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COVID19 has changed so much about our lives, but some things remain the same – everybody deserves to get where they’re going safely and easily, and the more we use our bodies to travel, the healthier we’ll be.

During the worst of the pandemic, streets and public spaces around the state were transformed overnight – parking lots turned into food courts, parks turned into fitness centers, and sidewalks turned into music venues. People around the state and the world rekindled a love of walking, running, skating, and biking. As Rhode Islanders continue to emerge from the pandemic and process the lessons learned, we want to support communities that wish to keep experimenting and transforming our built environment to promote active transportation and public health.

The Rhode Island Department of Health, Grow Smart RI, and Providence Streets Coalition seeks to continue building excitement, momentum, and grassroots support for safer and healthier streets in our local communities by offering mini-grants of $500-25,000 for temporary street transformation projects, Green & Complete Streets policy development, and active mobility programming.

Timeline:

• There will be virtual information sessions for any interested applicants on Monday, April 10th at 4pm (sign up) and again on Friday, April 14th at 10:00am (sign up).
• The deadline to apply is end of day Wednesday, April 19th, 2023.
• Applicants will be notified by the beginning of May.
• First 50% of grant amount will be provided upon execution of grant agreement (early May), final 50% will be provided upon determination of substantial progress of implementation.
• All projects must be executed by September 30th, 2023.

It’s with people, our community health, and all the ways we move around in mind, that we’re asking Rhode Island communities to support more safety and less stress on the streets across Rhode Island. These Mini-Grants are meant to empower local residents, organizations, and leaders to showcase how these changes can benefit their communities.

Do you have an idea for an installation, activity, or policy that will build support for safer streets and mobility infrastructure that encourages physical activity? Or know someone who does? 

Tiers of Project Scope

*All funded projects must be completed before the end of the project period (09/30/2023). Applicants whose implementation timelines do not align with this requirement will not be eligible for funding.

Project proposals can include but are not limited to:

• Coordinating a Green and Complete Streets presentation to a city or town council
• Paying a law firm or advocacy organization to draft an ordinance
• Community organizing activities and awareness/education campaigns to support ordinance passage, plan development, or project implementation
• Putting on an Open Streets event
• Tactical urbanism: temporary bicycle lanes and public spaces, traffic calming for a day or a month, colorful crosswalks, turning parking lots into pop-up parks
• Public art installations or performances on/alongside current and future bike paths, sidewalks, or bus stops
• Leading a neighborhood walk, bike ride, dance class, or other outdoor activity
• Starting a walking or biking school bus program
• Leading a neighborhood conversation or campaign for active mobility
• Launching an essay, photo, or video contests about active mobility
• Hosting bicycle / scooter safety education workshops near current + future urban trails
• Safety equipment giveaways (bike helmets, lights, locks, etc.)
• Your idea for supporting safer, greener streets and active transportation!

Grow Smart RI | www.GrowSmartRI.org