It's time to apply for a Community Pride Grant

By By Beth Randall / lauderdale county 4-H director
Jan. 19, 2003
Now is the time to write a Community Pride Grant for your youth organization. The grant program provides funds for youth groups to complete environmental projects.
Community Pride is a unique grants and awards program sponsored by the Chevron Companies and administered by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Its purpose is to enhance youth development by providing incentives for youth to improve their communities.
I have heard all the excuses about writing a grant "It takes too long," "I'm not good at writing," or "I probably won't get one." Those statements are false. I have several examples to share with you that prove that submitting a grant is worth the time.
Several youth organizations from Lauderdale County received Fall Community Pride Grants and will begin work on their projects soon. The Library Club at West Lauderdale High School was awarded $300 its outdoor classroom project, and the Sunday Afternoon Study Group was awarded $400 for its project.
I am looking forward to seeing these great projects completed because of the value they add to our community.
Groups that completed projects last spring include Magnolia Courts Youth Gardening Club, Hope Village for Children, Junior Master Gardeners, Poplar Springs Elementary Explorer classes and Marion Park Alternative School.
Each organization that receives a Community Pride grant must complete a progress report on the project. These reports are judged statewide and additional money is granted to the top projects.
As you can see, it is possible to secure a Community Pride grant. It takes a willing group of youth and adults, a good idea, and a little planning and work.
The Chevron Companies are investing in environmental education projects for K-12 youth to help them learn cooperative skills that will bring success and assist in preparing them as leaders.
The Community Pride grant program is designed to teach such cooperation between individuals, and with other groups and organizations working toward a healthy community and enhanced environment.
After hearing about these past winners, I bet you are wondering how you can be part of the Community Pride Grant Program.
It is really quite simple.
Any organization academic clubs and classes, 4-H, Boy/Girl Scouts, Junior Achievement, or other local nonprofit groups can work through the local Extension Office to design and implement a Community Pride project.
There are many learning situations provided for the young people and adults who become involved in the Community Pride program. The Community Pride program allows for:
Adult-youth partnerships that can strengthen community development and intensify environmental quality.
Youth to develop self-esteem in working with others for the benefit of all.
The wise use of community resources while teaching responsibility and accountability.
Community service opportunities to improve the community and to enhance the environment.
The project your group chooses may be the outgrowth of other environmental awareness programs, such as Project Wild, Project Learning Tree, A-Way with Waste, Backyard Wildlife Habitat, or others. Your project could be an identified community need that your group wants to improve.
All it takes is vision and working together to make our community a better place to live.
This opportunity is definitely too good to pass up. Your youth group can join hundreds of others making a difference in their communities. The grants awarded may be as much as $400.
Spring 2003 grant proposals are due to MSU by March 1. It does take a little time to write and several signatures are required, so start soon!
The Community Pride grant packet is available from your County Office of the Mississippi State University Extension Service. In Lauderdale County, call me at 482-9764 for grant packets or additional information on Community Pride.
In other news
The 4-H Personal Development Club will meet Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the conference room of the Lauderdale County Detention Center.
The program is entitled, "An Adventure in Photography." Yvonne Parr, a photography expert who taught an MCC "College For Kids Class," will teach the session.
You may bring your camera, but it is not necessary. Parr will give participants tips on photography and show slides. The annual photography contest is coming up, so this will be both helpful and fun.
The March meeting will be an exciting craft session. The club plans to make items to take to residents of Queen City Nursing Center. As you can see, the Personal Development Club has a lot to offer all youth ages 8-13, so come and join the fun.
Be a part of the Personal Development Club! Call the club president, Lydia Burns, at 626-7046 for more information.