GEARs Education will award up to $2,500 in mini-grants for  local projects that  promote bicycle education and safety.  Applications can be accepted only from 501(c)3 non-profit organizations and government entities. Deadline for applications (1-3 pages) is January 31. Read below for more information.

Information to include in application:

a)   Descriptive title of proposal (e.g. “Safe Bike Light program” or  “How to ride safely and avoid street hazards”).
b)   Name of 501 (c) (3) corporation applicant.
c)   Amount of support requested (e.g. $250).
d)   Availability of matching funds (because GEARs Education funds are limited, leveraging is encouraged).
e)   Background (typically one paragraph describing the problem to be addressed).
f)   Appendices (e.g. supporting letters).
g)  The grant proposal must specify how the grant funds are intended to be used.
h)   The grant proposal must be signed by an authorized representative of the corporation.
i)  Send an electronic version of the grant to: sue.wolling@gmail.com
By submitting  a proposal for a GEARs Education mini-grant, the applicant agrees to the following conditions:
1)  The grant funds must be used for bicycle education and safety only.
2)  The grantee will file reports every 90 days with the GEARs Education Secretary as to the status and use of the granted funds.
3)   The grantee will file a final report with the GEARs Education Secretary as to the status and use of the granted funds.
4)  The GEARs Education Oversight Committee will make contact with the grantee to insure that grant funds are being used for the purposes intended. The committee may also make on-site inspections to determine how grant funds are being used.
5)  If the Oversight Committee determines that grant funds are not being used for their intended purposes, they will report back to the Board of Directors. If a vote in favor of recovery of granted funds is made, the Board will instruct the Oversight Committee to take appropriate action to recover granted funds from the grantee.
6) GEARs Education may withhold additional grant funds if in its sole judgment, it determines that funds are not being used for the purpose intended.
7)  If in GEARs Education’s sole judgment, a grantee misuses  granted funds, then the grantee will be ineligible to receive grant funds in the future.
8)Prior to issuance of mini-grant funds, a successful applicant will be required to provide satisfactory evidence (such as an IRS determination letter) of their 501 (c) (3) status.
9)Proposals are due on January 31. The Board of  Directors will notify applicants of acceptance or denial on or before March 10. If you have any questions, please contact Sue Wolling at sue.wolling@gmail.com 541-345-2110.