Lewis, Clark committee offers grants to non-profit organizations

For the fourth year, the Montana Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission is offering grants to qualified nonprofit organizations undertaking projects related to the state’s commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Corps of Discovery’s expedition through what we now call Montana.

"Heart and hard work are the soul of the wonderful projects underway across the state to prepare for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial., but we know that money is the grease to keep things moving along," said Clint Blackwood, executive director of the state commission.

The grants will range from $2,500 to $25,000, and interested organizations have until Dec. 20, 2002, to apply.

The total amount available for the grant program this year will be determined Feb. 11, 2003, at the Helena meeting of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission. The 2003 grants are a combined effort of the commission and the Montana Department of Commerce’s Travel Montana program. In addition, the commission is looking for partnership from the private sector to increase the grant pool.

Under the same program last year, requests totaling $684,153 were received and 13 projects totaling $122,000 were funded.

"There are many important projects out there that deserve funding, but as you can see, this is very competitive," Blackwood said. "We urge interested groups to really think through their projects and present their needs in the best way they can."

Grant information and application forms are available on the commission’s Web site, http://www.montanalewisandclark.org/funding, from regional bicentennial commissions across the state, and local chapters of the National Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. They also are available by calling (406) 443-2109 or writing Montana Lewis anti Clark Commission, P.O. Box 201203, Helena MT 59620-1203.

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