For a third year, the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript is working with the Solutions Journalism Network to tell stories focused on how our community is actively responding to local challenges. Last year, we were one of only eight media organizations nationwide selected for a special initiative dedicated to building sustainable support for this kind of reporting.
Now, we are excited to launch a project we’ve spent the last year developing. As part of our year-long environmental journalism series “Preserving Our Region,” the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript will award two $4,000 grants to fund projects that have a positive impact on our local environment. These grants are funded by the Solutions Journalism Network’s Innovation Fund.
Who can apply: If you live or operate an enterprise in one of the 16 towns in our coverage area, you are eligible to apply (our coverage area includes the following towns: Antrim, Bennington, Greenfield, Francestown, Hancock, Wilton, Lyndeborough, Mason, New Ipswich, Greenville, Temple, Sharon, Jaffrey, Rindge, Dublin and Peterborough). You can apply as an individual, a classroom, an organization, or a business. Ideas can be simple, like installing solar panels on your home and hosting a workshop for curious neighbors, or complex community initiatives involving multiple groups.
The application process is simple and, we think, fun. All you have to do is come up with an idea and create a 10-slide slideshow that can be presented in no more than 2 minutes and 30 seconds (that works out to 15 seconds per slide).
Here is your step-by-step guide:
- Grab the Template: Create a 10-slide presentation using our template. Copy the slideshow template and fill it out in your own unique way.
- Think Visually: Your slideshow should rely on visuals. Because each slide will be on screen for about 20 seconds, use inspiring pictures rather than dense words. See this example to get an idea of what we’re looking for!
- Rehearse Your Timing: Practice your presentation a few times to ensure you comfortably transition through your 10 slides within the 2-minute, 30-second limit. Here is an example of the type of presentation we are looking for.
- Record Your Pitch: We want to meet the humans behind the ideas. Record a video capturing your slides alongside your voice and face. (If it’s a classroom project, we’d love to see the students talking!) You can use any recording software you like (Zoom, Canva, or Loom, for example). Please do not use AI to generate your video.
- Submit Your Entry: Fill out the application form and upload your video. If you don’t have a Google account or run into any technical snags uploading, simply email your video directly to news@ledgertranscript.com and we will take care of it for you.
We are accepting submissions now through Sept. 24, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
A panel representing regional environmental and conservation organizations will review the submissions and select the grant recipients. Awards will be announced on Oct. 15, 2026.
Get all the grant details and official rules:
