Ideas in Action: Cycle One Proposals

Description 

This proposal will offer grants to nonprofit organizations to provide high-quality and engaging programming for Boston youth, aged 10 to 13, living in communities disproportionally affected by crime and violence.

The goal of these grants will be to increase the variety of youth programming in the city, offer a positive outlet for young people when they are not in school, and foster safe and supportive environments.

Description

This proposal will allow the City's Transportation Department to install approximately 150 benches at high-ridership bus stops across the City.

The project will prioritize neighborhoods with the greatest need, including lower-income areas and environmental justice zones, while ensuring accessibility for those who may have difficulty standing, such as older adults and individuals with disabilities. Bench designs will be selected based on the context of each location to maximize comfort and usability.

Description

This proposal will offer grants to nonprofit organizations that can assist older adults in accessing small necessities not covered by government programs.

Many older adults face challenges in accessing essential items necessary for daily living, which can significantly impact their quality of life, safety, and independence. Supports through these grants may include emergency appliance replacement, health-related expenses not covered by insurance, companionship for older adults who are socially isolated, or respite care for family caregivers, and more.

Description

This proposal will offer grants to nonprofit organizations to support youth ages 14-21 who are formerly or currently incarcerated, helping them build a brighter future.

The Boston Office of Returning Citizens will offer one-time grants opportunities to organizations that can provide access to mentorship, skills training and education, health and wellness programs, and other types of support services that can expose and prepare impacted youth to diverse opportunities. Programs may include home economics, grant writing, college prep, entrepreneurship, trade learning, etc.

Description

This proposal aims to tackle rodent infestations in identified hotspots by improving waste management practices and reducing food access for rats. By investing in rodent-proof waste storage solutions in high-density residential areas, food sources for rodents can be limited where they are most problematic.

The City will use sensor technology to monitor the effectiveness of these upgrades and expand successful solutions. This initiative supports the newly launched Boston Rodent Action Plan, which aims to reduce the rodent population and improve residents' quality of life.

Description

This proposal seeks to enhance outreach and resident engagement in the City's PAATHS program, a one-stop resource for all families and residents seeking help with addiction and related issues.

By engaging in community meetings, collaborating with neighborhood organizations, and utilizing media channels, PB funds will help raise awareness about PAATHS (Providing Access to Addiction Treatment, Hope and Support), an effective but underutilized program of the Boston Public Health Commission’s Recovery Services Bureau.

Description

This proposal will expand the work of the Mayor’s Health Line (MHL), a multilingual health and social service referral line that connects Boston residents with health resources in the community.

MHL will use PB funds to expand and enhance their outreach in Boston neighborhoods and offer multilingual community workshops. Workshop topics may include resources for medical debt, how to access medical services, how to apply and who qualifies for MassHealth and Health Connector plans, how to find a primary care provider, learning about patients’ rights, etc.

Description

This proposal will fund a pilot rental assistance program for Boston residents between the ages of 16-24 to stabilize their housing situation. Eligible residents will be able to access up to $5,000 in assistance to help cover late rent payments or move-in costs, such as first/last month’s rent, security deposit, and/or a broker’s fee.

The fund will operate under the Office of Housing Stability, using the infrastructure and guidelines of the existing Tenant Stabilization Fund.

NOTE: Minors under 18 years old must be legally emancipated to apply for assistance.

Description

This proposal will help identify spaces for low-income entrepreneurs to develop their business idea and help market their products or services.

By partnering with nonprofit organizations across the City, the Office of Small Business will help identify and facilitate the use of public and private spaces that can be used to support low-income entrepreneurs and foster economic growth.

PB funds will be used as grants to nonprofits to support local activation efforts in public spaces, such as seasonal markets; and to offer entrepreneurs access to free or low cost private spaces, such as kitchens. The term activation will be defined by the community to ensure it reflects its actual needs.

Description

This proposal will offer grants to nonprofit organizations to build community gardens on underutilized land for public access and use, prioritizing areas where people have limited access to affordable, nutritious food.

This project will create a healthier environment, beautify the community, address food insecurity, and build camaraderie among residents. Gardens must have a robust rodent management plan.

Description

This proposal will offer grants to nonprofit organizations to plant fruit trees and bushes on underutilized land for public access and use. This will create healthier air, protect our green space, help with food insecurity, and be a cheaper source of organic produce.

Community organizations must prioritize areas that experience increased heat during the summer, as well as locations where there is limited access to affordable, nutritious food. Sustainable fruit cultivation practices should be used, and managing partners must have a robust rodent management plan.

Description

This proposal will create a one-time pilot program to assess the viability of year-round, part time youth jobs for residents ages 14-24. This grant initiative will serve fifty-seven (57) low income youth across the City, and run for 40 weeks (September to June) to complement the City’s Success Link Youth Jobs School-Year program that currently runs from October to early May.

• Forty-two (42) youth ages 14-18 will be able to work 10 hours per week at a rate of $18 per hour. (Current pay rate is $15 an hour for this age group)
• Fifteen (15) youth ages 19-24 will be able to work 15 hours per week at a rate of $20 per hour.

The Boston Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity will closely monitor this pilot program to evaluate the impact of year-round, part-time jobs on youth.

Description

This proposal will offer grants to nonprofit organizations to expand evening and weekend recreational opportunities for Boston youth.

Grants will be designed to reduce barriers to participation by reducing fees and improving access to equipment. Through sports participation, Boston youth will build positive connections and enhance community engagement.

Description

This proposal will offer grants to nonprofit organizations to bolster assistance programs for Boston residents facing food insecurity. The purpose of these grants is for residents to access fresh food (fruits and vegetables, dairy, eggs, meat, seafood).