Looking to educate children of Summit and Lake Counties about environmental stewardship? Looking for additional funding for those projects? Copper Mountain's Environmental Foundation is currently accepting proposals for projects for the 2012 to 2013 grant cycle.
The foundation was started in 2007 by Copper employees with a long term goal to support environmental initiatives in Summit County and the surrounding areas. Grant funds are raised solely by the donations from Copper employees and doubled by the Copper Match program.
Mr Steve Miller acting board president for the foundation said that since its inception the program has awarded more than USD 80,000 in grants to help fund youth and environmental programs. Previous grants have ranged from USD 2,000 per project to USD 10,000 per project. Eligible recipients include private and nonprofit organizations, government agencies and individuals but must have participants between the ages of 5 to 18 from Summit or Lake Counties.
Mr Miller said that employees of Copper voluntarily contribute through tax deductible donations from their paychecks and Copper matches their donations at 100%. Employees that donate to the foundation also have the opportunity to sit on the board of directors that weigh in on the applications submitted for the grant funding. It's a nice thing we do for our employees. Not just the board makes these decisions we allow those who donate to attend the grant funding cycle process.
He said that since the foundation's inception, the High Country Conservation Center, Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, Girl Scouts of America and the Summit School District have been beneficiaries of the grant program.
Mr Jessica Evett executive director of Friends of the Dillon Ranger District said that "It's been wonderful Copper's foundation has been one of our biggest long term supporters. FDRD plans on applying for the grant again this year. This year we hope to continue building those weeklong extended opportunities for kids. That's our ultimate vision. One day opportunities to work with kids are great but what we really need to have is more extended contact with smaller groups of kids to make the experience more transformative for them."
Mr Dave Miller programs manager for the school said that role playing as forest health officials, students came up with policies on how to manage the pine beetle problem and maintain forest health. The program carried with it an action component, allowing children to learn about the issue in hands on way.
Mr Dave Miller said that the grant was instrumental. The program blossomed into our Education in Action program for youth without the grant from Copper, we would not have that program. The school plans to apply for a grant again this year to continue to grow its Education in Action Program.