EPA Environmental Education Grant Funding FY2011 General Content

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting
grant applications for $1.9 million in funding for environmental
education projects and programs. The purpose of the grants is to promote
environmental stewardship and help develop knowledgeable and responsible
students, teachers and citizens. EPA expects to award at least 20 grants
nationwide ranging from a minimum of $15,000 to a maximum of $100,000
and will accept applications until May 2, 2011.

The grants provide financial support for innovative projects that
design, demonstrate, and/or disseminate environmental education
practices, methods, or techniques. Projects should involve environmental
education activities that go beyond disseminating information.

EPA will be hosting two conference calls for potential applicants
interested in additional information about the application process. The
conference calls will take place on March 21, 2011 at 11 a.m. Eastern
Daylight Time (EDT) and April 6 at 2 p.m. (EDT). To participate in the
conference calls, dial: 1-866-379-5082, and use conference ID number:
48699133 for the call on March 21. Use conference ID number: 48696117
for the call on April 6.

The Environmental Education Grant Program provides funding to local
education agencies, state education or environmental agencies, colleges
or universities, not-for-profit organizations, or noncommercial
educational broadcasting entities. Tribal education agencies, which are
controlled by an Indian tribe, band or nation, may also apply, including
a school or community college.

Since the program began, EPA has provided more than $50 million in
funding to more than 3,000 agencies and organizations.

More information on eligibility and application materials:
http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html - Note: If a link above doesn't
work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.

View all news releases related to grants

Also see the Frequently Asked Questions document and the revised Grant
Writing Tip Booklet that are on the webiste.. The Frequently Asked
Question document will be updated as new questions are received. Please
check our website frequently.

Applications are due on May 2, 2011 to the appropriate regional office.

How is the EPA EE Grant Program different this year?

In FY 2011 there will be two Requests for Proposal (RFP) issued. The
following questions deal with the first RFP, just issued in March 2011
with applications due May 2, 2011. This RFP is fairly similar to
previous RFPs in this program, except for the following:

1. There will be no grants issued from Headquarters.

2. The upper dollar limit for proposed EPA funds for projects is
lower than in previous years ($100,000 vs $200,000). The lowest
dollar limit for proposed EPA funds for projects is higher than in
some previous years ($15,000 this year).

3. The project start date in proposals should be no earlier than
September 1, 2011 (vs July 1 in previous RFPs).

4. There is a requirement to specify an environmental issue, based on
EPA’s current priorities, that the proposed project will focus on.

5. There is more emphasis on expanding the conversation on
environmentalism by including a variety of audiences in proposed
projects.

The second RFP that will be issued in FY 2011 is anticipated to be
published in late April 2011. It will be substantially different from
the current and previous RFPs. Your organization may apply for a grant
in the second RFP process this year, even if you win an award from the
first solicitation process, assuming your organization is eligible.
Please visit our site (www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants) in April to view the
second RFP, or go there now to sign up to receive electronic
notification of its publication.

___________________________________________
Sally Hanft
Puget Sound Budget Contact
EPA Region 10 Environmental Education Grant Coordinator and President's
Environmental Youth Awards Program Coordinator/CARE Program Co-Lead/
206-553-1207
206-553-2955 (fax)
www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html
www.epa.gov/care