Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Partnership for Parks - Bronx Newsblast-January 2021

 

Happy New Year! Here’s to a better and brighter 2021. Make NYC greener by recycling your Christmas tree at Mulchfest and check out other local events and news below.

HIGHLIGHTS

Loving the Bronx Hosts Saturday Mulchfest at Metropolitan Oval
Join Loving the Bronx as they celebrate this annual NYC tradition to mulch trees from the holidays. Games, hot chocolate from Morris Perk and more! 
Date/Time: Saturday,  Jan 9, 11:00am- 1:00pm
Location: Metropolitan Oval Parkchester (the fountain), Metropolitan Oval Parkchester Metropolitan Avenue & Unionport Road
More info: For more information about this community event contact via facebook @LovingtheBronx or lovingthebronx@yahoo.com
Or for more information and additional locations, visit nyc.gov/parks/mulchfest or call 311.
Community Input Meetings
Community Input Meetings are your opportunity to share your vision and thoughts for your neighborhood park with us, so that we can create thriving open spaces for your neighbors and for all New Yorkers. Join us at our upcoming digital community input meeting to share your ideas!

Orchard Beach Skate Park
Thursday January 21, 6:30pm
Virtual Meeting
Must Register by: Thursday January 21 at 5:00pm.

Ferry Point Park 9-11 Living Memorial Flag Pole
Tuesday January 26, 6:30pm
Virtual Meeting
Must Register by: Tuesday January 26 at 5:00pm.

Woodlawn Playground in Van Cortlandt Park
Thursday January 28, 6:30pm
Virtual Meeting
Must Register by Thursday January 28 at 5:00pm.


Adopt-a-Bench or Plant and Dedicate a Tree 
The holiday season may be over but it’s not too late to Adopt-a-Bench! You can also plant and dedicate a tree!

Honor a loved one or celebrate a special occasion with NYC Parks, and make the city a greener place. Support your favorite park, leave a legacy, and more! Your contributions are tax-deductible and matching gifts are accepted. For more information and available locations to Adopt-a-Bench, contact adoptabench@parks.nyc.gov or (212) 360-8216 and to plant and dedicate a tree, contact nytreetrust@parks.nyc.gov or (718) 361-8101.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Run or Walk with Bronx Sole Starting at Franz Sigel Park
Get active with a socially distant run, run/walk and walk with us! You must wear a mask and we have hand sanitizer on deck. 
Date/Time:  Tuesdays at 6:00pm & Saturdays at 10:00am
Location:  Franz Sigel Park, Walton Ave & Gerard Ave., Grand Concourse bet. E. 151 St., E. 153 St. and, E 158th St, 10451
More info: You must sign up on Eventbrite before you show up. The link for Tuesdays posts at 7:00pm on Sundays and the link for Saturdays posts at 7:00pm on Wednesdays. Here is the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/bronx-sole-30575605448

TRAININGS

GreenThumb hosts diverse and engaging events and workshops that support community garden groups in NYC. The workshops are free and located across the city. Check and see if there is one near you!  

Rat Academy: Keeping the Garden Rat-Free
Learn Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for keeping rats from wrecking your garden. In this workshop with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, participants will learn proper rat prevention measures, how to look for signs of rats, and how to correct the conditions that attract rats
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm 
Location:  Online 
RSVP: RSVP here (so they can be in touch with information for joining virtually) 

Virtual:Introduction to Finding Grants
Are you new to the field of grantseeking? Discover what funders are looking for in nonprofits seeking grants and how to find potential funders in this introductory course. You will learn the 10 most important things you need to know about finding grants, including: Who funds nonprofits and what are their motivations. What do funders really want to know about the organizations they are interested in funding. How do you identify potential funders and make the first approach?
Date: Wednesday, January 6, 2020  from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm  EST
Location: Online
Cost: Free

