The Association for Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces, Inc., (ACORNS) is one of nine nonprofit park and trail groups selected to receive a Capacity Building Grant from the statewide advocacy organization, Parks & Trails New York.
ACORNS was formed to provide service and support of the parks owned and managed by Genesee County. Its mission is foster environmental education, recreational opportunities and responsible environmental stewardship of local parks.
The Parks & Trails grants are designed to help groups increase organizational visibility and generate community support, grow membership and attract additional volunteers. ACORNS' grant will be used for membership and volunteer recruitment brochures and banners.
"Grassroots groups play a key role in the development and promotion of our state's many parks and trails, which make such a significant contribution to the economy of our cities, towns and villages as well as to the health and well-being of their residents," said Robin Dropkin, executive director, Parks & Trails New York.
"Made possible by a generous private donor, these nine grants are a small investment in strengthening our state's not-for-profit park and trail organizations that will reap big benefits, enabling these groups to leverage more private funding and marshal more volunteer power to better fill the gaps in government spending created by challenging economic times.
Parks & Trails New York received 55 applications from organizations located in 30 counties throughout the state. This is the second year that Parks & Trails New York has offered funding assistance.
“This grant comes at a critical time as we implement our membership-growth strategy and expand our outreach efforts,” said Julia Garver, President of ACORNS. “Our organization relies on the hard work and commitment of volunteers, and as funding for projects in the parks in Genesee County is jeopardized, we need to continue to grow our volunteer base. We are grateful for the support of Parks & Trails New York, and its recognition of the incredible value of volunteers.”
For 20 years, Parks & Trails New York has helped hundreds of groups and municipalities build, maintain, and promote parks, greenways, and more than 1,200 miles of multi-use trails.
More information on the grant program and Parks & Trails New York can be found on the website, www.ptny.org or by calling 518-434-1583. More information about ACORNS can be found at http://acorns.shutterfly.com/ or by calling 585-343-8514.
