Chesapeake Bay Educational Mini-Grant Program for Conservation Districts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the mini-grant programs?
Who is eligible to apply?
How much money is available per grant?
Can a conservation district apply for more than one grant?
How do I apply?
How are applications evaluated?
What types of projects are considered for funding?
Where does funding for the grants come from?
When will I be notified if I have received a grant?
When do I actually get the grant money?
What project expenses are not eligible for reimbursement?
What are the reporting requirements?
Are there additional or special requirements?
Who should I contact with questions?

What are the mini-grant programs?
PACD administers two educational mini-grant programs: the Pennsylvania Chesapeake Bay Educational Mini-Grants Program; and the Nonpoint Source Pollution Prevention Educational Mini-Grants Program.

Both programs provide funding to support educational efforts that help demonstrate how Pennsylvanians can improve local water quality by controlling nonpoint source pollution and, in turn, help to protect and restore their local watershed. Projects funded by the Chesapeake Bay program must incorporate messages that clearly demonstrate Pennsylvania's connection to the Chesapeake Bay.

Who is eligible to apply?
Pennsylvania county conservation districts are eligible to apply for the mini-grants. Conservation districts may partner with watershed groups and other organizations, but the district must submit the application and assume responsibility for the project.

All Pennsylvania conservation districts are eligible to apply for the Nonpoint Source Pollution Prevention grants. Districts located within the Susquehanna and Potomac River Basins are eligible to apply for the Pennsylvania Chesapeake Bay grants.

How much money is available per grant?
$2,500

Can a conservation district apply for more than one grant?
Yes

How do I apply?
Complete an application, available at:
PA Chesapeake Bay Educational Mini-Grants
http://www.pacd.org/resources/cb/minigrants/app.doc (Word)
Nonpoint Source Pollution Prevention Educational Mini-Grants
http://www.pacd.org/resources/nps/minigrants/app.doc (Word)

E-mail completed applications to hannah-smith@pacd.org.

How are applications evaluated?
Applications are reviewed and prioritized by the PACD based on the conservation district's ability to address the goals and meet the requirements of the mini-grant programs.

What types of projects are considered for funding?
All types of nonpoint source water pollution educational projects, ranging from workshops to displays to field tours to outreach programs, will be considered. For an idea of the types of programs that receive funding, click here for a list of previous Chesapeake Bay projects and here for a list of previous Nonpoint Source Pollution projects.

Mini-grant projects must focus on educational efforts that reduce nonpoint source water pollution. Construction projects and general environmental education activities that target youth audiences will not be funded.

Where does funding for the grants come from?
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Chesapeake Bay Program and the U.S. EPA's Section 319 Program.

When will I be notified if I have received a grant?
Recipients will be notified by e-mail within four weeks.

When do I actually get the grant money?
Grant money is awarded on a reimbursement basis. You are reimbursed after your project is complete and the PACD has received your final report.

What project expenses are not eligible for reimbursement?
Staff wages, equipment, and novelty items such as t-shirts, magnets, pens, etc. are NOT reimbursable expenses.

What are the reporting requirements?
The mid-term report, due on a date agreed upon after your grant is awarded, must include:

The final report, due on a date agreed upon after your grant is awarded, must include:

• Receipt of grant funds must be acknowledged on all related materials including print and audio-visual, signage, exhibits, agendas, and news releases.
  
• All project materials intended for viewing and use by the public must be reviewed and approved by the PACD prior to production and distribution.
  
• All materials, including print, audiovisual, exhibits, computer and other grant related purchases are considered property of the PACD and must be made available for use by others, as appropriate, at the request of the PACD.