By Roslyn Imrie, OSF Youth Grants Chair
The Ozark Society Foundation (OSF) is soliciting proposals for a Youth Engagement Grant to local organizations that are working with students in environmental and conservation efforts. Grants will go to organizations who encourage students to engage environmental awareness and conservation in the Ozark and/or Ouachita region. Successful projects range between $1000 and $3000 depending on the scope and needs of the project. Funds may be combined with other sources of funds to increase the size / impact of the project. To apply you must be affiliated with a 501c3 nonprofit or school located in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, or the Caddo, Bossier, Webster and Claiborne parishes of Louisiana. These funds may not be used for administrative operating expenses, including but not limited to postage, billing, computer software or systems, rentals, paper goods, food/beverages, or social functions. Direct costs, such as paying teaching staff, is permitted only for nonprofits. Projects should actively engage students in conservation efforts that have tangible outcomes. Hands-on learning, service learning, community projects, and advocacy is encouraged while listening to lectures or simply being taken outdoors is not what we will be looking for.
Grant Timeline:
- Applications open Monday August 29, 2022
- Deadline for applications is midnight on Saturday October 22, 2022
- Award nomination concludes Sunday November 20, 2022.
- Awards announced by December 1st at the latest
- Award letters are distributed, signed and returned in early December
- Funds are distributed after the award letters are signed
- Funds will be distributed in December 2022
- Grant checks must be deposited by January 1st, 202
- Final grant reports will be due by Monday November 20, 2023.