Application (.doc)
Application (.pdf)
Columbia, SC—Richland County public, private, and alternative schools are eligible to apply for up to $1,000 in grant funding to support conservation projects and youth environmental education initiatives through Conservation Education Mini-Grants sponsored by the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). To be eligible for funding, schools must be located in Richland County (including the City of Columbia) or, in the case of schools in Lexington-Richland School District Five, must serve Richland County students.
Mini-Grants may be used to support conservation-related student projects including, but not limited to, outdoor classrooms, school gardens, nature trails, wildlife habitats, rain barrels, composting initiatives, air quality campaigns, litter clean-ups, rain gardens, erosion control, virtual learning opportunities for students, and take-home activities promoting environmental stewardship.
Awards are competitive and proposals will be evaluated on the project’s conservation impact, feasibility, student and community involvement, and educational outcomes. Grants are available in amounts up to $1,000; applicants should design a budget based on what is most appropriate for their project.
Two award cycles are available: applications received by October 2, 2024 will be considered for fall 2024 funding; applications received by January 23, 2025 will be considered for spring 2025 funding. Funding is issued as a reimbursement for project expenses; copies of receipts and a brief final report containing captioned photos of the completed project are required for reimbursement. Project work and the expenditure of funds must be completed by June 11, 2025.
For more information, contact Chelsea Holliday at (803) 576-2087 or holliday.chelsea@richlandcountysc.gov.
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Conservation Districts are political subdivisions of state government under the local direction of five-member Boards of Commissioners. The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District promotes the wise use and care of natural resources--with a focus on soil and water--for long-term sustainability in a changing environment.
Contact
Richland Soil and Water Conservation District
2020 Hampton Street, Room 3063A
Columbia, SC 29204
Phone (803) 576-2084
Fax (803) 576-2088
E-mail soilandwater@richlandcountysc.gov
Facebook www.facebook.com/rswcd