Celebrating Our October Big Idea Grant Winner: Carolyn Fenley and Eco Clean Guardians

I’m thrilled to announce our Big Idea Grant recipient for October: Carolyn Fenley, founder of Eco Clean Guardians Inc.

This month’s grant is going to support work that’s truly transforming communities—and I can’t wait to share Carolyn’s story with you.

Her Big Idea: Eco Clean Guardians

Carolyn founded Eco Clean Guardians Inc. (ECG), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that’s doing something remarkable: transforming litter abatement into paid, dignified work.

Through #TheCleanupMovement, ECG coordinates structured, data-driven cleanup crews across New Jersey, with strategic pilots timed ahead of America250 and the FIFA World Cup 2026.

What Makes This Model Special

ECG follows a disciplined 80/10/10 budget paradigm:

• 80% goes directly to labor stipends
• 10% to supplies
• 10% to administration

This means that philanthropic dollars directly fuel community impact—ensuring that the majority of every dollar raised goes straight to the people doing the work.

The result? Empowering veterans, retirees, students, and under-employed adults while restoring pride in neighborhoods.

What Inspires This Work

Carolyn founded ECG after years of witnessing the same communities struggle with litter, limited municipal budgets, and residents eager for flexible paid work.

She is deeply passionate about proving that environmental cleanup can be a jobs engine—creating real economic opportunity while making a tangible environmental difference.

As Carolyn shared with us, she’s guided by Margaret Mead’s powerful words:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

And that’s exactly what she’s doing.

How She’ll Use the Big Idea Grant

The grant funding will be used to:

✅ Support paid cleanup crews within the pilot region

✅ Expand GPS-mapped data collection to track impact and efficiency

✅ Strengthen digital infrastructure, including Microsoft 365, Power BI dashboards, and volunteer/participant onboarding tools

This early support builds momentum toward statewide expansion in 2026 and positions ECG to meet increased environmental demands during America250 and the World Cup.

Why This Grant Matters

This is exactly why we created the Big Idea Grant.

To support women like Carolyn who are:

• Solving real problems in their communities
• Creating sustainable, scalable solutions
• Building models that empower people while addressing critical needs
• Leading with vision, passion, and commitment

Carolyn isn’t just cleaning up litter. She’s creating dignified work, restoring community pride, and building a model that can be replicated across the country.

That’s the kind of big idea we’re honored to support.

Learn More About Eco Clean Guardians

Want to learn more about Carolyn’s work or support the mission?

Visit: www.ecocleanguardians.org

Follow their journey and see the impact they’re making in communities across New Jersey.

Apply for the Big Idea Grant

The Big Idea Grant is awarded on a rolling basis.

If you’re a woman with a big idea that needs support—whether you’re building a business, launching a nonprofit, or creating something that makes a difference—I want to hear from you.

Applications for December’s grant are now open.

Visit our page to learn more and apply.

Congratulations again, Carolyn!

We’re so proud to support your work and can’t wait to see the impact Eco Clean Guardians makes in the months and years ahead.

To everyone reading: let’s celebrate women who are building, creating, and making a difference. Drop a comment below and congratulate Carolyn on this well-deserved recognition.

Here’s to big ideas and the bold women bringing them to life. 💚✨