Press Releases

COMMUNITY AIR (CAIR) Micro-Grant Pilot Program Available for Projects that Improve Air Quality and Raise Air Pollution Awareness

15 February 2012 (Fort Collins, CO). A community micro-grant pilot program for projects by local organizations that improve air quality and raise awareness about air pollution is available again by the City of Fort Collins’ Environmental Services Department. COMMUNITY AIR (CAIR) grants are open to non-profits in Fort Collins, including Home Owner Associations, schools, faith-based communities, and other non-profits.

Grant allotments range from $500 to $2,000 per organization, and they must be completed in 2012. Applications are due by March 29, 2012. Activities that involve political campaigning, lobbying, or alcohol purchases are ineligible.

Projects will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Air pollution reduction potential and/or ability to raise awareness about air quality issues and actions that improve air quality
• Ability and commitment to track quantifiable benefits
• Other environmental, social, and/or economic benefits
• Matching donations and volunteer hours contributed to project
• Likelihood of completion
• Innovation

Examples of what might qualify as an eligible project for a CAIR grant include:
• Lead a neighborhood radon test campaign
• Implement a “Thank you for not Idling” campaign or adopt the City’s “Breathe Easy” anti-idling campaign and promote the materials in a neighborhood, schools, kids’ sports group, or church
• Develop and stage a school/neighborhood play or video on the need for air and/or climate protection
• Engage Spanish speaking citizens to translate air quality materials into Spanish and distribute to Latino neighborhoods
• Conduct tree-planting in neighborhoods, schools, churches
• Distribute household spruce-up kits (CFL’s clotheslines, etc.)
• Develop and distribute a low carbon/local food cookbook
• Initiate a bus or bike rider mentor program (escort students/new riders on bus or bike rides)

For more details and the application package, visit http://www.fcgov.com/CAIR. If you have questions after reviewing the information, please contact Lucinda Smith at

The Environmental Services Department supports our community’s values and adopted policy goals by offering programs and services that improve air quality; increase recycling and solid waste diversion; and enhance the community’s overall economic, environmental, and social well being.