Frequently asked questions
Kingston Common Futures is a pilot program! You probably have questions.
Here are some things we get asked a lot:
When can I apply for funding?
Applications will open in late winter/early spring 2025. The first step will be submitting a Letter of Intent or LOI for your project. If a project fits the Mission of Kingston Common Futures and is within the scope of funding, you will be invited to submit a full application in spring of 2025. Sign up for our mailing list to be notified about when applications open!
Who or what is eligible for funding?
Individuals (18 years and older), groups, businesses, and organizations with projects that serve the Kingston community and align with our vision are eligible to apply for seed funding.
Our vision: We envision a future where all people are woven into an inclusive community, offering their gifts and working together in stewardship of our abundant planet, for the common good.
Priority will be given to projects that struggle to get funding in traditional ways, are led by people who have historically been excluded from funding and opportunity, and show in their budget that the funds will stay local.
Can I apply as an individual or do I have to apply as a group, business, or non-profit?
Individuals who are 18 years or older are eligible to apply. Groups, businesses, and non-profits are also eligible to apply for project funding.
Kingston Common Futures may encourage folks applying with similar projects to meet,cross-pollinate, and consider collaborating or applying together.
Who will decide what projects get funding?
Members of the Kingston community! Each Letter of Intent (LOI) and Full Application are first read and evaluated by several volunteers in the community trained to determine benefit to the Kingston community, mission alignment, and project readiness.
The final decisions will be made by a group of 10-12 community members who will volunteer on the Decision Circle. The Decision Circle members will not be involved in other parts of the application process. This group will read finalist applications, interview finalists, and make a decision together in a facilitated, democratic space, based in discussion and consensus .
Can I apply with just an idea?
You may submit a Letter of Intent with just an idea and an amount of funds requested. However, the next step is to submit a full application. For the full application, you will need to prepare a budget and demonstrate that your project is ready to get started. If you need help getting your idea ready, come to one of our application events where volunteers can work with you on your application.
What is the “common good”?
We define “common good” as projects and initiatives that put into practice ways of building and managing shared resources to meet our community needs in a regenerative way.
David Bollier, an expert on “commoning” has a definition that has helped guide our thinking. In his book The Commoner’s Catalogue for Changemaking, his descriptions ring true for us:
“Commons are generally bottom-up initiatives that prioritize meeting people’s needs over market exchange and capital accumulation. They stress the importance of stewarding the earth and its ecosystems, especially in contrast to market-based extraction. Commons show a special commitment to the local, and to participation, inclusion, and fairness. Reliance on markets, state power, formal law, and policy are kept to a minimum.
“Columnist George Monbiot has summed up the virtues of the commons nicely: “A commons…gives community life a clear focus. It depends on democracy in its truest form. It destroys inequality. It provides an incentive to protect the living world. It creates, in sum, a politics of belonging.”
I run an organization that is already receiving funding locally. Can I still apply?
Applicants receiving funding from other sources are welcome to apply! In the full application, you will be asked to provide a project budget and information about whether you have secured funding for costs beyond the scope of this grant.
Our fund focuses on applicants who have not had historic access to resources. If your project has ample access to financial resources, other projects may be given more consideration
I just want to do something small for me and my neighbors, does that qualify?
Possibly. Kingston Common Futures seeks to promote the common good. Some projects that start as a small seed may grow or have positive ripple effects throughout the wider community. Does your project promote the common good and sense of community? We suggest coming to an application mixer to explore this question.
Has your question been answered?
If not, feel free to submit your question here and we’ll update our FAQs as clearer answers become available!