GLF endowment to support outdoor public use projects

A new endowment fund created at the Greater Lewes Foundation by managers of the Punkin’ Chunkin’ organization will make annual grants to support Sussex County projects.

The Punkin’ Chunkin’ event originated with a group of native Sussex Countians to recognize and demonstrate mechanical ingenuity at a large-scale outdoor event. Enjoying the outdoors was something event participants and attendees shared, so the original founders have dedicated this fund to support specific projects to permanently preserve and enable public use of open space.

The Punkin’ Chunkin’ Fund will award a $10,000 annual grant to support a specific project in Sussex County. The requested funds can be used for the acquisition of new land or use of an existing property for permanent public use. The grant-funded project must include a specific purpose for which the land will be used and be open to the public. Examples include walking trails, specific habitat protection and conservation, public recreation and education.

The property must be owned and maintained by a public or private nonprofit entity that will also manage or oversee management of the project. Preference will be given to projects and land protected under permanent conservation easements or other restrictions. The grant may not be used to acquire or make use of land for parking, restrooms, access roads, residential or commercial buildings, public or privately owned utilities, right-of-way or hunting purposes.

The GLF will announce and promote the grant process during the first quarter of each year. Grant requests may be made from Jan. 1 to April 15, with awards announced June 1 of each year. Requests can be made online only, by emailing tcolgrove@horizonphilanthropic.com.

Requests should include the name and Employer Identification Number of the nonprofit organization and its board; its latest IRS Form 990; a description of the land and its proposed use; an estimate of how many people will benefit from the project; proof of existing easement or proposed easement holder; timeline for project implementation; estimated cost and use of funds, and a project budget; sources of funds and other gifts made or proposed; cost of project operation; and budget and responsibility details.

A committee of qualified individuals will be appointed by the Punkin’ Chunkin’ Fund advisors to review submissions and select the awardee. The grant may be split into two $5,000 distributions, depending on total project cost and the proposed impact of the grant(s). The GLF will receive and file requests, respond to questions, and organize and provide the requests to the fund advisors by April 15 of each year. Awarded grant(s) will be announced June 1 each year.

The Punkin’ Chunkin’ Endowment is a charitable fund of the Greater Lewes Foundation; learn more at greaterlewesfoundation.org.