Purpose

The Upper Loup Natural Resources District (ULNRD) is pleased to offer a Nature in Neighborhoods Restoration and Enhancement Grant to nonprofit organizations residing in the District. This grant program, funded by the ULNRD, is designed to distribute funds in amounts up to $1,000 to organizations interested in developing or enhancing a current outdoor learning site or for developing or enhancing an outdoor area in their community.

The ULNRD Nature in Neighborhoods grant program supports hands-on activities and environmental education programs that protect and contribute to watershed health in the District. The program connects community-minded people to their neighborhoods, natural areas, backyards and beyond. In addition, this program is intended to encourage awareness,appreciation, knowledge and active conservation of natural resources.

Eligible Applicants

Any nonprofit organizations such as schools, 4-H clubs, FFA Chapters, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts,
business groups, etc. that are located within the Upper Loup NRD’s boundaries, which includes
the counties of Grant, Hooker, Thomas, Blaine and Logan. Schools and clubs are limited to submitting one application per school year.

Proposal Period and Funding

The maximum grant request is $1,000 per application. Applicants are limited to submitting one application per year. Applications must be turned into the Upper Loup NRD by December 31, 2010 for the following years funding. Applications will be evaluated on the projected environmental benefits and awards to be announced by January 31, 2011.

Upper Loup Natural Resources Nature in Neighborhoods Grant Project year 2011 Funding Guidelines

Projects must meet one of more of the following objectives:

* link participants to their watershed and or work towards educating participants about watershed health
* educational programs that teach ecological concepts and build awareness about the connections between our actions and how they affect our watersheds
* conservation, restoration, enhancement or similar projects where a need for the project
has been demonstrated
* projects that can serve as models for new, innovative ideas that benefits watershed health

Grant funds can be used for most materials needed to create or improve a site. Materials included, but not limited to, include:

* native plants including trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses and seeds
* materials for the development of a pond or wetland habitat
* wildlife feeders and shelters
* soil and soil amendments

Fund Distribution

Approved applications will receive 50% of their grant award following project approval by the
ULNRD and the submission of a signed cooperative agreement to the ULNRD. The remaining 50% will be reimbursed after the project is completed, an on-site visit by the ULNRD and upon submission of a final grant report.

The final grant report shall be:

* submitted to the ULNRD no later than January 31, 2012
* provide a reflective narrative of the project
* provide a summary of how the project will be maintained and used in the future
* provide an actual budget / expenditure summary to include legible copies of dated, itemized, detailed receipts or invoices with clear explanations for all expenditures paid from grant funds
* if applicable time sheets for donated services and detailed recipes or invoices with clear
explanations for donated materials

Nature in Neighborhoods Grant Application