Yolo Air Quality Education Grant

The Yolo Air Quality Education Grant, established by the Yolo Community Foundation in 2022, aims to enhance air quality in Yolo County, California, by engaging children in educational programs that promote behavior change. The grant is funded by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and is designed to support projects that serve children living in or attending school in Woodland, West Sacramento, and unincorporated areas of Yolo County. The funding is intended to facilitate initiatives that not only educate children about air quality but also encourage them to adopt practices that reduce driving, thereby improving the overall air quality in their communities. The primary purpose of the Yolo Air Quality Education Grant is to foster awareness and understanding of air quality issues among children. The objectives include promoting short-term behavior changes, such as increasing the number of children who bike to school, as well as long-term shifts in mindset regarding the importance of air quality and the impact of driving. The grant encourages innovative educational programs that can effectively engage children and their parents, with a focus on reducing vehicular traffic and its associated emissions. Organizations applying for the grant can receive funding of up to $10,000 for projects that meet the outlined criteria. The funding can be used for various purposes, including educational initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and other activities that directly contribute to improving air quality. Projects must be implemented between January 2025 and December 2025, allowing for a full year of program execution and impact assessment. To be eligible for the grant, organizations must be recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofits or be fiscally sponsored by such organizations. Teachers are also encouraged to apply, provided they have a fiscal sponsor, such as their PTA. Applicants must have a current profile on GivingEdge or agree to create one before the final report deadline. Additionally, organizations should demonstrate expertise in working with children and have experience in environmental issues, particularly those related to air quality and reducing driving. The application process requires organizations to submit detailed proposals that address specific questions related to their projects. Evaluation criteria will focus on the project's potential impact on air quality, the effectiveness of the proposed educational strategies, and the ability to engage children and their families in meaningful ways. The grant aims to support initiatives that can demonstrate measurable outcomes in behavior change and air quality improvement. The deadline for submitting applications for the Yolo Air Quality Education Grant is October 11, 2024. Organizations interested in applying should ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements and prepare their proposals in advance of this date. For further information, applicants can contact Carolina Valverde at the Yolo Community Foundation via email or phone. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations to contribute to the health and well-being of children in Yolo County while addressing critical environmental issues.