Virtual- Orientation to Nonprofit and Fundraising Resources 
Are you new to Candid? This orientation will tell you who we are, what we do, and how our resources can help you. In a time of uncertainty, many nonprofit professionals and their organizations are facing unique challenges. Candid’s wide variety of resources, including online tools and trainings, can help you navigate these challenges. With our most trusted data and special programs on important issues in the social sector, Candid can help you fundraise effectively during these difficult times. 
Date: Tuesday, January 12, 2020  from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm  EST
Location: Online
Cost: Free

Virtual- Top Fundraising Trends to Capitalize on in 2021
While the future remains uncertain, Classy is uncovering its predictions for 2021 (and very likely, beyond.) During this webinar, you’ll walk away with insight into key fundraising themes that have arisen and how you can capitalize on them in 2021.
Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2020  from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm  EST
Location: Online
Cost: Free

Leadership Training Academy
CHEJ offers a multidisciplinary Leadership Training Academy program for environmental activists to strengthen the capacity, infrastructure and effectiveness of grassroots leaders. CHEJ staff holds the academy sessions at regional sites across the country, lowering costs for participants, and while there is a small fee for attendance, the cost can be waived for groups in low-income communities. Some training topics include: Building a Strong Effective Community Group, Successful Fundraising, Getting and Keeping More People Involved, and building an Effective Board for your Organization.
Date/Time: Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Location: TBA

GRANTS AND RESOURCES

EcoSolution™ Grants 
ecoSolution™ Grants range from $500-$2,500 and are intended to support solution-oriented, youth-led projects that result in real environmental outcomes. ecoSolution™ Grants are available to educators working with youth in the United States (international projects are by invitation only). Please note that ecoSolution™ Grants will only support direct project costs. 
Date/Time: Deadline January 15, 2021

KEEN Effect Youth Grant Program 
KEEN's Youth Grant Program funds grassroots organizations immersing kids in the outdoors. Since 2014, their partners have brought thousands of youth outside for recreation, nature-based education, and environmental stewardship, actively building a future full of formative experiences and lasting values built in nature. They support programs inspiring outdoor participation, engaging underserved communities of youth with innovative and creative programming, and are willing to share their stories with KEEN's audience.
Date/Time: Deadline January, 31 2021

People For Bikes Community Grant Program 
The PeopleForBikes Community Grant Program offers funding to build momentum for bicycling in communities across the United States. Grants of up to $10,000 are provided for bicycle infrastructure projects and targeted advocacy efforts that make it easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities to ride.
Date/Time: Deadline Letters of interest will be accepted from December 14th to January 22nd. Full applications are due April 9th, 2021

All in Neighborhood Grants
Grassroots organizations responding to the immediate needs of struggling New Yorkers will receive unrestricted grants of up to $10,000 to open food pantries, distribute surgical masks, arrange elderly check-ins, or design other projects to meet their neighborhoods’ urgent needs amid the COVID-19 crisis. This grant program is a renaming of their keystone Neighborhood Grants program, which for decades has been awarding micro-grants to resident-led groups to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Grants supported projects in arts, health, environmental justice, beautification, tenants’ rights, and more. 
Date/Time: Application process will open in January 2021 

ePromos for Good  
Could your organization use $500 in free promotional products? Do you have at least a month before you need the products? epromos gives away $500 in free promotional products to organizations in need. Apply to win free promotional materials!
Date/Time: Bimonthly 

Gardens for the City Grant
Is there a community space in your neighborhood you’d like to see transformed? If so, apply for NYRP’s help. NYRP provides support for projects of various scales — from building a few vegetable beds to large-scale restoration work. NYRP helps provide materials, horticultural knowledge, environmental education, and construction expertise in order to help create community gardens and accessible landscapes in under-resourced neighborhoods. 
Date/Time: Applications accepted on a rolling basis

Patagonia Retail Grants Program
Patagonia’s Retail Grants Program funds environmental work that takes place near one of their Patagonia retail stores. The Retail Grants Program supports small grassroots activist organizations with direct-action agendas. They are most interested in making Retail Grants to organizations that identify and work on the root causes of problems and approach issues with a commitment to long-term change. The funding range for a retail grant is typically between $8,000 and $12,000, depending on the specific needs of the project. Note: Each store’s grants program is handled differently and could be subject to change, depending on your location. Find and contact a Patagonia store near you.
Date/Time: Applications accepted on a rolling basis

