Mini-grants for school safety

SDOT sent this announcement:

The Seattle Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for mini-grants of up to $1,000 to fund projects that educate students about pedestrian and bicycle safety and encourage walking and biking to school. Private and public schools, PTAs, neighborhood councils, local advocacy organizations, and other school-related nonprofit groups may apply.

In a change from previous years, the mini-grant program will now have two funding rounds each year: one in the fall and another in the spring. The new spring funding round will provide funds to grantees in time for fall school activities, such as the International Walk to School Month in October. Applicants are eligible to receive a grant once per year.

Mini-grants can fund a wide range of projects and programs at schools. The activities must support the overall goal of improving safety and encouraging more walking and bicycling to school, but otherwise, we are open to creative ideas. Mini-grants have helped schools and non-profits start student safety patrols, install pedestrian crossing flags, develop and promote school traffic circulation plans, host Walk and Bike to School Month activities, lead walking school buses and bike trains, and educate kids on bike safety, for example. The possibilities are nearly endless!

If you have an idea for a safety education or encouragement program, please visit our website  for more information on how to apply for a mini-grant. In addition to the application, a letter of support from the school principal must be e-mailed, mailed, or faxed by the application due date. For questions, contact Ashley Harris at [email protected]. Completed applications are due April 30th, 2014 by 5 p.m. and recipients will be announced by June 6, 2014. Funds will be distributed in July 2014.