CCWD Water Educaction Mini-Grants

Funds school projects that further understanding of water

The purpose of the Water Education Mini-Grant program is to fund classroom or school projects that further a better understanding of water and the important role it plays in the Bay Area. Through this program, water-related environmental issues, including the integral role water plays in the global community, can be examined. It supplements your classroom efforts by providing additional funding for creative classroom projects.

WHO CAN APPLY:
Educators in grades K - 12, from public and private schools within the Contra Costa Water District service area (Antioch, Bay Point, Concord, Clayton, Martinez, Pittsburg, Oakley and parts of Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill) are invited to apply for mini-grants. All teachers, regardless of subject areas taught, are eligible to apply. Educators may apply individually or as a group or team.

FOCUS OF PROJECTS:
Mini-grant projects must focus on water or water-related environmental projects. This could include taking a field trip to enhance a water-related classroom activity, planting and maintaining a water-wise garden, holding a water awareness day or fair, testing water quality in a stream or lake, teacher development when it would have direct impact on water related classroom activities, or purchasing additional curriculum materials to support class projects. Integrate your project into as many disciplines as you like - politics, social science, the arts - not just science. Let your imagination create a project that educates your students and benefits your school, community or environment.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS:
Complete the attached form. Feel free to duplicate the form, but please limit your application to the space provided. On the application please state clearly how receiving a mini-grant will help make your project a reality.

Describe the project in detail, listing the instructional objectives and support activities. Include the benefits students or others will receive from undertaking this project. Submit an itemized budget for project needs and anticipated expenses. Award amounts may be granted for up to the amount requested. Once you’ve completed the application, ask your principal to review and sign it.

AMOUNT OF AWARDS:
Several grants of up to $500 each will be awarded. (A maximum of $1,000 in multiple grants may be awarded to a single school per school year.) The mini-grant program is intended to supplement school budgets and to assist in making educational programs available that would not otherwise be possible.

REVIEW CRITERIA:
Mini-grant applications will be reviewed using the following criteria:

• Does the project actively engage students in the learning process and enhance the classroom experience?

• Are components of the project interdisciplinary?

• Does the budget cover the activities proposed?

• Are the student activities, goals and objectives clearly defined?

• Is it creative?

Applications submitted will be reviewed by a panel comprised of CCWD personnel. Grant applications which meet the review criteria will be given consideration for funding.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES:
There is no deadline for applications. Mini-grants are accepted throughout the school year and will continue to be reviewed until available funds have been allocated.

PROJECT EVALUATION:
All projects must be completed by the end of the current school year. Educators who receive mini-grants will be asked for a brief summary describing the results of their projects.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Application Form
Please contact Marianne Hook at CCWD at (925)688-8307, or mhook@ccwater.com