The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) announces the creation of a new small-grant program, the Heritage Transaction Fund, for non-profits, towns and cities in The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor.

The grants will be awarded to projects that will permanently protect significant historic properties or structures, agriculture or forested lands, important wildlife habitat or open spaces suitable for passive, nature-based recreation. The grant funds can be used for closing costs such as filing fees, title work, attorney fees, surveys, appraisals and other costs associated with projects that are “nearing the home stretch” but need additional funds to complete the deal.

“We’re trying to fill in the gaps for organizations with this grant program,” said Lois Bruinooge, executive director of TLGV. “Federal, state and private grants often pay for the cost of the purchase but can’t be used for a lot of the necessary, but not as interesting, costs like closing fees. These grants may provide that little bit of funding that pushes a project to the finish line.”

TLGV is a non-profit, member-supported organization charged with oversight of The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor by the National Park Service. The National Heritage Corridor covers 35 towns and cities from Preston, CT in the south to East Brookfield, MA in the north.

Grants will range from $2,000 to $3,000 and must be spent within a year of approval. The deadline for grant applications is 4 p.m. June 14. All applications must be received or postmarked by the deadline. Applications should be sent to LyAnn Graff at lyann@tlgv.org or mailed to P.O. Box 29, Danielson CT, 06239-0029.

Funds will be dispersed on a reimbursement basis and must be matched at least 1:1 by cash or in-kind contributions. All grant applications will be reviewed by a committee and then approved by TLGV’s Executive Committee and/or Board of Directors. To learn more about the grant program details click here. To discuss a proposal prior to submission, please contact Lois Bruinooge at 860-774-3300 or lois@tlgv.org

The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor is the last stretch of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C.  The Last Green Valley, Inc. works for you in the National Heritage Corridor. Together we can care for it, enjoy it and pass it on!