Environment Council of Rhode Island

...building an ecologically healthy future in a sustainable economy

2022 Tisdale Awards Applications Now Available

Applications for the 15th Annual Loraine Tisdale Environmental Education Fund awards are due on Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Each year ECRI’s Education Fund gives out small grants to Rhode Island schools and school-based after-school programs for hands on environmental projects by students that benefit the local environment. COVID-19 has changed schools and the way non-profits do business. We are all challenged by how to keep up programs at a distance. Which means that small grants with easy application forms for things kids can do outside are needed more than ever. The Environment Council is counting on your creativity, as always, and we look forward to your projects about the climate crisis, food production, waste reduction, water quality, or other key environmental issues that affect your community.

Schools and after-school programs can request an application from the ECRI’s Education Fund, or download one here.

We are pleased to offer 3 grants of $250 in support of school-based projects that:
   1. Have student participation
   2. Take place primarily outside
   3. Lead to measurable improvement in an environmental condition

All Rhode Island schools and school-based after-school programs are encouraged to apply, and an ECRI Education Fund representative will be happy to answer any questions to help schools with their project application. We can be contacted either by email or by phone at 331-0529.

ECRI members will review all applications and three schools or school-based after-school programs will receive $250 to carry out their projects. Over the last several years, schools all over Rhode Island have been awarded these grants for water quality, school gardens, recycling, composting, and alternative energy projects.

The Loraine Tisdale Environmental Education Awards honor a woman whose energy for a just and healthy environment was legendary. Mrs. Tisdale held an undergraduate degree in chemistry and a degree in nursing. For many years she led an organization that addressed safety and health issues concerning pesticides.

The application deadline is November 24, 2021 and awards will be made in January 2022 for projects to be undertaken in the spring of 2022.  Applications are available below.

Applicants should be aware ECRI will do some publicity around the winning projects and encourages winners to publicize their projects as well.

  → Learn more about the Loraine Tisdale Environmental Education Fund Awards and review a list of previous winners here.