Nevada City, Calif.– Community organizations with ideas to strengthen local climate resilience can now apply for up to $4,000 through a new micro-grant program from The Resilience Project of Western Nevada County. The application deadline is July 15.
Grants are open to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and tribal organizations in Western Nevada County only. A total of $20,000 in funding will be awarded. Grant recipients must spend their money and complete their projects by Nov. 30. The program will fund small-scale, community-led projects that help western Nevada County become more resilient. Grants can be used for equipment or tool purchases, climate-related event costs, or labor to implement projects that benefit local residents and landscapes.
“The best ideas often come from the people who know their communities best,” Supervisor Sue Hoek, one of two representatives from Nevada County on the Resilience Project. “This is a great opportunity for our local groups to take their ideas off the drawing board and turn them into reality.”
Supervisor Hardy Bullock, the other representative from Nevada County, said a project that could fit is something like the Town of Truckee’s “Green Box Program,” a reusable box that can be used for to-go orders from restaurants, reducing waste going to the landfill. “Building resilience isn’t something government can do alone,” Bullock said. “Our community organizations are essential partners in creating healthier, more resilient communities for the future.”
Examples of other eligible projects could include creating neighborhood recycling drop-off programs, launching educational campaigns about energy efficiency incentives, or organizing free woodchip giveaways to improve soil health, retain moisture and help reduce wildfire risk. Grants can be used for purchase of equipment or tools, climate-related event costs and/or labor time.
The micro-grant program is funded through the state’s Regional Resilience Grant Program, administered by the California Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation.
Applications will be evaluated based on community benefit, climate resilience impact, project readiness, budget, and alignment with the Resilience Project’s regional resilience goals.
Preference may be given to projects that serve underserved populations, involve collaboration, or create approaches that can be replicated in other communities.
The Resilience Project of Western Nevada County is governed by six agencies: Nevada County, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Nevada County Resource Conservation District, Nevada Irrigation District, and Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital District. All community members are welcome to attend The Resilience Project’s quarterly public meetings.
Applications for the micro-grants and more information on the Resilience Project of Western Nevada County can be found at www.NevadaCountyCa.gov/ResilienceProject.