DRWA School Mini-Grant

The Deerfield River Watershed Association has established a Watershed School Mini-Grant Program, thanks to the generous donation from a private individual through the American Express “Just Give” program.

The goal of this grant program is to increase environmental awareness and to help protect the watershed's natural resources (wildlife, water quality, special places, etc.).

Schools in the watershed (the land area that drains to the Deerfield River - see map) are encouraged to apply for grants to help them conduct environmental projects or further their own education goals in that field.

DETAILS

  • Grants can be for any amount up to $300

  • Projects should be completed within one year of the award

  • The school must be located in the Deerfield River watershed and the project must take place in the watershed

  • School level must be kindergarten - 12th grade

  • Public and private schools are eligible

  • Projects with broad participation will be favored over those with minimal participation/audiences

  • Results or what was learned through the project or class must be shared with other watershed residents. The reporting medium can take a variety of shapes (written report, performance, visual arts, radio spot, etc.)

  • Results will be highlighted on this web site and in DRWA's newsletter the Current

  • DRWA will distribute up to $1,000 per year

  • No application deadline. Grants will be reviewed on a monthly basis until the yearly ceiling ceiling has been reached, which will be posted on this page: $1,000 currently available.

  • Allow up two months from filing date to receive an answer.

APPLICATION

To apply, fill out the application form and send to:

DRWA Mini-Grants

15 Bank Row, Suite A

Greenfield, MA 01301

You may also submit applications by email at drwa@deerfieldriver.org

EXAMPLES

These are examples of projects that would qualify (but don't be limited by these categories!):

  • Storm drain stenciling

  • Monitoring the water quality in a stream or pond

  • Conducting a macroinvertebrate survey of small tributaries

  • Doing a shoreline survey of a nearby stream

  • Creating nature quests

  • Creating or maintaining nature trails

  • Developing displays or interpretation tables for local parks

Examples of expenses grants can cover:

  • Equipment and supplies

  • Nature guides, books, maps

  • Environmental workshop registration fees

  • Transportation to museum or exhibit

  • Laboratory analyses

  • Specimen collections

  • Consultant fees are discouraged.

 PRIOR AWARDS

May 24, 2011: The Deerfield River Watershed Association was pleased to announce the award of a mini-grant to the Rowe Elementary School for a Watershed Waltz program.Stormdrain stenciling