Applications for the 14th Annual Loraine Tisdale Environmental Education Fund awards are due on Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Each year ECRI's Education Fund gives out small grants to Rhode Island schools and school-based after-school programs for hands on environmental projects by students that benefit the local environment. This year is clearly different.
COVID-19 has changed the way schools and non-profits operate. We are all challenged by how to keep up programs at a distance. This means that small grants with easy application forms for things kids can do outside are needed more than ever. For the present, it means basically the same application process. The Environment Council is counting on your creativity, as always, and we look forward to your projects about the climate crisis, food production, waste reduction, water quality, or other key environmental issues that affect your community.
Schools and after-school programs can request an application from the ECRI's Education Fund, or download one below. The only change this year is that the project has to primarily take place outside adhering to COVID suppression guidelines from RIDE or a local equivalent.
We are pleased to offer 3 grants of up to $250 in support of school-based projects that:
- Have student participation
- Take place primarily outside
- Lead to measurable improvement in an environmental condition
All Rhode Island schools and school-based after-school programs are encouraged to apply, and an ECRI Education Fund representative will be happy to answer any questions with their project application. We can be contacted either by email here or by phone at (401) 331-0529.
ECRI members will review all applications and three schools or school-based after-school programs will receive $250 to carry out their projects. Over the last several years, schools all over Rhode Island have been awarded these grants for water quality, school gardens, recycling, composting, and alternative energy projects.
The Loraine Tisdale Environmental Education Awards honor a woman whose energy for a just and healthy environment was legendary. Mrs. Tisdale held an undergraduate degree in chemistry and a degree in nursing. For many years she led an organization that addressed safety and health issues concerning pesticides.
The application deadline is November 25, 2020 and awards will be made in January 2021 for projects to be undertaken in the spring of 2021. Applications are available below.
Applicants should be aware ECRI will do some publicity around the winning projects and encourages winners to publicize their projects as well.
→ Learn more about the Loraine Tisdale Environmental Education Fund Awards and review a list of previous winners here.
