MEEC is accepting proposals for environmental school gardens.  School garden funds provide basic tools necessary to start or sustain a school garden project.  Suitable projects may include but are not limited to: seeds, soil, equipment, building materials, low water-use irrigation materials, trees, plants, greenhouse supplies, and composting materials.  Interested teachers should complete the online application by detailing desired materials, the project/materials’ environmental component and how the project will address educational standards. The application must also contain a timeline for project implementation and a budget or cost breakout based on the applicant’s research of actual material costs, including shipping and handling, if applicable.  Labor costs and prepared food items are not eligible for funding.  Your school’s name, mailing address and a contact number/email must be included on the application for consideration. Projects must be implemented/materials must be used in classrooms/schools located in the High Desert portion of San Bernardino County, the Antelope Valley or the Palo Verde Valley of Riverside County.  Applicants must also teach within these same jurisdictions.

Maximum grant amount is $500. Individual award amounts to be determined by MEEC. Only one grant will be awarded per school per school year. The application period is open until program budgeted funds have been depleted or until March 1st of the school year, whichever come first. No applications will be accepted after March 1st. Applications are received and time stamped using web-based application and exported to Google Forms spread sheet. Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis by the Program Specialist.

After review, grant recipients will receive an email notifying them of the materials they were approved to purchase.  A check will follow in the mail within 30 days. Non-awardees will be notified via email why their application was denied and may resubmit their application again for a future review period.

Grant recipients are required to submit a copy of receipts for the purchase of project materials to MEEC no later than June 30, 2020.  Additionally, recipients must submit a photograph (digital preferred) of the funded project involving students, with a caption explaining the photo’s subject matter, as well as date and location.  Photos may be used in future issues of MEEC newsletters or other publications.