Deadline nears for fall community green fund bids

October 1 is the fall 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 for funding support," said Mayor Marolyn Morrison. "Applicants will want to ensure their work supports the Town of Caledon's environmental policies. Some projects may even demonstrate group collaboration."

Eligible projects must have a clear environmental focus. The project must engage the community, specify projected outcomes, include a monitoring and evaluation plan, and provide meaningful, measurable results.

The Community Green 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.

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.

Groups who are considering applying to the Community Green Fund are encouraged to contact Sara Peckford, environmental progress officer, at 905-584-2272, ext. 4269.