Canal grants available for projects that make an impact
Press Release, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
WATERFORD – The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is now accepting applications for its IMAPCT! Grant program. The grants range from $2,500 to $12,000 and will be awarded to municipalities, not-for-profits with a 501(c)(3) designation, and federally-recognized Native American tribes within the boundaries of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
Applications are due by Friday, October 23rd.
“Over the past 12 years, we have awarded 83 grants to communities and non-profit organizations that have spurred $2.35 million in additional investments in heritage preservation, recreation, and education,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “We are eager to provide much-needed funding to help organizations get projects off the ground this year.”
The National Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor apporoved $60,000 of IMPACT! grants for eight projects in canal communities in 2020. None of the projects receiving funding are in Orleans County, but one includes repairs to a mural at the Lift Bridge Book Store in nearby Brockport.
The grant program is competitive, and applications should focus on one or more of five key priorities: showcasing the canal corridor’s distinctive sense of place, protecting canal historic and natural resources, promoting recreational opportunities, creating “must-do” travel experiences, and spurring heritage-based economic growth.
A one-to-one match consisting of non-federal support is required and the awards are distributed on a reimbursement basis at project completion. This grant program is made possible with support from the National Park Service and the New York State Canal Corporation.
“Our state’s canals helped build the New York we have today, and the IMPACT! Grants program supports Governor Cuomo’s ongoing mission to both preserve the system’s rich history and showcase all that it has to offer New Yorkers,” said Brian U. Stratton, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation. “These grants have helped communities and organizations across the state boost economic activity while safeguarding the critical environments and historic sites along our canals, and during this exceptionally difficult time for New York, we are thrilled to once again support these efforts in partnership with the Heritage Corridor and the National Park Service.”
Applicants are strongly advised to contact program staff to discuss proposed projects prior to submitting an application. Please contact: Andy Kitzmann, 518-237-7000 x201, andy_kitzmann@partner.nps.gov.
For more information, click here.
