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Worthwhile environmental projects have a better opportunity to reap success as a result of the Ministry of Environment’s Grant to Non-profit Organisations.
Education Officer at the Ministry, Donna King-Brathwaite, explained that, for nearly a decade, various entities had benefitted from the grant, which is designed to encourage and assist environmental projects in their early stages of development.??
"The fund became a part of the Environment Division’s budget in 2002-2003, and $60,000 was allocated for community-based projects at that time. Since then…the fund has been increased to $100, 000," Mrs. King-Brathwaite revealed, noting that the growth was a direct response to the demand from community-based groups.
She also explained that the evaluation process for the grant would require the submission of an application form, background information on the organisation and the project as well as a budgetary proposal.
"Once proposals are received, they are thoroughly assessed by the Ministry’s Environmental Education Committee and recommendations for fund disbursements are made to the Permanent Secretary. Disbursements are usually effected between December and February," Mrs. King-Brathwaite noted.
In order to meet the criteria for the fund, the organisation must be registered with the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office, the project must have a strong environmental theme, demonstrate clear benefits to the community and promote environmental stewardship among community members.
Seven non-profit entities benefitted from the grant in 2010; including the Future Centre Trust for its Green Business Programme and the St. James Secondary School Environment Club’s aquaponics project.
Persons interested in the Ministry of Environment’s Grant to Non-Profit Organisations may contact the Ministry at 467-5700.