Have an idea for a creative way to help the environment, but need funding to make it a reality? The Sustainable Tacoma Grant offers up to $5,000 through the City of Tacoma’s Office of Sustainability to any nonprofit or educational institution planning a project related to sustainable development and climate change mitigation. Tie-ins with Tacoma’s Climate Action Plan, found at http://www.cityoftacoma.org/sustainability , are encouraged. Key strategies in that plan include transportation and fuel reduction, energy conservation, waste reduction and recycling, and smart land use and livable neighborhoods. Applications must be mailed or post-marked by Oct. 29, 2010.

Applications will be evaluated by the Sustainable Tacoma Commission, the appointed citizens’ commission charged with overseeing the successful implementation of the Climate Action Plan, and encouraging citizens to do their part. Secondary sustainability attributes to consider include local economy, culture, equity and diversity. Incorporating an educational aspect is highly encouraged.

Possible projects include developing a walking school bus program; school and urban agriculture projects; installing a passive thermal solar water heater; planting example street trees with informational signage; creating a YouTube video to educate citizens on recycling in Tacoma; conducting a tap water versus bottled water taste-off; and installing recycling stations at a local school.

To find out more about the Sustainable Tacoma Grant, visit http://www.cityoftacoma.org/sustainability or call (253) 502-2223.