Program Overview
In December 2006, the Shoreline City Council allocated funds to implement an Environmental Mini-Grant program to help meet 2007-2008 Council Goal #6 to create an environmentally sustainable community.  The intent of this goal is to provide management and stewardship of natural resources and environmental assets to preserve, restore, and enhance their value for the present and future generations.

Grants up to $5,000 per application will be awarded to individuals, community groups, and business owners on a first-come, first-served basis for projects on private or public property which provide a public benefit to the community. Private property projects must demonstrate a measurable and mutual benefit to the environment and the community. Projects that make a tangible change on the ground, benefiting the community directly, will receive a higher rating. A higher rating will also be given to requests that include an active partnership with a neighborhood association, school, business, or other organization. Matching funds, a matching grant award from another organization, or volunteer hours are required for 20% of eligible project expenses.

On an annual basis, the City will award four projects that address surface water quality and/or quantity issues, and three that improve the general environmental quality of life in the community (including education). Individual and group applicants are eligible for only one award per year. Projects are to be completed during the calendar year that funds are awarded.

Program Goals

• Increase personal awareness and individual responsibility for the stewardship of natural resources and the environment.
• Create partnerships among community groups, businesses and the City that promote a sustainable community environment in Shoreline.
• Implement local projects that contribute to regional initiatives that enhance and protect the environment.

Proposal Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated primarily on the following criteria:

1. Create an environmentally sustainable community. To meet this criteria, proposals should address management and stewardship of natural resources and environmental assets to preserve, restore, and enhance their value for the present and future generations. Examples include:

• Improve energy efficiency
• Reduce solid waste
• Maximize recycling and reuse of resources
• Educate the public, professional associations, schools, business and/or industry about best management practices and personal stewardship of Shoreline’s natural resources.

2. Climate protection agreement/Kyoto protocol. To meet this criteria, proposals must address methods of addressing climate change, global warming or the Kyoto protocol. Examples include:

• Reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Accelerate development of clean, economical energy resources and fuel efficient technologies such as waste to energy, wind and solar energy, and conservation programs.
• Plant trees to increase shading and absorb CO2.
• Educate the public, schools, professional associations, business and/or industry about reducing global warming pollution and simple, cost-effective changes that can be implemented.

3.  Surface water quality. To meet this criteria, proposals must provide a water quality benefit, such as the following:

• Provide flood protection from stormwater impacts.
• Protect water quality.
• Preserve stream habitat for aquatic species.
• Educate and develop a stewardship ethic in the public, businesses and/or schools.

4. Land use policy. To meet this criteria, proposals shall address environmentally-related elements of the City's Comprehensive Plan or other land use policies of the City.  Examples include:

• Restore habitat.
• Provide protection for local streams, wetlands, steep slopes, and fish and wildlife habitat areas.
• Educate the public, businesses and schools.

Grant Process
1. Complete an Idea Proposal form and submit it to the Environmental Programs Coordinator.  Within two weeks of receipt of the Proposal, you will be notified if your project is feasible. 

2. If the project is feasible, complete the Environmental Mini-Grant Application, if your Proposal is feasible.  Start tracking volunteer hours committed to the project, including time spent to complete the application.

3. Return the completed Application to the Shoreline City Hall in person or mail it to the address below no later than June 30 of the current year.

Environmental Programs Coordinator
City of Shoreline
17544 Midvale Avenue N, Suite 100
Shoreline, WA 98133

The Application must contain a complete explanation of the project, including scope of work, timeline for completion, match source(s), and any necessary permits or authorizations required to complete the project.

4. During the month after the application is received, the Public Works Department’s Evaluation Team will review the proposal, collect any additional information needed, and evaluate the project. 

5. The City will notify the applicant in writing whether or not an award has been made. 

6. After approval of a Mini-Grant project by the City, the Environmental Programs Coordinator will provide the Mini-Grant Project Coordinator more detailed information regarding the payment of providers and vendors.

7. Applicants proposing Mini-Grant projects that present risk to the applicant or the City will be required to obtain liability insurance.  The City Attorney will review Mini-Grant proposals to determine whether liability insurance will be required.

If you have any questions, please contact Rika Cecil, Environmental Programs Coordinator, at (206) 801-2452 or rcecil@ci.shoreline.wa.us