Deadline: 22-Feb-22
The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation is pleased to launch K-12 Pollinator Schools Program to support the creation of native pollinator habitat at locations in Illinois that provide K-12 environmental education programming.
Students learn about Illinois’ native plants while the habitat provides a much-needed food source for a variety of pollinators. Grant support can be applied towards the purchase of plant materials as well as cover a portion of the costs associated with hiring consultants or contractors to help with the design, installation and limited summer maintenance of the habitat.
Depending on the land available, some of the projects selected for this program may create habitat areas that are relatively small (i.e. 1,000 square feet), while others may be an acre or more in size. All will provide students first-hand experience with Illinois’ native habitat in action by creating a year-round refuge for pollinators.
Funding Information
- Eligible applicants may apply for up to $10,000 or 90% (whichever is less) of the costs related to the design and installation of the habitat and an additional $1,000 towards summer maintenance.
- This is a reimbursement grant program. Grantees are responsible for all of the upfront costs.
- Payment is made upon review and approval of paid invoices and receipts.
- All grants are funded at the full amount, but not all grant funds need to be requested
- Grantee funds a minimum 10% of the project cost and 100% of ineligible expenses
- Grantee commits to caring for the Pollinator Habitat for five years
Eligible Projects
- Hold a “Community Planting Day” or “Pollinator Celebration” at the site
- Educate K-12 school-aged children and the community about pollinator habitat and native pollinator conservation
Activities Funded
- Hiring outside professionals or contractors help with Pollinator Habitat, which could include assistance to design, install and/or maintain the habitat
- Plants, seeds, soil amendments, mulch
- Staff oversight for management of the project (not to exceed $1,000)
- Hand tools and/or irrigation equipment (not to exceed $1,000)
- Interpretive signage (not to exceed $1,000)
- Curriculum and curriculum-related materials and supplies
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants:
- Public or private K-12 schools; or
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations working in partnership with schools to provide K-12 environmental education programming
Note: ALL applicants (nonprofits and local government agencies) are required to provide a Federal Employer Tax ID/Employer Tax ID Number (FEIN/EIN).
- Education:
- Action plans must describe integration of Pollinator Habitat into educational curriculum
- Nonprofits and Nature Centers must demonstrate connection with teachers who commit to using the habitat for instruction
Criteria
- Habitat must be incorporated into educational curriculum
- Project must be supported by a team that includes educators committed to teaching about native pollinators in the classroom
- Projects must meet Minimum Habitat Requirements
- School Board approval required
- Signage acknowledging Foundation grant required
- Grantees are responsible for the upfront project costs
- Grant funds are paid on a reimbursement basis
- Priority will be given to sites certified as a Monarch Waystation or as implementing the NRCS, IL Conservation Practice Standard 327 criteria for pollinator habitat.
For more information, visit https://www.illinoiscleanenergy.org/natural-areas-program/k-12-pollinator-schools-program/