Local Teachers Eligible for Conservation Mini-Grants

COLUMBIA, SC – The City of Columbia is now supporting a new mini-grant geared towards clean water student projects such as rain barrels, composting initiatives, litter clean-ups, rain gardens, erosion control, stream bank restoration, and more.  Awards are competitive and proposals will be evaluated on the project’s water-quality impact, feasibility, student and community involvement, and educational outcomes.

Public, private, and alternative schools located in the City of Columbia can apply for  Clean Stream Columbia or Conservation Education Mini-Grant up to $250 each for campus conservation projects and youth environmental education initiatives.

For rules and to download the application, visit Richland Soil and Water Conservation District‘s Mini-Grant Announcement.  Two award cycles are available for both Mini-Grants. Applications received by October 15, 2015, will be considered for fall 2015 funding. Applications received by February 16, 2016, will be considered for spring 2016 funding.  Projects must be completed by June 15, 2016.

Schools in the City of Columbia may apply for a Clean Stream Columbia Mini-Grant, funded by the City of Columbia.

Schools in Richland County, including City schools, may apply for a Conservation Education Mini-Grant, funded by Richland Soil and Water Conservation District. This Mini-Grant supports conservation-related student projects such as outdoor classrooms, school gardens, nature trails, wildlife habitats, rain barrels, composting initiatives, air quality campaigns, litter clean-ups, rain gardens, erosion control, and stream bank restoration.

For more information, contact Chanda Cooper at (803) 576-2084 or[email protected].