The Last Green Valley Funds Local Non-Profits During Pandemic

The Last Green Valley, CT (April 29, 2020) –

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Last Green Valley National Heritage Area announced this week a new grant program that will support the local non-profit organizations in the region so that they are able continue operations and maintain communications. The Last Green Valley NHA, which is managed by the Last Green Valley, Inc. a 501(c)3, understands the challenges faced by non-profits during this unprecedented time in history. Like the other organizations in the community, the heritage area has had to cancel programming and planned public events. The NHA’s new grant program is an effort to provide support to their community, through funding the non-profit organizations which support the community as well.

The NHA’s initial focus will be on funding non-profits whose missions align with their management plan, Vision 2020. Vision 2020 promotes environmental stewardship, economic development, and community revitalization in the Last Green Valley NHA. Preserving the natural and cultural resources of the heritage area, with an emphasis on providing a healthy environment for both current and future generations to enjoy, is key to The Last Green Valley’s Vision 2020 plan.

The Last Green Valley NHA is known for its rural, forested setting, despite the presence of major cities such as New York and Boston located just up or down the coast from the NHA.

NPS Photo

Organizations can apply for grants of $500 to $1,500, which they must match with cash or-kind donations. These grants will help non-profits afford the training and equipment needed to improve their communication and outreach, as they navigate the challenging times caused by the pandemic. Grants will be decided on a rolling basis over the next two months.

Even after social distancing is winding down, The Last Green Valley NHA hopes the non-profits that received grants will be better prepared to communicate with and help their communities than they were before the start of the pandemic. Until then, non-profits will be able to use their grants to improve digital communication, and reach their community even while practicing social distancing.

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