The Alabama Invasive Plant Council is soliciting grant proposals for non-native invasive plant projects in the state of Alabama. The intent of this grant is to provide funding to organizations or individuals who wish to educate the public about non-native invasive plants and their effects on the environment and/or to conduct small-scale activities for controlling noxious weeds. Proposals will be accepted from individuals, public or private nonprofit organizations and academic institutions.
The proposal is provided when the application form is completed. The application form may be found on the Alabama Invasive Plant Council website (www.se-eppc.org/alabama). Funding from this grant can be used for educational materials, outreach activities and control work pertaining to non-native invasive plants. The items that may be purchased and the activities that are accepted under this grant include, but are not necessarily limited to: brochures, pamphlets, signage, herbicides, loppers, sprayers, tours, workshops, seminars, and demonstrations. Requests for funding should not exceed $1500 and all funds awarded are to be used within one year of receipt. If full funding is not available, partial funding may be awarded.
Recipient(s) must provide a brief written summary of results to the Alabama Invasive Plant Council Board. The summary should include an evaluation of the program’s effectiveness and, if applicable, a copy of the program agenda and/or educational materials created, a description of the target audience and number of attendees at workshops, seminars, tours or workdays, a map illustrating the location of the activities and/or description of any control work conducted including a description of the specific management treatment used. Photographs can be used to document non-native invasive plant activities and project results associated with the grant. Recipients are encouraged (but not required) to present the results of the grant project at the annual Alabama Invasive Plant Council conference held each spring. All printing and use rights of grant project summaries will revert to the Alabama Invasive Plant Council.
The Alabama Invasive Plant Council will review all grant proposals. Award letters will be sent via electronic mail (or postal service mail) by December 15, 2017.
Evaluation Criteria
Award preference will be given to proposals that meet some or all of the following criteria:
• Involve a plant or plants listed on the ALIPC List of Invasive Plant Species (found on www.se-eppc.org/alabama);
• Educational programs that reach a broader segment of the community;
• Include partnerships (please specify type and degree of involvement for partner entities);
• Demonstrate matching funds or in-kind contributions. In-kind contributions may include donated materials, supplies, facilities, services, and/or volunteer hours;
• Increase and promote local community awareness of non-native invasive plants through local schools, charities, volunteer events, web site development or the development and distribution of educational materials;
• Heighten community awareness about non-native invasive plant identification, impacts, control or prevention;
• Use photographs, if applicable, to illustrate the need for funding;
• Results of control/management activities will be presented to an audience during a workshop, demonstration or tour;
• Control activities will continue after the one year grant period;
• First time applicants will receive prioritized evaluation, although repeat applicants will be considered.
Application