2020 Sustainability Grants program now taking applications

Photo: Contributed

The city is launching the 2020 Sustainability Grants program to encourage community participation in sustainable action while recognizing current and ongoing sustainability projects.

The City of Vernon has cash in hand for local sustainability programs.

The city is launching the 2020 Sustainability Grants program to encourage community participation in sustainable action while recognizing current and ongoing sustainability projects.

Grants of up to $1,000 will be available as an incentive to accelerate projects led by Vernon residents, youth, non-profit organizations and community groups.

“Though many things have changed with COVID-19, we can still take action to help our community become more resilient,” said Christy Poirier, manager, communications and frants. "The sustainability grants program provides a great opportunity for our community to connect with each other, safely, and build their own ideas from the ground up.”

The range of acceptable projects is broad and could include establishing or improving a neighbourhood community garden, building educational or demonstration displays for conservation, or undertaking energy and greenhouse gas emission-reduction projects.

Grant applications will be accepted until July 27, and recommendations will be reviewed by city council.

Applications will be evaluated on how the proposed projects help achieve the city’s sustainability goals, who the project would benefit and the overall impact of the project on the community. Selected grant recipients will be announced after Aug. 17, and will have until June 2021 to complete their projects.

The City’s sustainability goals include ecosystem and ecological conservation, energy conservation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, local food and agriculture, water quality protection and conservation, stewardship and sustainability.

For more information, click here.