The Southwest Florida Water Management District is offering Community Education Grants to members of the community who want to make a positive impact on the water resources in their area.
The goal of the District’s Community Education Grant Program is to actively engage adults in water-related issues pertaining to conservation, protection and preservation. Funded by the District’s Basin Boards, the program is intended to motivate communities to get involved in watershed protection through various activities and educational formats. Grant recipients may receive up to $5,000 to help fund their water resources projects.
Individuals interested in organizing an education project that provides your neighborhood, community group or the general public an opportunity to learn about water resources are encouraged to apply.
“People from a variety of backgrounds receive grant funding to educate their community about the local water issues,” said Virginia Sternberger, community education grant coordinator. “This type of grassroots involvement is making an impact on the way people treat their watershed, leading to a healthier water supply.”
The potential projects should involve and educate on any or all of the following issues: water quality, water conservation, flood protection, natural systems and watersheds. Examples of past projects include watershed education fairs, cleanups, Florida-friendly landscaping projects and showerhead exchange programs.
The projects must also take place between March 1 and June 30, 2009.
To discuss project ideas, please call Virginia Sternberger at 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4756.
To apply, visit the District’s web site at WaterMatters.org/communitygrants. The electronic application allows applicants to save, review and change portions of their proposal before submitting. Grant applications are due Aug. 22, 2008.
In addition to grant funding, a variety of free materials are available and can be ordered on the District’s web site at WaterMatters.org/publications/.