Kodak American Greenways Awards program announced for 2006

The Conservation Fund, Eastman Kodak Company and the National Geographic Society announced today that they will be accepting applications for the 2006 Kodak American Greenways Awards program beginning March 1, 2006. Applications for the awards, which provide important seed money to stimulate greenway, blueway and trail planning and design, may be submitted to The Conservation Fund through June 1, 2006. The award recipients, announced in early fall, will receive grants of $500 - $2500 to support their pioneering work in linking the nation's natural areas, historic sites, parks and open space. Local, regional, and statewide nonprofits, as well as community-based and municipal government organizations are encouraged to apply. Last year, Kodak, The Conservation Fund, and the National Geographic Society awarded 47 community grants.

In addition to providing small grants, the Kodak American Greenways Awards Program honors groups and individuals whose creativity and vision foster a nationwide network of greenways and open space. Outstanding achievement awards were presented to the Honorable Mark R. Warner, Governor of Virginia, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Lockheed Martin Corporation and Maxine Johnston of the Big Thicket Association. Grants can be used for all appropriate expenses needed to complete a greenway, blueway and trail project including public outreach, planning, design, construction, technical assistance, legal and other costs. Grants may not be used for academic research, general institutional support, lobbying, or political activities.

Each year, greenway initiatives touch hundreds of cities and towns across America. Through its American Greenways Program, The Conservation Fund continues to help build a national network of linked open spaces and natural areas, connecting communities to the outdoors and to each other and forging partnerships for a sustainable future.

For More Information:

An online application, grant guidelines and additional program information are available on The Conservation Fund's website www.conservationfund.org under "Award Programs". It is preferred that applicants use the online application. If you do not have internet access, please contact:

Kodak American Greenways Awards Program

c/o The Conservation Fund

1655 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 1300

Arlington, VA, 22209

Phone: 703-525-6300

Email: jhauck@conservationfund.org

Jen Hauck

Associate, Sustainable Programs Department

The Conservation Fund

1655 N. Fort Myer Drive, Suite 1300

Arlington, VA 22209-3199

(703) 525-6300