Environmental Initiative Program

THE LAURA JANE MUSSER FUND proposes to assist public or not-for-profit entities to initiate or implement projects in rural areas to undertake consensus-based activities in environmental stewardship or dispute resolution.

THE LAURA JANE MUSSER FUND encourages communities - whether represented by local governments, state agencies or grass-roots not-for-profit organizations - to use a consensus-based approach to environmental decision-making. We mean by this a collaborative process, involving a neutral facilitator where appropriate, that strives to involve all key stakeholders as well as local citizens in developing environmental program and policies that satisfy common interests.

Programs or solutions developed through a collaborative process often have a better chance of broad acceptance and lasting success than decisions made through more conventional approaches.

Grants of up to $35,000 may be made for projects in this program. The Musser Fund is likely to make a total of 4 to 6 grants in the Environmental Initiative this year.

During each grant application cycle, the fund receives up to 200 applications. This is a very competitive granting initiative

Example List Of Previous Grants

WHAT THE PROGRAM WILL COVER:

• Programs in their first three years
• Projects in the planning phase, or implementation phase

WHAT WILL NOT BE FUNDED:

• Capital expenses
• General operating support for organizations
• Ongoing program support

WHO CAN APPLY:

• Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations
• Organizations that are forming if sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization
• Units of government at the local level
• Organizations that are located in, and serve the population of the United States

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
ENVIRONMENTAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM