One of the most successful and popular of VEE's grantmaking programs is the Virginia Mini-Grant Program, which has enabled thousands of citizens to become actively involved in solving environmental problems in their own hometowns. With grants of $5,000 or less, schools have initiated environmental science courses and outdoor classroom projects, volunteers have monitored water quality in dozens of local streams and rivers, and communities have developed innovative strategies to ensure environmental quality is improved in their community.  Please also consult the new mini-grant program being administered by Virginia's Office of Environmental Education by visiting http://www.vanaturally.com/classroomgrants.html.

The Virginia Mini-Grant Program supports community-based efforts to strengthen environmental education and to promote stewardship of Virginia's waterways. These are intended to be one-time, start-up grants, and preference is given to modest local projects.

ELIGIBILITY

Public and private schools (K-12) and nongovernmental, nonprofit community organizations in Virginia are eligible to apply for one-year awards up to $5,000. Local, state, and federal government agencies and programs are not eligible.

PROGRAM PRIORITIES

Mini-Grants will be limited to projects that focus specifically on the following program areas:

Environmental Education

To increase training in environmental education for educators and school administrators and to expand the use of existing educational resources (curricula, multi-media programs, publications, field studies) in schools and community programs. Projects must include training for teachers/project leaders and service learning activities that engage students and community members in research to solve environmental problems.

Water Quality Protection

To increase public involvement in the restoration and protection of Virginia's water resources through water quality testing and monitoring, pollution prevention, and public education.

GRANT AMOUNTS AND MATCHING FUNDS

VEE's Virginia Mini-Grant awards range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000 for projects up to one year in duration. Matching funds from other sources are usually required. Although cash matches are preferred, in-kind and volunteer services will be considered when detailed in the grant proposal and budget.

FUNDING GUIDELINES

Mini-Grants may include support for training, research, data collection and analysis, monitoring equipment, supplies, curriculum materials, publications, printing, and promotion. Requests for computer and multi-media equipment and instructional software must be accompanied by specific plans for related teacher training, curriculum integration, and long-term maintenance.

Limited funds are available for outdoor study sites only when matched by other funds and designed as an integral part of an instructional program which is fully described in the proposal. Limited grant funds are available to community organizations for project-related operating costs including staff, travel, communications, and supplies.

Grants will not be provided for salaries or benefits of school personnel or for field trips outside Virginia. Grants will not be awarded for political action programs, capital drives and building funds, boats, scholarships, endowments, lawsuits and litigation, or overhead costs.

Because annual applications often exceed the funds available for grants in this program, awards may be approved in amounts less than requested, and we regret that many deserving grant proposals must be declined.

CRITERIA FOR GRANTS

Preference will be given to proposals that meet the following criteria:

• Present an objective and balanced approach to the pertinent issues and program topics.

• Present a specific, feasible plan of action to accomplish well-defined, long-term results.

• Provide evidence of a thorough assessment of community needs, local environmental problems, and opportunities for cooperation with diverse organizations.

• Utilize existing resources and expertise from local businesses and industries, public agencies, academic institutions, and conservation organizations.

• Emphasize the services of volunteers of all ages and minimize administrative costs.

• Include the evaluation of progress and results as an integral part of project activities.

• Anticipate continuation of project activities beyond the period covered by a VEE grant.

• Offer a practical model for use by other schools and/or communities and include a specific plan for dissemination.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES & PROPOSAL REVIEW

Applicants should submit one original and two photocopies of the completed Mini-Grant Application Form, including the authorized signature, and all information specified on the form. Early submission is advised. Proposals may not be submitted by facsimile. There will be no exceptions to deadlines.

Application Deadlines

Applications must be received by VEE by 5:00 PM (ET) on the following dates:
June 15
December 1

Please allow at least ten weeks after the deadline date for a decision and reply by VEE. If grant support is approved, payments may be made in installments. All grantees are required to submit interim and final reports on activities, project results, and expenditures.

VIRGINIA ENVIRONMENTAL ENDOWMENT
MINI-GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM

This form and required attachments, including the authorized signature, may be used to submit a Mini-Grant application.

(1) The Organization:

Name of applicant organization

Brief description of your organization

Mailing address

(2) The Project:

Project Title (or brief description of program)

Beginning and ending dates of program _____________ to _____________

Dates for which funding is requested     _____________ to _____________

(Not to begin earlier than two months following application deadline date)

Name of project director/contact _________________    Telephone (___)___________

(3) The Budget:

Amount requested from VEE _____________   Total project budget _____________

Cash match ______________      Brief statement of in-kind or volunteer services

(4) The Attachments: All information outlined below* must be attached.

(5) The Signature:

Print Name ____________________   Title ____________________    Date ___________

*All the following information must be included:

Key project leaders. The names and qualifications of those responsible for project activities.

Proposal. A project description that clearly states the need for the project, its objectives and expected results, the project activities, location(s), participants and/or target audiences.

Budget. A line-item budget, showing total project costs and proposed allocation of grant funds requested from VEE. The budget must also indicate the sources and amounts of matching funds. If you wish us to consider in-kind or volunteer services as matching support, give us a description of these. Requests for equipment, publications and/or curriculum materials must include brief descriptions, itemized costs, and information on proposed uses.

Schedule. During the period for which funds are requested, one year or less, specify dates or time frames for project activities. NOTE: Grant funding can begin no earlier than two months after application deadline date. Please schedule accordingly.

Other help. Describe plans to enlist the cooperation and participation of volunteers, public agencies, and other schools or citizen organizations in the community.

Evaluation. Specify how the project's results and effectiveness will be evaluated and how the results and/or project model will be shared with other communities.

Future plans. If the program is to continue beyond the grant period, briefly describe future project activities and the plans for raising financial support for the program's continuation.

Governing Board. A list of the members of the organization's governing board.

Certificate of tax-exempt status. A photocopy of your organization's most recent tax exemption letter from the Internal Revenue Service, if applicable. (Not required from public schools.)

Optional materials. Additional descriptive information, such as a news article or photos on the program or a brochure describing the organization, may be included.

Copies. Make two additional photocopies of this application with attachments and send all THREE COPIES:

For delivery by mail: 

Gerald P. McCarthy
Executive Director
Virginia Environmental Endowment
P. O. Box 790
Richmond, Virginia 23218-0790

For packages our street address is:

Virginia Environmental Endowment
Three James Center
1051 East Cary Street
Suite 1400
Richmond, Virginia 23219

(804) 644-5000