Greening Western Queens Fund Common Questions

Are you currently accepting applications for funding?

Yes, the deadline to apply is Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 5pm . Click here for application instructions and to download the application form.

Why are projects within the boundaries being prioritized for funding?

The settlement between the community and Consolidated Edison Company of New York agreed that the funds will be used for energy-efficiency and environmental projects and prioritized in the community affected by the 2006 Long Island City, Woodside, Sunnyside and Astoria network electric power outages in Consolidated Edison Company of New York's service territory. The areas indicated on the interactive map have been identified by the Department of Public Service as representing the majority of the areas impacted by the blackout.

Why is North Star Fund/Greening Western Queens Fund focusing primarily on urban forestry and environmental projects?

Through the community's settlement with Con Edison, it was identified that urban forestry and greening projects would be prioritized for the grant making in order to lessen the future demand for energy and prevent similar blackouts from occurring in the future.

My organization is not located in the affected area but we want to start a project in Western Queens. Can we apply?

Organizations do not need to be located in the affected area to qualify for a grant, but projects must be. Please refer to the map to see if your project fits within the prioritized boundaries of the area. Organizations must have knowledge of the community, and the ability to work with and involve it. Organizations must also have a track record of success in the project or field.

Can we use this money to green our residential building or plant trees in front of our building?

Although we value the work, we will not consider support for individual efforts or tree planting on private property. Additionally, Greening Western Queens funds may not be used to resource projects that can be funded by, duplicate, or replace current commitments by government agencies. Please see the greening resources list to see if your project can be supported by government agencies.

I am a current grantee of a North Star Fund, can I apply?

Yes, current and past grantees of North Star Fund are encouraged to apply as long as the work/project benefits the affected community of the Western Queens blackout and fits the funding guidelines.

We are a small group of residents with a project that will benefit the whole community. Do we need a fiscal sponsor or our own 501(c)(3) to apply?

Small groups of residents may apply for a project but will need a fiscal sponsor. The Greening Western Queens Fund will only consider groups that are tax exempt organizations or have a have a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status. Projects must contribute to a more environmentally sustainable western Queens, result in projects with visible and lasting impact in the affected western Queens neighborhoods and ensure that products and outcomes are public, accessible and beneficial to residents of the affected areas.

Can I use this money to get a few trees planted on our block or a tree in front of our building?

These funds are not to be used for individual tree planting or planting on private property. To get trees on your block, call the Parks Department at 311.

Our project is not located in the boundaries of your map, but close to it. Can we apply?

We recognize that certain areas outside of the marked boundaries were affected by the 2006 blackout. If you are able to demonstrate that the area where the project is implemented was impacted by the blackout, then it may still be prioritized.

All projects located in Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside and Woodside will be considered.

My project does not fit within the criteria of this fund. Where else can I find support?

Please visit http://dsireusa.org for additional resources that may help support your project.

What if I still have questions?

Please call us at 212-620-9110 or email cori@northstarfund.org for more information.