Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County
Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program Implementation Fund
FY2011 Mini Grant Program
The FY 2011 Mini Grant Program:
The purpose of the Mini Grant Program is to provide small grants (up to $10,000) for projects in the Ashokan Watershed related to education, outreach, training, and other activities that help improve stream and floodplain management. Program guidelines can be downloaded here (mini grant guidelines, 2011)
A further purpose of the grant program is to help implement recommendations in the Annual Action Plan and to increase knowledge, skills and information in the community related to stream and floodplain management. The 2011-2013 Action Plan is available at www.ashokanstreams.org.
Examples of highly competitive requests would be:
- (1) education and outreach programs for the community related to streams and floodplains in the Ashokan Watershed
- (a) speaker fees to bring experts to local organizations and community groups,
- (b) travel and registration fees for trainings or conferences that are directly related to watershed management and likely to increase the skills of agencies and organizations working in the Ashokan Watershed,
- (c) development and distribution of educational materials (print or other media) within the watershed
- (2) improvements to stream access points and other projects that improve recreational and public enjoyment of streams,
- (3) projects that reduce the spread of or increase awareness about invasive species of concern in the Ashokan Watershed (Didymo, Japanese Knotweed, Emerald Ash borer),
- (4) stream and riparian area habitat improvements,
- (5) small stream projects that have a very strong public benefit, improve habitat, or protect public infrastructure
Funding Available FY2011: $100,000
Application Deadlines: July 8, 2011 and October 7, 2011.
Eligible Use of Funds: Must be relevant to stream management in the Ashokan Watershed. Higher priority for projects that directly help to implement recommendations in the Annual Action Plan. Indirect or administrative overhead costs are not permitted, but can count towards matching funds. Applicants must be able to meet CCE liability insurance requirements to directly receive funds.
Contact Liz Higgins at emh56@cornell.edu if you have questions about this.
Application Instructions: The application must include:
- 1. FY2011 Mini Grant Program Application
- 2. Cover letter with a statement that the organization complies with CCE Civil Rights requirements.
1 hard copy and 1 electronic copy by e-mail (emh56@cornell.edu) shall be sent to: Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program, attn: Elizabeth Higgins, CCE Ulster County, 10 Westbrook Ln., Kingston, NY 12401
If the grant is approved:
Once an application is recommended for funding by the Advisory Council, the applicant will develop a final budget and scope of work (Attachment A) and contract with CCE and DEP. A copy of the contract template is here. Organizations that are unable to meet the insurance requirements in Attachment B of the contract will need to apply to DEP for a waiver. This may increase the time that it takes to get a signed agreement. Until a contract is signed, CCE and DEP are not liable for any expenses incurred for the project. No expenses incurred prior to a signed contract will be reimbursed.
Reimbursement Guidelines: Financial reporting requirements are included in Attachment C of the contract. Other reporting requirements will be determined in the Scope of Work. The grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis.
Reporting Requirements: The grantee will provide CCE Ulster County with a final report to the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program.
CCE Ulster County reserves the right to require additional documentation at any point if required by NYC DEP.
For More Information Contact:
Elizabeth Higgins, Program Coordinator
Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County
10 Westbrook Ln.
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 688-3047 or (845) 340-3990
Emh56@cornell.edu