Mini-Grants Available for Sustainability Projects
Communities in West Virginia that are interested in accomplishing their sustainability goals can apply for mini-grants that are being offered through the Sustainability Institute at Bridgemont Community and Technical College and the West Virginia Sustainable Comunitites (WVSC) program.
A limited number of small grants will be awarded to communities in West Virginia that have an interest in advancing their sustainability goals. Grants will be given for technical assistance that includes professional services such as architectural/engineering, marketing/branding, and meeting facilitation. Unfortunately, construction, administration, equipment, printing, travel, and overhead expenses will not be eligible for these grants.
In order to apply for the grants, projects need to correspond to one or more areas of emphasis such as architectural services to incorporate sustainable design and energy efficiency into an historical building renovation project; hiring a consultant to develop a business plan or feasibility study for a new recycling program; landscape design to incorporate water conservation, native vegetation, and local art into a greenway, trail, or community park project; engaging a professional facilitator for a sustainability planning process or to update an existing plan; and hiring a consultant to develop a “buy local” campaign.
Eligible applicants range from 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations to grassroots organizations working with a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor. Local government agencies and quasi-governmental entities are also eligible to apply.
The application deadline is Jan. 15, 2013. Completed applications must be submitted to jdurant@bridgemont.edu. The grants will be awarded in mid-February.