AUGUSTA — To create more opportunities for youth to give back to their communities, state service commission Volunteer Maine is offering up to $10,000 grants for Youth Climate Corps programs. Applications are due by Sunday, March 10.

Maine public or private nonprofits, state/county/local units of government, higher education institutions, faith-based organizations, labor organizations, federally recognized Tribes, and regional organizations that will support members entirely within Maine may apply. Funding is available for programs operating during the summer or fall semester, according to a news release from Kirsten Brewer, Maine Climate Corps coordinator.

The focus area for this competition is land or freshwater preservation. Youth aged 14-17 are eligible to participate in Volunteer Maine-funded programs. Funding must be used to support youth programming.

The funding may be used for program staffing and/or corpsmember expenses, including stipends, training and any other costs that may support a member’s successful participation, such as transportation support or uniforms. A core principle of the Maine Climate Corps is that members reflect the economic and demographic diversity of the community they serve.

Application instructions and additional information can be found at volunteermaine.gov.

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