Apply to Town's Community Green Fund by April 30

April 30 is the spring deadline for applications to the Town of Caledon's Community Green Fund. As part of the 2007 budget, council approved $20,000 for this year's funding.

"Community groups carrying out key environmental work are encouraged to apply to the Town's Community Green Fund for funding support," said Mayor Marolyn Morrison.

Eligible projects have a clear environmental focus, engage the community, specify projected outcomes, include a monitoring and evaluation plan, provide meaningful, measurable results, support the Town's environmental policies, and may demonstrate collaboration between groups.

The fund awards two types of grants: fast track or project funding. Fast track applications cannot exceed $1,000 and will be for smaller projects or events with time constraints. A maximum of four fast-track applications will be accepted each year. Project funding applications cannot exceed $5,000 and will be distributed as fee for service or in a program delivery manner. A letter of intent is the first step in requesting project funding.

The letter of intent template for project funding and a copy of the Green Fund Framework containing the application criteria, project requirements, application form and other necessary information is available on the Town's Web site under "Environment" within the "Town Hall" section on the home page.

If funds permit, a second round of applications will be solicited in fall 2007. However, groups are encouraged to apply for the first round of funding as available funding dollars are limited.

The Community Green Fund was included as an immediate action in the Town of Caledon's Environmental Progress Action Plan. This plan was endorsed by council in June 2005, and council initially approved the fund during the 2006 budget. For more information about the Community Green Fund, visit www.caledon.ca or contact Sara Peckford, environmental progress officer, 905-584-2272, ext. 4269.