Leveraging matching funds for grants

摘要

In 1999 the South Carolina Legislature for the first time made available unrestricted grant funds for nonpoint source pollution programs. The Department of Natural Resources was the state agency responsible for the funds which were divided evenly between counties, with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts being responsible for distribution. As with most grants, there was a requirement for matching funds or in-kind contributions, but the level of match was not specified by the Legislature, allowing Conservation Districts great latitude. The South Carolina Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society considered the availability of these funds as an excellent way to promote water conservation, and felt the Society could be the catalyst toleverage grant dollars. The Chapter proposed three workshops on topics selected by the Conservation District (but limited to nonpoint source pollution control) using 600 dollar grant funding for each workshop. Matching funds (and in-kind services) wouldcome from Society members, state and federal employees, industry, and local businesses. An example of the effectiveness of this approach is the first workshop which repaired a channel adjacent to a heavily traveled U.S. highway. Grant funds originated from SCDNR and the District; SCDOT prepared the site and provided for safety; a local civic club provided the classroom facility within walking distance of the site; Synthetic Industries assisted with materials and provided an instructor; USDA Forest Service and NRCS provided staff time and instructors; Home Depot provided some materials; the Department of Energy provided support; and, the Chapter coordinated publicity and mailings. The result of this extended partnership is excellent technology transfer,involvement of some non-traditional partners, and repair of a serious erosion problem for almost no cost.