Organizations in seven Connecticut municipalities, including New London, recently received $57,550 from the Sustainable CT Community Match Fund to kick-start projects in their communities.

The sustainability-minded and community-driven projects include: expanding a youth development program in New Haven; tree plantings across Willimantic; a wayfinding system in Thompson; outdoor classrooms for Bristol schools; new trees in a West Hartford park; community gardens in New London; and a new composting program for Greenwich schools.

The Sustainable CT Community Match Fund doubled the funding available for each project with a dollar-for-dollar match. Sustainable CT is an initiative of the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University meant to assist communities in becoming more resilient and sustainable. It is funded by the Hampshire Foundation, Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation and Connecticut Green Bank.

In New London, Sustainable CT matched the $3,010 raised by Eastern Connecticut Community Gardens Association for a total of $6,020 to install gardens for FRESH New London, Riverside Community Garden and New London High School. The gardens are expected to be completed by April.

Anyone in a Sustainable CT-registered municipality is eligible to receive funding. Schools, nonprofits, community groups and individual residents can propose projects and access the matching funds. To start a Community Match Fund project, visit ioby.org/sustainablect or contact Sustainable CT's Abe Hilding-Salorio at hildingsalorioa@easternct.edu or (860) 465-0256.

Sustainable CT, an initiative by the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University, provides a road map of sustainability best practices for towns, technical assistance, funding and recognition through certification. Forty-seven towns and cities across Connecticut have earned the prestigious Sustainable CT certification, demonstrating accomplishments in nine impact categories, including inclusive and equitable communities, cleaner transportation, vibrant arts and culture, natural resource stewardship and affordable housing. Find more information at www.sustainablect.org.