Champions of the Environment
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By doing your part for the environment, you could win $2000 and a 30-second TV commercial!
- Up to 10 Champions of the Environment grants are rewarded each school year. Grant winners are selected based on the quality of their environmental projects.
- Projects must address one or more of the following: prevention or reduction of pollution in the air, water or land; waste reduction; restoration, preservation or enhancement of natural areas; water or energy efficiency. Projects must also educate the community and make a lasting difference to the environment.
- In April, all Champions compete to be named the Overall Champions of the Environment.
- K-12 students, their teachers and environmental educators carrying out an environmental project in South Carolina.
- One student or a student group of any size.
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- A cash award of $2000 to use for their project
- A 30-second TV commercial about the project
- Their project highlighted on the Champions’ Web site
- Champions of the Environment T-shirts and giveaways
- A chance to win more money in the Overall Awards
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- A cash award of $400 to use for their project
Note: no additional application is needed to be considered for a merit award
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- Download the Champions Grant Information Sheet (pdf) to review the details about the grant. Then download the Champions of the Environment Grant Award Application (doc).
- If you have any questions or have trouble accessing the Information Sheet or Grant Award Application email the Champions’ coordinator or call 803-898-4394.
Application deadlines: |
Notification of winners |
| September 15 | October 1 |
| January 15 | February 1 |
- Fill out the application and tell us about your environmental project. Be sure to supply all the requested information. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Send the application so that it will be received by September 15 for an October award or January 15 for a February award.
- If your application reaches us after the posted deadline you will be notified and you will be considered during the next award cycle.
- Applicants who are not chosen to receive a grant award are encouraged to revise their application and apply to Champions of the Environment again.
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Grant award applications are evaluated using the following criteria:
- Benefits to the environment – short term and long term
- Student education and involvement
- Outreach to school, parents and/or the community
- Suitable use for funds
Based on the quality of the applications received, the Champions’ selection committee reserves the right to award fewer than 10 grants on an annual basis.
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You must have a project to apply, but if you need an idea:
- Visit the Grant Award winner’s page to see what others have done, and
- Visit "Doing Your Part!" for some project ideas and steps for a successful environmental project.
Bureau of Water . Phone: (803) 898-4300 . Fax: (803) 898-4215 . Contact Us
