San Jose, CA - December 18, 2017: The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority's Board of Directors approved a new Measure Q Environmental Education Grant Program designed to advance environmental literacy and nature-oriented experiences for children, adults, and families free of charge. This competitive grant program is funded by Measure Q, a voter-approved Open Space funding measure and invites proposals for nature and science-based environmental education programs and youth engagement projects in one or more of these categories:
- Natural Resources
- Water and watersheds
- Agriculture
- Nature’s health benefits
Eligible organizations include public agencies, schools and school districts, and nonprofits. A total of $100,000 is available for this cycle and the grants will range from $5,000 to $24,999. A 33% match is required, which can be met through in-kind services, supplies, or cash, or through matching funds from other sources. Applied Materials Foundation has agreed to be listed as a potential source of the required match. Interested parties should email here for more information.
The grant guidelines and application will be available on the Authority’s website starting January 16, 2018 and complete proposals and supporting documentation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 16, 2018.
The Authority will be offering public workshops to provide an overview of the grant and the application process in late January 2018. Participation is recommended but not mandatory. Details are available on our website.
“This new grant program expands on the current Measure Q Urban Open Space Grant Program, allowing further engagement with the urban communities,” said Andrea Mackenzie, the Authority’s General Manager. “The Open Space Authority is looking forward to partnering with a multitude of wonderful organizations who provide creative and engaging environmental education programs.”
The Measure Q Environmental Education Grant Program is also intended to promote investments in underserved communities to more equitably distribute the benefits of nature throughout the diverse communities and neighborhoods within the Authority’s jurisdiction. Through the Understanding Our Community assessment project, the Authority identified several priority “Deep Engagement Communities,” which are areas with the greatest barriers to access of open space. Programs that address the environmental education needs of Deep Engagement Communities or other underserved populations will be awarded bonus points.
Sign up for the Environmental Education mailing list on the Authority’s website to receive more details about the grant program.
Download a pdf copy of the press release here.
