air and water for all. Wildplaces Ecological Restoration and Education

Have a strong chair of your meeting. Set-up telephone trees and email lists to get your minutes and information out to the public. Have your meeting dates, time and location placed in the local paper.  Friends of Garrity Creek

Diversify funding sources.   Bay Area Coalition For Headwaters

If environmental groups do not get caught up in need to be the one who gets the credit, much more organizing with the community is possible. Klamath Forest Alliance

We try to start from where things are at instead of pointing fingers at the past.   Mattole Restoration Council

The place where policies are truly decided, is at the staff level. By the time a permit or policy gets to a hearing… the likelihood of influencing it are slim. Thus, it is imperative to work with the staff of an agency to let them know well in advance of any key meeting or hearing what your concerns are and work collaboratively to identify ways to achieve your goals. AGUA-La Asociacion de Gente Unida por el Agua

Fundraising, membership drives, and volunteer recruitment are all skills that one must invest in if the organization is to grow and gain capacity to continue to pursue the mission. Green Wheels

Fundraising is a shared responsibility.  Get your staff, board or steering committee members, volunteers, and partner organizations involved in the fundraising process.   SPAWNERS

Just go ahead and feed volunteers any chance you get even if it is mac and cheese for a family or two who have worked all day or a morning breakfast of 3 fried eggs for a 15 year old boy. They are often there volunteering for you because they are a little on the fringe of life and food is a very meaningful way of thanking. Mare Island Heritage Trust