The Sierra Club - Lancaster Group will accept proposals for the next round of its "green project" grants through Sunday, March 31. Any Lancaster County 501(c)(3) organization with a project that promotes sustainability, expands environmental awareness and improves green infrastructure is eligible to apply for a grant.

The program annually awards grants of up to $500 to charitable, educational or business 501(c)(3) groups that demonstrate a commitment to the Sierra Club's mission of "exploring, enjoying and protecting the planet" in Lancaster County. When applying for a grant, organizations should consider how their projects relate to an ecological preservation or educational effort. Projects may focus on topics such as storm water management, rain gardens and rain barrels; native plantings; pollinator plants; organic gardens; composting programs; or hands-on learning. The Lancaster Group will offer its expertise and labor to support the projects that are awarded grants. Eighty-four organizations have been awarded grants over the past eight years.

To apply, visit http://lancastersierraclub.org/grant-program/. After submission, an email will be returned to confirm that the proposal has been received.

Winners will be announced on Earth Day, Monday, April 22, and soon after, a list of the awardees will be posted at http://www.lancastersierraclub.org.

The grant program has been supported by funds raised primarily through the Lancaster Group's former Polar Bear 5K Trail Run/Hikes and, more recently, from funds received through its participation in Lancaster's annual ExtraGive. For additional details, contact Jim Meenan at 717-475-0586 or at jimsmeenan@gmail.com.