Educational Capital Projects Fund
The Upper Big Blue NRD Board of Directors recently approved the Educational Capital Projects Fund (ECAP) to create, develop, or establish natural resource education outreach projects, programs, and/or curriculum. This program provides funding for natural resources related educational capital projects that create experiential learning environments and opportunities for District citizens. Previously, the District offered the Outdoor Classroom Program which provided funds for planting a variety of grasses, trees, shrubs and other vegetation to teach students about the environment and conservation. These projects will now be funded though the ECAP program, which can also provide funds for several other environmental teaching opportunities. Examples of such ECAP projects include, but are not limited to greenhouses; commercial and botanical gardens/vegetative learning plots; beekeeping/honey production equipment; rain/flood/dam/erosion/wind simulators; interactive and hands-on exhibits; educational learning displays/pods; digital/electronic equipment/devices; and research/demonstration equipment, etc.
This fund is for capital items only, deemed to have educational/conservation value, and determined worthy of funding on a case-by-case basis by Upper Big Blue NRD. Educational/conservation projects must be physically located, constructed, and maintained within the Upper Big Blue NRD. These educational capital projects are generally constructed on school property, however, can be located elsewhere if there is a more suitable eco-system which again is determined on a case-by-case basis for funding determination.
If selected, projects with a project cost of $1,000 or less, would be funded for 100% of the actual cost. If the total project cost is greater than $1,000, then the cost-share would be $1,000 + 5% of the total cost. The maximum District contribution for a project will not exceed $10,000.
The application period runs from March 1st thru October 15th. If you are interested applying for ECAP assistance, please contact the Upper Big Blue NRD office. The ECAP application form is available online at www.upperbigblue.org/education.
This fund is for capital items only, deemed to have educational/conservation value, and determined worthy of funding on a case-by-case basis by Upper Big Blue NRD. Educational/conservation projects must be physically located, constructed, and maintained within the Upper Big Blue NRD. These educational capital projects are generally constructed on school property, however, can be located elsewhere if there is a more suitable eco-system which again is determined on a case-by-case basis for funding determination.
If selected, projects with a project cost of $1,000 or less, would be funded for 100% of the actual cost. If the total project cost is greater than $1,000, then the cost-share would be $1,000 + 5% of the total cost. The maximum District contribution for a project will not exceed $10,000.
The application period runs from March 1st thru October 15th. If you are interested applying for ECAP assistance, please contact the Upper Big Blue NRD office. The ECAP application form is available online at www.upperbigblue.org/education.