The Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) has announced up to $5,000 per project in funding for grants to enhance water quality in the Appomattox River watershed.
The grants are being made through VOF’s new Appomattox River Fund, which was established using mitigation funds through an agreement between VOF and the Virginia Department of Transportation. The fund’s purpose is to mitigate for the loss of riparian trees on a VOF easement in Amelia County resulting from a bridge replacement project.
The grants are available to projects that directly and indirectly improve water quality in the watershed such as tree plantings, river clean-ups, and trail improvement to reduce erosion.
Approximately $10,000 is available for the grant round and will be awarded as small grants in the range of $500 to $5,000. Funds up to $1,000 will be disbursed up front for approved projects. Additional funds will be provided upon completion.
Eligible applicants include local governments, schools and universities, and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations such as environmental groups, land trusts, Scout troops, and churches.
Projects must be located within the Appomattox River watershed on property that is accessible by the public.
Grant applications for the first round are due February 28, 2020, with project selection occurring in March 2020. Apply online at https://www.vof.org/terra/arf/.
Questions about grants from the Appomattox River Fund should be sent to Emily White, ewhite@vof.org.
