Press Releases


SEEAL Requests Proposals for Sustainable New Bedford
Youth Energy Audit & Weatherization Training

For Immediate Release: April 1, 2009
Contact: Jennifer Marshall, jmarshall@seeal.org, 508-493-4343

SEEAL (The Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance), under the auspices of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, is seeking proposals for a “Sustainable New Bedford” grant to lead energy audit and weatherization trainings for New Bedford’s young adults and high school students.

“Sustainable New Bedford” was launched in 2008 with a two-year grant to the City of New Bedford from the Environmental Protection Agency; SEEAL is the City’s subcontractor for the grant. This project’s overall objective is to help get area youth ready to tackle leading issues of climate change and energy efficiency in the City of New Bedford. This grant is available to fund youth training to conduct energy audits and weatherization of local homes or businesses. Within this project, summer internships for youth, and school-based presentations will build leadership skills while increasing community awareness about energy efficiency.

All projects should support SEEAL’s mission to improve environmental awareness and stewardship, and the “Sustainable New Bedford” program’s goal of reducing the release of harmful chemicals into the natural environment and lowering the use of pesticides in New Bedford including the reduction of carbon emissions of residents and businesses through reduced energy consumption.

Organizations can request up to $37,000. Collaborations between non-profits, schools, businesses, service agencies, and/or community groups are encouraged to apply. State registered non-profits such as organizations with 501(c)(3) status are required to be the lead applicant. Individuals may not apply. Minority and/or Women Business Enterprises (MBE, WBE) are highly encouraged to apply.

Application deadline is April 30, 2009. The grant will be awarded in May 2009. The project must end no later than November 15th, 2009.

Applicants are required to submit a one-page cover sheet, downloadable from www.seeal.org, and a proposal of no more than 5 pages that includes the project outline and a one-page detailed, itemized budget.

For more information, please visit www.seeal.org, or contact Jennifer Marshall, at jmarshall@seeal.org, (508) 493-4343.


About SEEAL
SEEAL, a program of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts (CFSEMA), was formed in 1997. SEEAL’s mission is to support member organizations in their capacity to provide quality environmental education and
stewardship in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Some of SEEAL’s active educational and institutional partners who are present and provide programs in New Bedford include New Bedford Public Schools, Global Learning Charter School, New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, UMass Dartmouth, BCC, and SMAST. Present and/or active SEEAL non-profit partner organizations that deliver programs and resources to the City of New Bedford include 3rd EyE Unlimited, The Trustees of Reservations, Lloyd Center for the Environment, Marion Institute, Schooner Ernestina, Buttonwood Park Zoo, and YouthBuild.


About the Community Foundation
Since 1995, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. CFSEMA is a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern – improving the quality of life in Southeastern Massachusetts.

While the Foundation’s primary grantmaking focus is on the SouthCoast communities of Greater New Bedford, Greater Fall River, and Greater Plymouth County, CFSEMA is a regional foundation serving 41 cities and towns. To date, has distributed more than $7 million from 110 funds to humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in the region. To learn more about the Foundation, visit www.cfsema.org.