New Grants

EPA Makes it easier to find FUNDING Sources for Watershed Protection ON-LINE.

EPA has recently updated the Catalog of Federal Funding Sources for Watershed Protection. This Catalog is now online as an easy to use, searchable Web site. The Web site provides information for watershed practitioners and others on 84 Federal funding sources that may be available to help fund various watershed-related projects. To view the Web site, go to: http://www.epa.gov/watershedfunding.

Funding for Kids in Science

While local funding to add resources to your science department may be trickling in there is another way to enrich your students without reaching into your own pocket. Local service organizations are not normally contributors to school budgets, but when students are part of a club or activity that takes place outside the classroom there are some options. One of the champions for supporting children is Optimist International whose members abide by the motto "Friends of Youth". Here is a proposed outline to follow:

1. Go to the following website www.optimist.org and find your local club.

2. Find a core group of students prepared to monitor a local body of water. Visit the LaMotte website www.lamotte.com and call the technical service department (800-344-3100) to assist you in determining what LaMotte test kits would achieve your goals.

3. Call the local contact on the internet and let them know your plans for a student monitoring program and offer to present a request.

4. Visit the Optimist Club event with at least one student who can communicate the important project goals. Offer to report test results on an annual basis.

5. Give them two choices in the low to mid price range ($100 to $250+) and await their decision. It may take several weeks for their board to meet and allocate the funding to groups requesting assistance.

Note: A well conceived plan with student involvement can go a long way to provide a lasting relationship with a local service organization. They raise money specifically to help contribute to the development of youth. One final word is if you like what you see go ahead and join!

Go to National Science Teachers Association Website for a list of current grants: http://www.nsta.org