Good Sports Equipment Donations
All interested programs must submit an application in order to be considered for an equipment donation. All applicants must directly serve youth between the ages of 3-18, serve youth in an economically disadvantaged area, and provide access to play for kids. Good Sports is not able to donate to short term events such as sports camps, running/walking events or tournaments. Please review the eligibility guidelines before applying.
Date/Time: Applications accepted on a rolling basis

Rapid Response Grant 
Apply for grants of up to $5,000 to support organizing, activism, and strategic convening in response to urgent threats or breaking opportunities, especially during critical junctures of a campaign.
Date/Time: Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Crush It Crusade 
Description: Are you interested in kick starting a recycling program in your local community? Apply for a Crush it Crusade recycling grant! Can’d Aid Foundation awards small grants, around $5,000, to fund program expenses including signage and education, and provides in-kind recycling tents and bins and training on sustainable waste management.
Date/Time: Applications accepted on a rolling basis

Green Mountain Energy Sun Club Sustainability Grant 
Are you a U.S. based nonprofit looking to make a positive environmental impact and want access to a network of sustainability experts? Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with programs benefiting communities where Green Mountain Energy Company does business. Some sustainability initiatives can include: education and awareness, energy efficiency, renewable energy, resource conservation etc. Email them at sunclub@greenmountain.com if you have questions you’d like to ask before starting the application process.
Date/Time: Rolling Deadline. Recipients will be chosen on a quarterly basis

ioby Healthy Neighborhoods Challenge 
Have a great idea for making your neighborhood a healthier place to live? Fundraise for your idea with ioby’s Healthy Neighborhood Challenge. Anyone can receive one-on-one fundraising support and dollar-for-dollar matching funds up to $10,000 on their ioby crowdfunding campaign in support of projects that improve public health outcomes in the following communities in New York City: Brownsville, Brooklyn; Lower East Side, Manhattan, and East Harlem, Manhattan. 
Date/Time: Applications accepted on a rolling basis

ioby Power up Neighborhood Match 2020 
Get up to $5,000 doubled for creative, resident-led projects that are powering our thriving neighborhoods. The Power Up Neighborhood Match is available for projects that: promote local solution to environmental issues, make your neighborhood greener through caring for parks, gardens, or street trees, and that encourage resident use of and engagement with green spaces, beautify and enliven communities with the visual and performing arts, and take place in an eligible location in New York City. When you crowdfund on ioby for a project that is eligible for this match, donations will be doubled instantly so you can raise the money you need twice as fast.
Date/Time: Applications accepted on a rolling basis

Lisa Libraries Grant Program 
Non Profit organizations that serve under resourced areas are eligible to apply for in-kind donations from The Lisa Libraries. Lisa Libraries provides donations of free books for community facilities to host their own small libraries or operate programs where children can take the book home. While book donations are free, The Lisa Libraries requests that recipients cover the shipping and handling costs, which are based on the destination and quantity of books. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Learn more and apply
Date/Time: Rolling Deadline

Waste Management Charitable Giving
Waste Management offers charitable gifts to promote civic pride, economic development and revitalization. Waste Management primarily supports environmental initiatives, including promoting parklands and green spaces for people to enjoy and play, and environmental education initiatives targeted at middle and high school students. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and public organizations. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Date/Time: Rolling Deadline

Robin Hood Relief Fund 
The Robin Hood Relief Fund will provide support to nonprofit organizations in two areas of relief response: general operating support to continue to run their organizations and provide services, and emergency cash assistance provided to individuals in need, as identified by community partners. Robin Hood anticipates making grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in New York City that are well-positioned to serve low-income communities. The initial grants, expected to last three months in duration, will average $45,000. The purpose of these grants is to provide resources to support nonprofits that are on the front lines of this work and can move swiftly to serve affected communities.
Date/Time: Rolling Deadline

