Thursday, February 16, 2012

KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvania’s Greenways in need into something beautiful.
            The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required.  Grants will be awarded on April 16.
            Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it, Clean it, and Keep it projects within a Greenway.
            Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across the Commonwealth, creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting open space, natural landscape features, scenic, cultural, historic, and recreations sites, and urban and rural communities.
            A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides people with recreation and transportation opportunities.
            As one of the Commonwealth’s most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and livable communities, greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst the natural beauty of Penn’s Woods.
            This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnership Program, Environmental Stewardship Fund, under the administration of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.
            The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania.  Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply.
            Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered – it is within a Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories: Prevent it, Clean it, and Keep it (see application for details), plus provide proof of liability insurance, signed permission to enter from the private property owner, and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services.  Selected awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before, during, and after photos.  
            “We are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the state,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.  “Greenways are integral to healthy, livable communities, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communities.”
            For more information, visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an application.  Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael, Greenways Mini-Grant Program Coordinator, at 1-877-772-3673 ext. 102 or send email to: scarmichael@keeppabeautiful.org.