Sierra Nevada Conservancy budget adopted, grant programs now accepting applications

The Sierra Nevada Conservancy budget for 2007/08 signed by the Governor includes $17.5 million for grants in the region, approved by the voters as part of Proposition 84 last fall. The Conservancy has moved immediately to implement their grant-making program, and is urging organizations to look into the available funds.

As the following chart summarizes, the Conservancy will be awarding two kinds of grants:

● Strategic Opportunity Grants (SOG): These are grants that may be funded through a number of possible sources to help recipients respond to time sensitive opportunities for initial project planning and development, environmental review, appraisal services, or project implementation. They may also be used to build capacity and develop grant administration skills for small organizations throughout the Region.

● Competitive Grants: These grants are awarded on a set annual cycle with a financial review and evaluation process. Specific guidelines will be developed defining the types of activities that are eligible for project funding.

Instructions for Competitive and Strategic Opportunity Grants are available to review and download from the Conservancy’s Web site at www.sierranevada.ca.gov.

SNC Flowchart