In July of 2019, RiverWise awarded more than a dozen mini-grants for various small-scale community projects. The mini-grant program is intended to give residents an opportunity to dream about the kind of future they want to see for their community.

Nearly $21,000 in funding was awarded, with each project receiving between $400 and $2,500. The projects are:

• The Upper Room Gathering Space, sponsored by the Center at Midland.
• Urban Farming Tool Rental Shed, sponsored by River Town Food Alliance.
• Rocky Bend Creekside Trail Improvements, sponsored by Independence Conservancy.
• Pollinator Playground at Neighborhood North, sponsored by Neighborhood North Children’s Museum.
• Ohio River Trail Bike Fix-it Station, sponsored by the Ohio River Trail Council.
• Neighborhood Bike Safety Partnership, sponsored by Communicycle.
• Monaca Borough Air Monitoring Project, sponsored by the borough.
• Courageous Conversations: Environment vs. Economy, sponsored by the Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Coalition.
• Franklin Avenue Park Knotweed Remediation, sponsored by Uncommon Grounds Cafe in Aliquippa.
• Aliquippa Social Impact Incubator, sponsored by Greenhouse Lab.
• Monaca CDC Formation, sponsored by the borough.
• Community Chalkboard and Visitor’s Station, sponsored by the Buttermilk Falls Visitor’s Center.
• Coony Hollow Stream Clean-Up, sponsored by the Beaver County Conservation District.

By awarding these mini-grant funds, RiverWise is trying to accelerate the process of regional self-awareness and empowerment, seeking to improve the region’s quality of life in water, mobility, energy, air quality, food and equity.

Each recipient is also receiving consulting and “capacity-building services” and resources to tell their story.