Oscar G. Penegar, Jr. Environmental Education Project Grant

History

Oscar G. Penegar, Jr. was a valued member of the Gaston County community. He received his forestry degree from N.C. State University before serving in WWII. Following his service, Oscar returned to UNC-Chapel Hill, where he received a B.S. with majors in chemistry and anthropology. Oscar pursued a life-long commitment to preserving the natural heritage and cultural history of Gaston County and the Piedmont of the Carolinas. He was a visionary voice in helping others understand the common destiny of people and their environment. As a long-time member of Gaston County’s Quality of Natural Resources Committee (1992-2007), he was deeply committed to educating the public about environmental issues and engaging the
community in protecting our natural resources.

This grant has been established in his honour to encourage Gaston County youth to carry on the mission of environmental education and community service. The Oscar Penegar Grant is awarded annually to a Gaston County student (Grade 7 through Undergraduate) to facilitate completion of an environmental project that provides environmental education and engages members of the community.

Project Proposals

Environmental education projects can address any of the following:

Waste and Recycling (composting, plastic pollution, waste audits, etc.)
Water Resources (conservation, quality, stormwater management, etc.)
Biodiversity and Ecosystems (habitat restoration, invasive species, pollinators, etc.)
Energy and Climate Change (renewable energy, energy audits, climate change awareness, etc.)
Sustainable Living and Global Citizenship (sustainable food systems, consumerism, eco-friendly transportation, etc.)
Health and Wellbeing (outdoor education, air quality, toxic materials, eco tourism, etc.)

The above list is not exhaustive of all possible themes or topics. No matter which theme is selected, the project must include a public education component, promote behavioural change in others, and provide a mechanism for measuring impact among Gaston County residents, communities, and/or students. The best project ideas can continue long after the grant is awarded.Some project ideas could be:

Establishing a Story Trail
Create an ecopsychology Zen Garden in a school or community
Test water quality
Track invasive species in a community
Model a “green city” or “green community development”

Project ideas must be created and planned during the grant season. Projects can also be created with the intention of collaborating with existing community organisations that could assist with the project; however, the project must be planned, led, and presented by youth who are part of the project team. Project ideas must be the original idea and design of the youth.

Eligible Grant Applicants:

Must be a Gaston County resident or student attending a school, college, or university in Gaston County, or a resident of Gaston County attending a college or University outside of Gaston County.
Youth in grades 7-12 and undergraduate college students
Projects must have an impact on Gaston County communities

Project Proposal Specifics

The Oscar G. Penegar, Jr. grant cycle is 12 calendar months beginning in September and concluding the following June each year. Proposals should not exceed five pages.

Proposals must include:

Project Narrative
1. Abstract: A concise overview of your entire proposal. It should state the problem you will address, your proposed solution, the amount of funding you are requesting, and a brief description of your qualifications.
2. Statement of Need / Problem Statement: This section explains the problem you are trying to solve. You must support your claims with data, statistics, and credible sources. The problem should be clearly defined and specific to the population you plan to serve.
3. Project Description / Program Plan: This is the heart of your proposal and should detail your proposed solution. You should include:
  1. Goals and Objectives: Clearly state what you hope to achieve. Goals are broad, while objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
  2. Methods / Activities: Explain exactly how you will carry out your project. Detail the step-by-step activities, the timeline for completion, any community organization that will partner with you on the project, and who will be responsible for each task.
  3. Evaluation Plan: Describe how you will measure your success. How will you know if you've met your objectives? This section should outline both quantitative (e.g., the number of people served) and qualitative (e.g., surveys, interviews) methods you will use to evaluate the project's impact.
  4. Sustainability Plan: Explain how the project will continue after the grant funding ends. Funders want to know that their investment will have a lasting impact. You should outline future funding sources or how the program will become self-sustaining.
4. Financials
  1. Budget: A detailed spreadsheet or table that lists all project costs by category (e.g., salaries, supplies, equipment, travel).
  2. Budget Justification / Narrative: A written explanation of each line item in the budget. You must justify why each expense is necessary for the project's success.
  3. Other Funding Sources: If applicable, list other sources of funding you are pursuing or have already secured (e.g., in-kind contributions, matching funds, other grants).
5. Supporting Documents
  1. Appendices: This is where you include supporting materials that are referenced in the proposal but are not essential to the main narrative. Examples include:
    1. Letters of support from community partners.
    2. Relevant research data or surveys.
    3. Official documents

Proposals must be received by the Quality of Natural Resources Committee (QNRC) by the established due date. Proposals are due each year by the third Monday in September. Late submissions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Grant Schedule

Proposals must be received by the Quality of Natural Resources Committee (QNRC) by the established due date.

Grant opens - Second Wednesday in August
Proposals due - Third Monday in September (Late submissions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
Proposal Acceptance Notice- By the second Thursday in October
Proposed Project Completion - May 31st of the following calendar year
Post Project Presentation- Third Wednesday in July

Selected Projects

Selected projects will be announced by the second Thursday in October. Selected projects will be invited to the October QNRC Committee meeting to discuss the project. QNRC usually meets on the third Wednesday of each month.

Public Outreach

The public educational component of the selected project is encouraged to be presented during National Environmental Education Week, which typically takes place the third week in April.

Grant Award

A maximum of $1,500 will be awarded each year.

Proposals should be submitted to the Gaston County Cooperative Extension Office in care of the Quality of Natural Resources Committee.

Proposals should be submitted to:

Gaston County Cooperative Extension
c/o Quality of Natural Resources Committee.
P. O. Box 1578
Gastonia, NC 28053

Or Email Proposals to:
jemungo@ncsu.edu
Call 704-922-2111 for more information.