Freeport, Texas - March 28, 2008
Organizations contributing to the success of their communities will have a chance to earn up to $25,000 in funding through the 2008 Dow Texas Operations Community Grant Program. The application deadline is April 25, 2008 at 4 p.m.
“This will be the fifth year of the Community Grant Program and each year it’s incredible to see all the great project ideas from local organizations that want to make our communities more sustainable and successful over the long term,” said Trish Ritthaler, Community Relations manager. “Dow is proud to be part of this region and we want to make it even stronger by helping meet community needs through this grant program.”
Organizations may apply for a Heritage Grant of up $25,000 or a Diamond Grant of up to $5,000. Applicants must be charitable or non-profit organizations, or municipal or government agencies and be based in southern Brazoria County. The funding is intended for one-time projects that contribute to long-term benefits in the areas of science in society, community sustainability and/or environmental enhancement.
One of last year’s recipients was the Friends of the Brazoria Wildlife Refuge (FOBWR). The group used their $25,000 grant to build shelters at the refuge to conduct the Discovery Environmental Education Program.
“We had no shade in the past, no protection from the weather and it was really hard for the students to focus on the information they were getting,” said Torre Tvelt, President of FOBWR. “It was also hard on our volunteers. The grant allowed us to provide that shelter so the students can learn and develop that appreciation for nature that will enable us to protect our natural resources for their generation and the generations to come.”
Other recipients in 2007 included Brazoria County Activities Center, Brazoria Heritage Foundation, West Columbia Seniors Center, Brazoria County Master Gardeners, Brazos Place, Faith in Action, Pregnancy Help Center of Brazosport, Southwest SIDS Research Institute, SPCA of Brazoria County, Surfside Beach Volunteer Fire Department and the Homeland Preparedness Project.
Two information sessions about the program will be held at the Lake Jackson Civic Center on Thursday, April 3 at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Those interested in participating must RSVP to 979-238-4649 or castarr@dow.com.
“We want to help any organization submitting an application to understand the process and what type of information they should provide to improve their chances of being successful in getting funded,” said Ritthaler.
Since 2004, Dow’s community grants program has distributed approximately $800,000.
Winners are selected by a committee made up of Dow employees and community members.
Information and applications for the 2008 Dow Community Grants Program are available at www.dowtexasoperations.com
About Dow
For Editorial Information:
Tracie Copeland
The Dow Chemical Company
1-979-238-3792
