Would you like to help Tacoma reduce its carbon footprint? If so, you might consider applying for a ‘Sustainable Tacoma Grant.’

The grant offers up to $5,000 through the City of Tacoma’s Office of Sustainability to any non-profit or educational institution planning a project related to sustainable development and climate change mitigation. Tie-ins with Tacoma’s Climate Action Plan are encouraged. Key strategies in that plan include transportation/fuel reduction, energy reduction, waste reduction/recycling, and smart land use/livable neighborhoods.

Applications must be e-mailed or postmarked by October 28, 2011.

Applications will be evaluated by the Sustainable Tacoma Commission. The City Council-appointed citizen commission is charged with overseeing the successful implementation of the Climate Action Plan and encouraging citizens to do their part.

Possible projects include developing a walking schoolbus program, school and urban agriculture projects, installing a passive thermal solar water heater, planting example street trees with informational signage, creating a YouTube video to educate citizens on recycling in Tacoma, conducting a tap water versus bottled water taste-off, and installing recycling stations at a local middle school. Secondary sustainability attributes to consider include local economy, equity and diversity, and culture. Incorporating an educational aspect is also highly encouraged. Be creative! There are many ideas that could be funded.

For more information, visit http://www.cityoftacoma.org/sustainability .

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17 grants, $50K fund eco-friendly Tacoma projects (01/03/11) — http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1901820&more=0