Imagine if your school received a grant to renovate the courtyard. You could turn it into an eco-friendly area for students to sit, relax and get away from the stresses of the day. South Amboy Middle High School recently received a $4,600 grant from Lowe’s Toolbox for Education program to do just this.
Lawrence Ghezzi, the media specialist at the school was initially looking for media related grants, but this one caught his attention. The plan is to use the funding to renovate a 4,900-squarefoot area located in the courtyard of the school so the students have a quiet place to study or focus their minds before the school day begins.
Some eco-friendly features of this open space will include solar lights, seasonal flowers and ergonomically correct sitting areas. In addition to provide the grant, Lowe’s will also be available to provide guidance and consultation to ensure that the project follows the initial proposal. The progress of the school’s renovation will be updated on their website with pictures as they complete it.
Whether you’re a faculty or student at a middle school, high school or university, there are grant opportunities available to improve schools so they are more sustainable. So you can work to make a difference at your school too. Maybe the courtyard needs renovating or the equipment should be updated to more efficient models. If you’re interested in applying for a renovation project, Lowe’s Toolbox for Education program is open for 2010 and the deadline is Feb. 12.
An alternative to searching for grant funding to make the eco-friendly renovation happen is to plan fundraisers throughout the year. It’s best to have a proposal written up so interested donors can read about your plans. Then you may get some “word of mouth” advertising and gain more donors and assistance.
Depending on how receptive the community and parents are to giving back to the school, you might want to start on a smaller scale. Use fundraisers for less inexpensive green projects and send out grant applications for larger scale renovations. Although applying and waiting for funding takes time, it might be the best route to get your school more eco-friendly.
