CBT increases funding for environmental projects
By Contributor
Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is now accepting community-initiated and community-supported project applications for its Environmental Initiatives Program (EIP).
“This program has been very successful in the past and we want to continue to see the projects it supports making a difference in Basin communities,” said Rick Allen, CBT Program Manager, Environment.
This program has provided over $3.5 million in funding over the past six years for environmental conservation, restoration, stewardship and education projects across the Basin. This year, CBT has increased program funding by 40 per cent to $630,000 and is looking to residents and groups in the Columbia Basin to submit innovative project ideas that will help maintain or enhance environmental conditions in and around their communities. The EIP program includes a small grants stream, geared at projects under $5,000 and a large grants stream for projects up to $20,000. The EIP application form and guidelines are available at
www.cbt.org/programs and the deadline to apply is 3:30 PST March 13, 2010.
Following up on recommendations from an EIP Review in 2008, CBT worked to fulfill some of these recommendations by streamlining the program and making it easier for smaller groups to submit applications. CBT is continuing to improve access to the program again this year by hosting four community information sessions, which will give participants the opportunity to speak to CBT staff and the stewardship advisors directly about their project ideas before submitting their applications.
“These sessions are really our opportunity to help groups and organizations around the Basin understand eligibility requirements, to answer questions about the applications and to discuss what happens after they are successful,” said Allen. “We also want to recognize and celebrate the hard work of successful applicants who will speak about their projects at the sessions, which also might provide attendees with insight into developing an application.”
The sessions are taking place on the following dates and locations:
February 22 – Revelstoke
February 23 – Invermere
February 24 – Fernie
February 25 – Trail
Advance registration for the information session is required. Sessions must have a minimum of ten registered participants. Please RSVP to golden@cbt.org by February 18, 2010. Detailed locations and times will be given at time of registration.
CBT also understands that some community groups may need technical assistance in the development of their project ideas. In order to provide this support CBT will make stewardship advisors available to those who require this assistance.
For more information about submitting an application, contact Rick Allen at rallen@cbt.org or Tracy Amies at tamies@cbt.org or call 1.800.505-8998.
Deadline for submitting an application is 3:30 PST March 19, 2010. Applications must be submitted electronically to eip@cbt.org and an original signed hard copy, delivered to any CBT office. Applications should clearly be labelled, “EIP Program.”
In addition to the grants provided through EIP, CBT also supports environmental education activities and has an active land conservation strategy. Visit our web site to learn more about these initiatives or read CBT’s Environmental Strategic Plan 2009-2012 which guides CBT’s environmental directions.
CBT delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit our web site or call 1-800-505-8998.
