2024-2025 Conservation Education Mini-Grants

Sumter, SC-Sumter County public, private, and alternative schools are eligible to apply for up to $1,000 in grant funding to support conservation projects and youth environmental education initiatives through Conservation Education Mini-Grants sponsored by the Sumter Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). To be eligible for funding, schools must be in Sumter County (including the City of Sumter). Mini-Grants may be used to support conservation-related student projects including, but not limited to, environmentally focused problem based or service-based learning, outdoor classrooms, school gardens, nature trails, wildlife habitats, rain barrels, composting initiatives, air quality campaigns, litter clean-ups, rain gardens, erosion control, virtual learning opportunities for students, and take-home activities promoting environmental stewardship.

Awards are competitive and proposals will be evaluated on the project’s conservation impact, feasibility, student and community involvement, and educational outcomes. Grants are available in amounts up to $1,000; applicants should design a budget based on what is most appropriate for their project.

Two award cycles are available: applications received by November 8, 2024, will be considered for fall/winter 2024 funding; applications received by February 7, 2025 will be considered for spring 2025 funding. Funding is issued as a reimbursement for project expenses; copies of receipts and a brief final report containing captioned photos of the completed project are required for reimbursement. Project work and the expenditure of funds must be completed by June 13, 2025.

For more info, contact Anna Makiewicz at (803) 905-7650, ext 3 or sumterswcd@gmail.com