Headwaters Fund Doubles Annual Allocation for Mini-Grants to $20,000

Sept. 30, 2011 - PRLog -- Eureka, CA—As grant funding options continue to wane, the Headwaters Fund is filling the gap by doubling their annual allocation for mini-grant programs to $20,000. Headwaters mini-grants are available in $1,000-$1,500 increments for programs and projects that promote economic development in Humboldt County, Calif. Applications are accepted on an on-going basis.  

“The mini-grants allow us to be nimble and respond quickly to community needs. It is also a very simple application process – we just ask for a letter and a budget. Typically, we can get back to applicants with a decision within a few days,” said Dawn Elsbree, the coordinator of the Headwaters Fund.

Examples of past mini-grants include support for the Women’s Entrepreneur Institute conference, a Broadband Forum, trails development, a rotating art exhibit at the Eureka-Arcata airport, and ongoing airline recruitment.

A 2009 Headwaters Fund mini-grant led to the establishment of Junior Achievement programs at Jacoby Creek Elementary, Zane Middle School, Sunny Brae Middle School and Ferndale Elementary. Nearly 300 students received business and economics education through the Junior Achievement program during the 2010-2011 school year.

“The Junior Achievement program gave my students a wonderful opportunity to collaborate and discuss real life business situations,” said Carrie Brazil, a seventh grade teacher at Ferndale Elementary School.

Mini-grants from the Headwaters Fund have also made educational community events possible from the North Coast Small Business Development Center’s Technology Bootcamp to Plan It Green’s Building Green Communities conference.  

“I believe the bang for the buck on the mini-grant dollars is outstanding,” said Michael Kraft, the executive director of the North Coast Small Business Development Center.

Established in 2003, the mission of the Headwaters Fund is to improve the local economy by funding project proposals that support economic development. http://www.theheadwatersfund.org or contact Elsbree at (707) 476-4805 or delsbree@co.humboldt.ca.us.