Case Study: Massaro Community Farm Learning Garden Solar Pavilion
Massaro Community Farm in Woodbridge, CT, envisioned a sustainable solar pavilion to provide space for community gatherings and create essential energy for the farm.
Massaro Community Farm in Woodbridge, Connecticut, envisions a world where everyone has access to fresh, healthy, affordable food, communities feel connected to the land and each other, and individuals build a healthier future for themselves and the planet.
One of the farm's long-standing dreams was to create a pavilion in its Learning Garden as a central space for youth education and community programs. They envisioned a sustainable solar pavilion that would provide a space for the community to gather and create essential energy for the farm.
In 2022, that dream became a reality. In collaboration with Emmet O’Brien Technical High School, the pavilion was built, and solar panels were installed. In 2023, the farm launched a crowdfunding campaign to complete the construction of the pavilion, including connecting the solar panels, installing electrical and plumbing, and adding finishing touches to the space. The campaign received incredible support from the community.
“The results of the crowdfunding campaign were truly incredible. Over 170 people contributed to help raise over $15,000. Combined with the match from Sustainable CT, we were able to meet our goal in securing the funds to complete the final phases of the solar pavilion.” – Steve Munno, Executive Farm Director
Impact by the Numbers
By reaching the crowdfunding campaign goal, the campaign unlocked a matching grant from Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund. The program offers a 1:1 match of up to $15,000 to support climate change and clean energy projects that promote, support, or target energy efficiency, renewable energy, and greenhouse gas reduction.
Now in its final stages of construction, the farm looks forward to welcoming the community to enjoy the pavilion in the coming months. Once complete, it will serve as a key gathering place for field trips, summer camps, school programs, community workshops, farmer trainings, and more.
About Sustainable CT's Community Match Fund
Sustainable CT's Community Match Fund is an innovative crowdgranting program building more sustainable, healthy, and vibrant communities across Connecticut. Whether you’re dreaming of more green spaces, solar for public spaces, greenways for biking and walking, murals and other public art, green jobs programs, or community gardens, the Community Match Fund can help make your great idea a reality by providing fast, flexible funding and support for sustainability projects that engage your Connecticut community.
