UMass offers grants to reduce toxic practices
The Toxic Use Reduction Institute at UMass–Lowell is seeking proposals for its community grant program, Senator Pam Resor announced last week. Grants are awarded to organizations for projects promoting toxic reduction practices.
“The impact this grant program has on a community is huge because it promotes sustainable, healthy environmental practices for businesses, households, and individuals. Project topics could range from green construction to healthy cosmetology or pesticide reductions,” Resor said. Many towns, including Acton, Boxborough, and Ayer, are in their third year of educating residents about safer and healthier lawn-care practices using grant money received from this program.
The institute provides community grants to nonprofit organizations or municipal departments who operate at the local level, particularly those involved or otherwise interested in promoting environmental activities. Youth organizations, schools, or individuals with an interest in community service are also eligible for grants in two tiers. Up to $1,000 is available for small projects and up to $15,000 for larger projects. Training sessions are offered and may provide insight into writing a proposal. The deadline for proposals is June 29. More information about grant proposal qualifications and guidelines is available at www.turi.org/.
Legislators host small-business breakfast
State Senators Pam Resor and Harriette Chandler hosted a small-business resource breakfast April 24 to provide information on state resources available to small businesses. Area chambers of commerce, including Worcester, Corridor Nine, 495/Metrowest, Assabet Valley, and Marlborough, helped with the event.
“This event connected business owners with valuable resources they may not have been aware of previously,” Resor said.
Chandler added, “Small businesses play a vital role in the Massachusetts economy. This breakfast provided an excellent opportunity for businesses to learn about state services, and provide feedback to the state officials in attendance.”
Provided by state Senator Pam Resor’s office.
