Nature in the Neighborhood Grant Program
PURPOSE
The Upper Loup NRD is pleased to offer a Nature in the Neighborhood Restoration and Enhancement Grant to nonprofit organizations residing in the district. This grant program, funded by the ULNRD, is designed to distribute funds in amounts up to $1,000 to organizations interested in developing or enhancing a current outdoor learning site or developing or enhancing an outdoor area in their community
The ULNRD Nature in Neighborhoods grant program supports hands-on activities and environmental education programs that protect and contribute to watershed health in the District. The program connects community-minded people to their neighborhoods, natural areas, backyards and beyond. In addition, this program is intended to encourage awareness, appreciation, knowledge, and active conservation of natural resources.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Any nonprofit organizations such as schools, 4-H clubs, FFA Chapters, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, business groups, etc. that are located within the Upper Loup NRD’s boundaries, which includes the counties of Grant, Hooker, Thomas, Blaine, and Logan. Schools and clubs are limited to submitting one application per school year.
PROPOSAL PERIOD AND FUNDING
The maximum grant request is $1,000 per application. Applicants are limited to submitting one application per year. Applications must be turned into the Upper Loup NRD by December 21 for the following years funding. Applications will be evaluated on the projected environmental benefits and awards to be announced by January 31.
FUNDING GUIDELINES
Projects must meet one or more of the following objectives:
link participants to their watershed and or work towards educating participants about watershed health
educational programs that teach ecological concepts and build awareness about the connections between our actions and how they affect our watersheds (environment)
conservation, restoration, enhancement or similar projects where a need for the project has been demonstrated
projects that can serve as models for new, innovative ideas that benefits watershed health or environmental sustainability
Grant funds can be used for most materials needed to create or improve a site. Materials included, but not limited to, include:
native plants including trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses and seeds
materials for the development of a pond or wetland habitat
wildlife feeders, nesting boxes, pollinator boxes, shelters or other habitat enhancements
soil and soil amendments
FUND DISTRIBUTION
Approved applications will receive 50% of their grant award following project approval by the ULNRD and the submission of a signed cooperative agreement to the ULNRD. The remaining 50% will be reimbursed after the project is completed, an on-site visit by the ULNRD and upon submission of a final grant report.
The final grant report shall be:
submitted to the ULNRD no later than 3 months post project completion
provide a reflective narrative of the project
provide a summary of how the project will be maintained and used in the future
provide an actual budget/expenditure summary to include legible copies of dated, itemized, detailed receipts or invoices with clear explanations for all expenditures paid from grant funds
if applicable, time sheets for donated services and detailed receipts or invoices with clear explanations for donated materials