What is Generation Change?  Generation Change seeks to recruit, train and support community organizers and emerging grassroots nonprofit professionals through large-scale internships, fellowships, and advanced leadership support for those currently working in the field.   Generation Change also promotes the nonprofit and social change sector, enhancing its visibility, developing new pipelines for entering and moving within the sector, and networking organizers to advance their own careers and the field.

        The New GenChange 2010 Summer Internship Application is online: visit http://tiny.cc/CyZaC to apply  

Fernando Cuevas, Jr.

Leadership Development Coordinator

Southern Partners Fund

fernando@spfund.org

nandocuevas@aol.com

AGO Title:     GENERAL NONPOINT SOURCE PROJECTS

The NONPOINT SOURCE PROGRAM of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is announcing an opportunity to apply for Clean Water Act 319(h) grants.   This opportunity is for agencies, cities, counties, conservation districts, local watershed groups, non-profit organizations and academic institutions to apply for grants to support up to 60% of the cost of projects relating to nonpoint source pollution.  These projects may involve, but are not limited to, education, monitoring, research or BMP installation.

Nonpoint source pollution is water pollution from diffuse sources such as farming, logging, construction under one acre, septic systems, streambank erosion, drainage from abandoned mining and urban runoff.  CWA 319(h) funds cannot be used on any facility with a NPDES permit or to support mandatory compliance with any permit.

The application process:

q  Complete and submit an initial proposal form.  The initial proposal form can be submitted in writing or by e-mail and briefly describes the project and the amount of 319 funds being requested.

q  The initial proposal forms will be reviewed, and, if acceptable, the applicant will be notified to submit a more formal and detailed application by May 1. 

q  The formal submission will be reviewed and amended, if necessary.

q  Funding will be available June 1, 2010.

All CWA 319(h) grants are a 60/40 split between federal and non-federal funds.  Any applicant must provide 40% of the total project cost in non-federal funds.  These grants expire on September 30, 2012, and all activities must be completed before that time. 

To learn more about the Nonpoint Source Program go to the DEP website http://www.dep.wv.gov and search “Nonpoint Source Program”. 

2010 Watershed Celebration Day Nomination

Plan to join us for the 12th Annual Watershed Celebration Day on November 5th – 6th, 2010 at Twin Falls State Park. Plans are being made for the event to include tours and educational programs relative to water quality. The registration form will be coming in the mail in July and will include program details and information on how to register.

The West Virginia Watershed Network is continuing its recognition of the efforts of volunteers working to create and build watershed associations throughout the state. Help us recognize your volunteers by submitting a synopsis of the year’s activities and projects in glowing, yet truthful words. Presentation of the awards will take place during Watershed Celebration Day at Twin Falls State Park in Mullens, WV.

As you are deciding which of the association’s activities and projects to highlight, consider the categories and their descriptions. Be concise by using bullets or lists to describe projects and other work.

• IT IS UP TO YOU! – You must submit a nomination to be considered for an award! Please complete ALL categories thoroughly to be considered for Watershed of the Year!
• Eligible activities from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.
• Nominations shall be submitted by the watershed association president or designee.
• Multiple responses from the same group will not be honored.
• Entries must include contact information and watershed association name.
• Guiding Light nominations are to be submitted on a separate sheet and must show promotion of the grassroots approach outside of their watershed. One nomination per group.
• E-mail confirmation will be sent when nominations are received. If you do not receive a confirmation letter, please contact Jami Thompson (contact information listed below).
• Nomination Deadline is July 15, 2010.
  
  Online registration at:http://www.wvca.us/wvwn/wcdn.cfm