Environment

Guidelines for Application

Background Information

The Eco-Active Schools Program is an environmental grants program, which provides funding to local schools for environmentally related projects. Funding totalling $30,000 is available to schools in the Blacktown Local Government Area.

Goal

"To enhance the ecological sustainability of the Blacktown area by supporting active environmental stewardship in local schools"

Program Objectives

The objectives of the program are to fund and support projects that will:

• Raise awareness of environmental issues such as energy and water consumption, waste reduction, water quality, and biodiversity;
  
  
• Actively involve Blacktown's educational community in the design and implementation of solutions that improve the local environment;
  
  
• Create links between the school curriculum and environmental initiatives;
  
  
• Foster active environmental stewardship amongst local teachers and students;
  
  
• Transform local schools into models for the implementation of ecologically sustainable practices and technologies.

Who is eligible to apply?

The program is open to all schools (primary, secondary, K-12) in the Blacktown Local Government Area. Applications may be from individual classes or the whole school. Please note that all projects must be carried out within the Blacktown Local Government Area.

Selection Criteria - Priority for Funding

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee on the basis of:

• How well the proposed project will address key environmental problems;
  
• The environmental benefits likely to arise from the proposed project;
  
• The level of integration of the proposed project into the school curriculum and the strength of focus on education for sustainability;
  
• The degree to which the proposed project will embrace a student-based approach that may also involve parents and community groups;
  
• Whether the proposal incorporates measures for evaluating the project;
  
• The uniqueness or innovation of the proposal.

Suitable Projects

Any project that contributes to the improvement of the local environment is eligible for funding under the Eco-Active Schools Program. Projects may be undertaken within the school itself, the school grounds, or the surrounding area.

Some suggested projects are listed below:

• Water conservation projects - may include water audits and reduction programs, installing water saving devices, including rainwater tanks
  
• Energy conservation projects - may include energy audits and reduction programs, such as undertaking a retrofit
  
• Waste reduction programs - may include establishing a recycling system, worm farms, composting or waste audits
  
• Construction of class/ community gardens
  
• Bush regeneration projects including tree planting, shade house construction, seed collection and plant propagation
  
• Biodiversity projects - such as the construction of frog ponds/ possum boxes/ bird boxes
  
• Commencement of Streamwatch/ Waterwatch monitoring in a local waterway
  
• Resources and equipment for environmental education.

Please note that applications are not limited to the list above, and new and innovative projects are strongly encouraged. In addition, projects with a focus only on school 'beautification' are ineligible.

Project Length

All projects must be completed by May 2009. A brief progress report must be provided in December 2008, and a written report including a financial statement must be completed by July 2009.

How to Apply

Complete the enclosed application form and submit it to Blacktown City Council. You will be required to outline your project and funds requested for the works to be carried out. Additional copies of the application form are available on Council's website or by calling Council on 9839 6191.

GST Information

If your organisation is registered for GST, the costs of goods and services listed in your budget should exclude GST, which you can claim as input tax credits. If you are not registered for GST, the costs of goods and services listed in your budget should include GST.

If your organisation is registered for GST, and you request $5000 for your project, you will receive a further 10% GST, with the total funding awarded being $5500.

Closing Date

Applications must be submitted to Blacktown City Council by Friday 11 April 2007. Applications may be posted or hand delivered only.

All applicants will be advised in writing of the outcome of their application. Funding will be available in June 2008.

CHECKLIST BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

• Read 'Guidelines for preparing your application'
• Answer all the questions on the application form
• Ensure your application is signed by the Principal
• Ensure the application is legible
• Retain a copy of your application
• Ensure the application is submitted to Council no later than Friday 11 April 2008. Applications post marked on this day are still eligible.

For further information, or assistance with your application, please contact Council's Environmental Education Strategy Officer, Donna Wallace on 9839 6131.