VERNON – The City of Vernon is launching the 2017 – 2018 Sustainability Grants program to encourage community participation in sustainable action while recognizing current and ongoing sustainability projects in Vernon.
Small grants between $500 and $1000 will be available as an incentive to accelerate sustainability projects led by Vernon residents, youth, non-profit organizations and community groups.
“The Sustainability Grant program is an opportunity for the community to get involved and build their own ideas from the ground up,” says Jing Niu, Environmental Planning Assistant with the City of Vernon.
“Projects could include establishing or improving a neighbourhood community garden, building educational or demonstration displays of conservation by students or youth groups, or undertaking energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction projects.”
Application for the Sustainability Grants will be accepted between August 21 and November 14 and recommendations will be reviewed by City Council on December 10.
Applications will be evaluated on how the proposed projects help achieve the City’s sustainability goals, who the project would benefit, and the overall impact of the project on the community. Successful grant recipients will have until September 2018 to complete their respective projects.
“The City of Vernon is committed to working towards a sustainable future,” says Niu. “Since 2008, the City has initiated a variety of community engagement and education programs to support environmental stewardship and community sustainability.
“The City’s sustainability goals include ecosystem and ecological conservation, energy conservation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, local food and agriculture, water quality protection and conservation, stewardship and sustainability.”
The Sustainability Grants Program was endorsed as part of the 2017-2018 Sustainability Programs by Council.
Additional program information and application will be available at the following link, starting August 21.