Two Ways to get a Little Extra Cash
by Anne Daymut, Watershed Coordinator
After a decade of abundant funding opportunities in the environmental non-profit community, it may be hard for some of us to accept that the financial crisis is just beginning to trickle down to us. Many of the funding programs that watershed groups have grown to rely on will have even less money than last year to distribute to our worthy causes in the future. The latest round of Growing Greener, announced this past weekend, is a great example. It will have less to distribute and a narrow focus. Abandoned mine related projects in particular will be limited to priority watersheds, set by DEP, and mine drainages located on bond forfeiture sites. Given that most abandoned mine drainage sites are not in either category, it is possible that a very small percentage of grants will be given for abandoned mine drainage remediation this round.
If we want to continue making watershed improvements and remain viable organizations in our communities, we must be willing to seek out new funding opportunities. One way to accomplish this is by pooling dollars through innovative partnerships. It just so happens that Anthracite Region Independent Power Producer’s Association (ARIPPA) is currently seeking partnerships with Pennsylvania Conservation Districts and non-profit organizations. ARIPPA is awarding $20,000 to Pennsylvania Conservation Districts or non-profit organizations that support ARIPPA’s mission and have completed on-the-ground AML/AMD projects between August 2009 and August 2011. The money is broken into two pots: $10,000 for those organizations with projects in the Bituminous region of
For anyone who has ever participated in the development, construction, and funding of AML/AMD projects, you know that $10,000 can’t complete an entire project. However, in our present constrictive economy, $10,000 can mean a lot to an organization that is struggling. It could be the last little bit needed to complete a project or help with operations. The awards are based on a competitive application and the deadline for the application is July 30, 2010, so don’t delay. To get all the information you need to fill out the application, visit: www.wpcamr.org. To learn more about ARIPPA, visit: www.arippa.org.
Another mechanism to fill up you petty cash is the 9th Annual Port of Pittsburgh – Ohio River Watershed Celebration, aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet on September 15, 2010. Due to the generosity of several donors, the Celebration planning committee has been able to give away cash prizes to laudable displays presented on the Networker Cruise for the past several years. Judged on partnership development, community and outreach efforts, and project innovativeness rather than grandeur, your organization could earn one of four $250 second-place prizes or one of four $500 first-place prizes for presenting your organization’s display on the Networker Cruise. Any environmental non-profit organization, including conservation Districts and Municipalities, in the Ohio River Watershed, covering parts of