'Small Grants for Community Partnering' make a difference in Northern Colorado communities

Since 1998, local groups and neighborhoods throughout Northern Colorado have used Larimer County’s Small Grants for Community Partnering to help fund their projects and make a difference in their communities. These include Glacier View Meadows, Buckeye Community Club, Red Feather Lakes Library, Soaring Eagle Ecology Center, Abbey of St Walburga, Virginia Dale Community Club, Eyestone Elementary and the North Fork Weed Coop.

Funded by the County’s Help Preserve Open Spaces 0.25-cent sales tax, the program allows citizens to request funds for their community projects. Annually, $20,000 is set aside for individual awards up to $2,000 per project per year. Grants are dispersed throughout Larimer County and your group is encouraged to apply for this seed money to enhance your community.

Applicants can be individuals, organizations and groups, and homeowner/property owner associations. Projects can be for:
• Protection or enhancement of open space, trails, natural areas, wildlife habitat, river areas, and wetlands on private or public land
• Agriculture
• Increased access to open lands and natural areas
• Research on open spaces.

Applications for 2014 grants are due Friday, Sept. 6 at 3 p.m., and awards announced by February 2014. Information and application are available at www.larimer.org. Applicants are encouraged to read through the selection criteria and to contact Sue Burke, Coordinator for Small Grants for Community Partnering, with questions.

Application forms, selection criteria and other information may be obtained:
• Online at www.larimer.org
• In person at Larimer County Natural Resources Department, 1800 S. County Road 31, Loveland, or
• By mail by contacting Sue Burke at 970-679-4566 or sburke@larimer.org