 

Partnerships for Parks
A joint program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
www.partnershipsforparks.org

Bronx Borough President Forum Saturday January. 9, 2021 - 5 - 7 PM

 



Attorney General James Issues Warning About Scam Targeting Grandparents During Pandemic

 

“Grandparent Scam” Targets Seniors with Phone Calls from
Fraudsters Posing as Grandchild Asking for Money

With Seniors More Isolated Than Ever Due to COVID-19 Restrictions, AG James Offers New Yorkers Tips to Protect Themselves

  New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued an alert to New Yorkers, warning them about the “Grandparent Scam,” a common phone scam that targets senior citizens with calls from fraudsters posing as a grandchild of the victim and asking for money. Attorney General James also shared a public service announcement, in which high school students explain how the scam works and offers tips on how to avoid becoming a victim to grandparents. The announcement features television personality Dr. Ruth Westheimer, who shares her experience about almost falling victim to the scam.

“Due to COVID-19 restrictions, many grandparents have not seen their grandchildren for months and may be especially susceptible to this common and despicable scam,” said Attorney General James. “I urge all New Yorkers to be on the alert for this type of fraud, and to protect themselves and their family members by following these tips. We should all be speaking with elderly family members and warning them that scammers are ready to prey on their love of family in an effort to take their money.”

The scam typically works as follows: A senior receives an unexpected call from someone who claims to be their grandchild. The caller then falsely claims that there is an emergency and asks the grandparent to immediately send money. For example, the caller might say, “Grandma, I got arrested for drunk driving. I need bail money fast.” Or the caller may claim to have been mugged, or that their car has broken down. The caller will often explicitly tell the grandparent not to call the grandchild’s parents because the parents will be mad or will worry too much. The caller may also pose as an attorney, a bail bondsperson, or a law enforcement official contacting the grandparent on behalf of a grandchild. 

The scammers often call in the middle of the night or early in the morning to take advantage of the fact that the victim may not be alert enough to ask more questions. Victims are often instructed that they have to mail cash payments or go out and buy prepaid debit or gift cards and to call back and read the serial number on the cards, allowing the scammer to immediately transfer the funds. Victims often lose thousands of dollars and the money is rarely recovered, as the scammers can be calling from anywhere in the world. The scam is severely underreported, as many victims are often embarrassed and do not want to tell anyone that they fell for the scam.

Attorney General James offers the following tips to protect against the Grandparent Scam:

  • Take a pause. Scammers create a sense of urgency to prey on victims’ emotions and their love for family members.
  • Verify any supposed emergency by calling friends and family before sending money. This is especially important if a potential victim has been warned not to do so.
  • A grandparent may think they would know whether they were speaking to their own grandchild or to an imposter, but it is easy to be fooled. The caller may be crying or the background may be noisy, or the caller may claim the connection is bad.
  • If the caller purports to be a bail bondsperson, ask where the relative is being held and contact the facility directly. Grandparents can also call their local police department, where officers may be able to call the jail and confirm the story.
  • Be suspicious of anyone who calls unexpectedly asking to be sent money.
  • Never send cash through the mail.
  • Never purchase pre-paid debit cards or gift cards for the purpose of transferring money.
  • Develop a secret code or “password” with family members that can be used to verify the identity of family members over the phone.
  • Ask a question that only the real grandchild would know the answer to, such as “what was the name of your first pet?”
  • Set Facebook and other social media settings to private to limit information available to scammers, such as the name of grandchildren.

In 2020, the Federal Trade Commission received 24,545 complaints of individuals impersonating family members and friends, up from 20,234 in 2019. New Yorkers alone filed 1,359 complaints in 2020.

Additional information about the Grandparent Scam can be found on the Office of the Attorney General’s website. New Yorkers who have been targeted by this scam are urged to file a complaint by completing and submitting a Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau online complaint form or by calling (800) 771-7755.