December 1, 2020

Friends of the Verde River is pleased to announce the winners of the Verde Conservation Grant program 2020 cycle. 

Due to the overwhelming support of more than 50 local business participants in the Verde Conservation Partner program, Friends of the Verde River was able to fund three worthy projects this year. Friends had initially planned to award only two grants.

The goals of the grant program are to improve local river health, outdoor recreation, and river education; this year Friends added a new emphasis on improving and enhancing underprivileged communities.

During the 2020 cycle, Friends of the Verde River not only expanded the opportunity to fund three projects but also broadened the criteria for grant applicants. In addition to nonprofits designated under section 501(c)(3), Friends welcomed applications from nonprofits designated under sections 501(c)(4), (5), (6), (7), and (8). Governments are also eligible to apply.

Grants were reviewed and selected by the Verde Conservation Partner Advisory Council which is made up of local participating business representatives. Six applications were received, and the winners are:

$5,000 will be awarded to the Verde River Institute for assistance with the River Ranger program.

$5,000 will be awarded to the Verde Village Property Owners Association for improvements to the Verde River Nature Preserve.

$2,500 will be awarded for the Verde Valley Wheel Fun proposal for the construction of the Mountain Bike track on the Mountainview Preparatory school campus.

“We had a highly competitive pool of applicants and I am very pleased with the award winners,” said Nancy Steele, Friends’ Executive Director; “I encourage all business owners to consider joining the Verde Conservation Partners so that next year we could double the amount of grant funds awarded. If you are doing well, support this small grant program that enriches the river and our communities so much.”

Winners were announced at Friends of the Verde Rivers’ virtual Fiesta de la Garza on December 2, 2020. Watch the live video on Friends Facebook page at @VerdeRiverFriends or catch it on YouTube.

To join the Verde Conservation Partner program, visit VerdeRiver.org/conservation-partners. To make a general donation to Friends of the Verde River, go to VerdeRiver.org/Donate.

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Friends of the Verde River is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that works collaboratively for a healthy, flowing Verde River system. Friends envisions a healthy, flowing Verde River and tributaries that support our natural environment, vibrant communities, and quality of life for future generations. Friends focuses on restoring habitat, sustaining river flows, and building supportive communities. They proactively engage in a combination of “boots-on-the-ground” projects and policy solutions guided by sound conservation principles and which meet human and environmental needs in an outcomes-oriented manner.

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