Responding to the heightened public concern on water quality issues as well as the community's interest in preserving watersheds across the region, the Niagara Community Foundation announced today the launch of a new environment grants program to support initiatives addressing these issues.

Its priority is to support projects that protect or restore the environmental integrity of the shorelines. Activities to protect or improve the water of the lakes and related tributaries are also of interest to the Foundation. A total of $15,000 is available in the first round of applications due on January 31, 2003. Registered charities can call the foundation at 905-684-8688 to obtain an application.

In announcing the program, Board President John Potts commented that "the integrity of the environment is critical to the quality of life we enjoy in Niagara. With this new program, our intention is to work with local organizations on innovative initiatives in this sector. We are also creating an environment endowment fund which will support similar projects in perpetuity."

Earlier this year the foundation was successful in receiving funding support from the Great Lakes Protection Fund through the Great Lakes Community Foundation Environmental Collaborative to launch its program. Funding criteria was developed based on input from a number of environment organizations across Niagara.

Established in 2000, the Niagara Community Foundation is a collection of permanently endowed funds and resources given by caring citizens who have chosen to make their community a better place to live and work. To date over $1,700,000 has been raised to be held as a permanent legacy to support community projects.

For release: Nov. 8, 2002

For further information contact: Liz Palmieri, Executive Director, (905) 684-8688