Ford opens 15th edition of ‘green’ grant program in P.R.
The “Sembrando Vida Verde en el Este” won a Ford Conservation and Environmental Grant last year.
The Ford Central American and Caribbean division announced Wednesday the start of the application cycle for the 15th edition of its annual Conservation and Environmental Grants program, which seeks to support individuals and nonprofits to promote “green” projects in Puerto Rico.
Through this annual program, the company has already awarded more than $250,000, adding another $40,000 this year to benefit the winners of the 15th edition, said Lorraine Urdaz, communications and public affairs manager of Ford’s Central America and Caribbean division based in San Juan.
“I’m proud to be part of such a positive initiative for the environment. Businesses have the power to generate big changes, and at Ford we’re passionate about supporting organizations and individuals looking for solutions to improve our world and go further,” Urdaz said.
The Conservation and Environmental Grants underscore Ford’s commitment to acting as an agent of change for the better, to educate about the conservation of natural resources and promote projects aimed at protecting the environment. About 100 organizations in Puerto Rico, which promote environmental initiatives, have benefited from these donations, she said.
This program is open to all types of nonprofit conservation projects already in progress, under the following categories: engineering activities of conservation, environmental education, environmental protection, preservation, restoration, conservation, education, research and management of natural and environmental resources, among others.
The external panel of judges that will evaluate proposals is composed by: Alejandro Uriarte, CEO of New Energy Puerto Rico; Environmental Attorney Rafael Cancel-Vázquez, who has sat on the judging panel for three consecutive years; and Carlos Guilbe, an urban planner who holds a doctorate in geography and is a professor of geography at the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras.
To participate in the grant program, interested parties must access and submit an application detailing their project. The deadline for submission is June 1, 2016.
