Green America launched its first ever Green Grant contest in order to recognize environmentally minded organizations and programs. The 10 finalists were chosen last month after Green America staff sorted through hundreds of entries. After a round of voting that was open to the public, Build It Up, West Virginia’s summer program was chosen as the first place winner and will receive a $2,500 grant.

 

The purpose of the Build It Up, West Virginia summer program is to provide youth in the state the opportunity to work on sustainability projects and show that there are employment options out there that aren’t tied to the state’s strong coal industry. While the projects provide learning opportunities for the students involved in the program, the projects also help create a healthier living environment in the communities that Build It Up, West Virginia’s summer program serves.

 

In addition to the first place prize, three additional organizations were awarded a $1,000 grant:

At a time when millions of Americans are wondering how they are going to pay their monthly bills and hoping that the unemployment rate starts to drop, finding room in the budget for charitable donations is difficult. Programs like this, the Green Grants program, provide nonprofit organizations the much-needed cash that they need in order to advance their mission.