$10,000 grants available for small environmental projects

Community groups, organizations and societies with project ideas that will maintain or enhance environmental conditions are invited to apply for grants of up to $10,000.

Eligible projects include ones that strengthen ecosystems, help communities mitigate and adapt to climate change, and support environmental education—all of which address goals in the Trust’s new Environment Strategic Plan.

Apply now through June 27, 2014, by visiting cbt.org/eg.

Through environment grants, the Trust has provided over $5 million during the past 12 years for environmental conservation, restoration, stewardship and education projects across the Basin.

“We are looking for community-initiated and -supported projects that contribute to larger regional impacts,” Sabrina Curtis, the CBT’s Director of Sector Initiatives, said in a statement released on Thursday, May 8. “We want these projects to make a real difference to both the local environment and residents of the entire Basin area.”

Earlier this year, the CBT finalized its Environment Strategic Plan, which will guide its water and environment initiatives until 2019. It sets goals in five areas: water, ecosystems, climate change, environmental education and helping to strengthen the wide range of organizations that focus on the environment.

As in previous years, an environment grant intake, offering grants over $10,000, will take place in the fall. It will look different from how it has in the past, with refinements that build on a range of suggestions the Trust has heard from residents, environmental experts and various organizations. Watch the website for details.

Columbia Basin Trust supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the its programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1-800-505-8998.