FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Sheila Johnson
Public Information Officer, Nebraska Environmental Trust
Phone: (402) 471-5409
Fax: (402) 471-8233
sheila.johnson@nebraska.gov
Lincoln, NE – November 3, 2008 – The Nebraska Environmental Trust received ten MiniGrant applications for its 2008 – 4th Quarter Public Information and Education MiniGrant Awards requesting a total of $24, 387.00. Out of these, 5 projects amounting to $12, 380.00 have been recommended for approval. This will be the first round of awards since the revised rating scale was introduced earlier this year.
As part of the grant making process, the Trust is seeking public input on the Preliminary Recommendations of Public Information and Education MiniGrants, which is now available on its website, www.environmentaltrust.org, before announcing final awards on November 13, 2008. Written public comments will be accepted until November 12, 2008 at the Nebraska Environmental Trust, PO Box 94913, Lincoln, NE 68509-4913, or via e-mail at lisa.beethe@nebraska.gov Please include your name, address and organization (if applicable), and be sure to reference the project name and number in your correspondence. Comments can also be presented in person during a public hearing at our 4th Quarter Board Meeting on November 13, 2008, 9:30am at River View Lodge at the Mahoney State Park.
The PIE grant was suspended in 2007 pending a revised rating scale. It was reinstated in September 2008 with a revised rating scale that is tailored to better serve and reflect quality environmental education projects for the state of Nebraska. The Trust hopes the changes will strengthen the projects and provide a better evaluation tool for selecting projects for funding.
The PIE grants are limited to $2500 and are awarded quarterly. They were created as a MiniGrant program for public information and education projects. They support the presentation and dissemination of information and perspectives that stimulate enhanced environmental stewardship in any category eligible for Trust funding. This grant program seeks to expand dialogue on important current conservation topics and to provide information on emerging or highly useful conservation methods.
For more information, you may contact Ms Sheila Johnson at 402- 471-1714.
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