2010 Applications Now Open For Togethergreen Fellowships And Innovation Grants

The National Audubon Society is now accepting applications for its 2010 class of TogetherGreen Fellows and Innovation Grantees.

Through TogetherGreen Conservation Fellowships, 40 promising individuals (half from the Audubon network and half from external organizations) will be chosen for their leadership potential, skills and commitment to engaging people of diverse backgrounds in conservation action. Fellows receive a $10,000 grant, assistance launching a conservation action project, and specialized training. They also become part of an exciting alumni network of conservation professionals from across the country.

TogetherGreen Innovation Grants annually provide essential funding that enables Audubon and their partners to inspire, equip, and support activities that engage people in conservation action and creating healthier communities. Audubon will select a minimum of 40 proposals, providing more than $1 million dollars of support—with grants ranging from $5,000 - $80,000. Grants will be reviewed by an expert advisory panel, with the majority of grants averaging about $25,000. 

"The TogetherGreen Fellows and Innovation Grants programs have had remarkable success in building the capacity of conservation professionals and achieving tangible results across the country. We look forward to another selection of great applications that will engage thousands of Americans in local conservation action." said Frank Gill, National Audubon Society President.

Candidates for the TogetherGreen Fellows program must have at least six years experience in some aspect of the environment, a passion for conservation, the desire to learn and grow, and an interest and ability to reach diverse and previously underrepresented audiences. The inaugural class of TogetherGreen Fellows was named in 2008 and in less than one year recruited more than 3,400 participants who contributed a combined 37,000 hours to their conservation action projects. The 2009 Fellows are currently engaging thousands of people in the protection of habitat, wildlife, and water resources, as well as reducing energy use in 37 cities in 20 different states and one U.S. territory.

Innovation Grant funds will be awarded to Audubon's broad national network, including State Programs, Centers, and local Chapters– each working in partnership with one or more external organizations. Recipients will be chosen for innovative ideas that achieve conservation results focused on habitat, water, and energy. Selected grants will also need to demonstrate how they are reaching new and diverse communities and helping people get engaged in local conservation action. To date, nearly 90 environmental projects have received Innovation Grants totaling more than $2.5 million to achieve results focused on habitat, water, and energy nationwide.

To apply for a 2010 TogetherGreen Fellowship, visit http://www.togethergreen.org/People/Fellows.aspx. The site includes application guidelines, selection criteria, eligibility, benefits, and an online application.

To apply for a 2010 TogetherGreen Innovation Grant, Audubon Chapters, programs, Centers, sanctuaries and independent Audubon groups should visit http://www.togethergreen.org/Projects/Grants.aspx. The site includes application guidelines, selection criteria, benefits, and an online application.

The deadline to apply for a TogetherGreen Fellowship and/or Innovation Grant is May 7, 2010. Fellows and Grant applicants will be notified in July 2010 and August 2010 respectively.

# # #