People in Douglas County can apply to receive grant funding for projects focused on cultural and natural heritage as well as historic preservation.
The county’s Heritage Conservation Council is offering up to $250,000 in grants, with individual awards as high as $60,000.
Target grants of up to $60,000 are expected to have a “significant and lasting impact on the conservation of the county’s natural and cultural resources,” according to a county news release. HCC has set aside $210,000 for target grants.
Seed grants, new this year, are geared towards smaller-scale initiatives. These can include hosting events, developing curriculum, creating signage or similar projects. HCC has set aside $40,000 for seed grants, with individual awards going up to $5,000.
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Projects must take place in the county and be wrapped up in two years. County commissioners designated these funds for grants through the annual budget process.
Last year’s grants went to projects such as adding markers for Black people buried at Potter’s Field, restoring the ECM’s event hall and building a boardwalk in the wetlands at Haskell Indian Nations University. Learn more about past grants at this link.
“These grants create lasting benefits for our community,” Heritage Conservation Coordinator Kaitlyn Ammerlaan said. “Thanks to the Commission’s support, we’re able to help fund projects that strengthen our sense of place and protect important resources for future generations.”
The county will host an information session, open to all, running from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22 at the Douglas County Public Works and Zoning and Codes Building, 3755 E. 25th St.
The application window is open now until 5 p.m. Thursday, March 5. Applicants are required to discuss their proposals with Ammerlaan before Feb. 20 and prior to submission. HCC will make grant recommendations to county commissioners in April.
HCC is prioritizing specific themes for grants. Learn more in this guidelines document.
Folks can see a draft of the application form at this link. Scroll to the documents section of the page, click the grant program tab and then download the file entitled “Natural and Cultural Heritage Grant Draft Application” to view the form.
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