For immediate release
New fund launched for Ontario communities
(Toronto, ON) April 15, 2009 -- Earth Day Canada and Sobeys Ontario are pleased to announce the creation of the Earth Day Canada Community Environment Fund. The fund will provide up to $20,000 in financial support to each eligible community-based environmental initiative and create opportunities for grassroots not-for-profit organizations and local schools to develop sustainable projects to foster environmental education and action across Ontario.
“We are very pleased to partner with Earth Day Canada and support our shared belief that simple actions can make a tremendous impact,” said David Jeffs, President Operations, Sobeys Ontario. “I am optimistic that our new partnership will make a sustained and meaningful difference in our communities and benefit all Ontarians.”
The Earth Day Canada Community Environment Fund is open to community-based, not-for-profit organizations and schools in Ontario. To be eligible for a grant, projects should be open to the public, engage the local community and clearly demonstrate the benefits and achievements it will have on the environment. A committee consisting of representatives from Earth Day Canada and Sobeys Ontario will evaluate submissions twice a year based on pre-determined criteria. The number and total value of grants will be dependant upon the amount of applications and funding opportunities.
“In these tough economic times, it’s an amazing opportunity to partner with Sobeys Ontario and invest in local environmental initiatives,” said Jed Goldberg, President of Earth Day Canada. “The Community Environment Fund will provide much needed financial support and encouragement to community projects that inspire others to action. This program will fund hundreds, if not, thousands of community not-for-profit and school projects across the province.”
The Earth Day Canada Community Environment Fund will begin receiving applications on June 1, 2009. For more information, or to register on-line, please visit www.earthday.ca.
About Earth Day Canada
Earth Day Canada (EDC), a national environmental charity founded in 1990, provides Canadians with the practical knowledge and tools they need to lessen their impact on the environment. In 2004 it was recognized as the top environmental education organization in North America, for its innovative year-round programs and educational resources, by the Washington-based North American Association for Environmental Education, the world's largest association of environmental educators. In 2008 it was chosen as Canada’s “Outstanding Non-profit Organization” by the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication. EDC regularly partners with thousands of organizations in all parts of Canada. www.earthday.ca
Contact:
Keith Treffry | Communications Director | Earth Day Canada | 416.599.1991 x 107 | keith@earthday.ca