Brainstorming Meeting - Commonwealth of Virginia Energy and Sustainability Conference
When: Friday, March 30 from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Location: Department of Environmental Quality - Piedmont Regional Headquarters, Insbrook Corporate Center in Glen Allen
The Virginia Sustainable Building Network, Virginia Sustainable Future Forum, and VMI are holding a public input meeting to discuss the conference agenda; including speakers, topics, workshops, and other ideas.
The Commonwealth of Virginia Energy and Sustainability Conference seeks to offer a vibrant, frank, and pertinent forum to discuss energy and sustainability issues facing the Commonwealth. This conference should offer a timely opportunity for professionals from all sectors and interests to gather to discuss our common future. With Virginians working to develop the Virginia Energy Plan and facing crucial energy and sustainability issues, including the re-regulation of the electric utility industry and a variety of energy-related environmental issues, we have much to discuss.
RSVP by 11:00 am, Thursday, March 29
To RSVP: Contact Jane Bang at the VMI Conference Office by e-mailing bangja@vmi.edu or calling 540-464-7740
Directions to DEQ office: Visit mapquest
Regional Office website: www.deq.state.va.us/regions/piedmont.html

Scenic Virginia Thanks Governor Kaine for Vetoing HB2128
Governor Kaine announced today that he is vetoing HB 2128 (Patron - Del. Tim Hugo, concerning the relocation and adjustment of nonconforming billboards taken by VDOT for a road project), a bill the conservation community vehemently opposed!
What you can do:
On Wednesday, April 4, the General Assembly will take up Governor Kaine's veto of HB2128. Scenic Virginia has asked that you send your Delegate a message asking that he/she uphold Kaine's Veto.
Thank the Governor. Send an e-mail by visiting www.governor.virginia.gov/AboutTheGovernor/contactGovernor.cfm

Save the Bay Breakfast: Innovation in Oyster Restoration
Date: April 14, 2007 at 9:00 A.M.
Location: Sandy Bottom Nature Park
For more Information: contact the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Hampton Roads Chapter at 757-622-1964 or e-mail hamptonroads@cbf.org

VCN Presents the Capitol Steps
When: the Evening of Thursday, May 3
Where: Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond
Come support the Virginia Conservation Network, and enjoy a night of laughs during a performance by the Capitol Steps.
For more information on the Event: visit www.vcnva.org/events/2007/2007CapitolSteps.php

18th Annual Environment Virginia Symposium - Leadership, Strategies, and Action
Date: April 10-12, 2007
Location: Virginia Military Institute - Cameron Hall, Lexington, Virginia
Register for a Special Rate for Non-Profit Representatives: http://environmentva.org/Register/register_np.asp
For More Information: www.environmentva.org
If you are part of a VCN member organization that is not registered as a 501(c) 3, you may call the VCN office to learn how you can qualify for a non-profit rate - Phone 804.644.0283

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE - COASTAL PROGRAM
Deadline: September 30, 2007
Coastal ecosystems comprise less than 10 percent of the Nation's land area, but support far greater proportions of our living resources. Specifically, coastal areas support a much higher percentage of the Nation's threatened and endangered species, fishery resources, migratory songbirds, and migrating and wintering waterfowl. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service welcomes your participation in the Coastal Program. If you are interested in exploring the possibility of pursuing a cooperative agreement for assessment, protection, and/or restoration, or simply receiving technical advice, the first step is to contact your Coastal Program coordinator. A listing of all Coastal Program coordinators is available at: http://www.fws.gov/coastal. Funding decisions are made within the individual the local offices based on priority ranking factors.
Eligibility Requirements:
Federal, State, interstate and intrastate agencies; local and tribal governments; public nonprofit institutes and organizations (such as conservation organizations, watershed councils, land trusts, schools and institutions of higher learning); U.S. territories and possessions; private landowners including individuals and businesses. The Coastal Program is geographically limited to its geographic focus areas -- only projects that address coastal conservation in these specified areas can be funded. Contact your local Coastal Program coordinator if you are considering applying for assistance for a coastal conservation project. Submission requirements vary.
For More Information Visit www.fws.gov/coastal/CoastalProgram/

MEYER FOUNDATION - EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT LEADERS EXPONENT AWARD
Deadline: April 9, 2007
The Meyer Foundation strengthens people and their communities by investing in Greater Washington, D.C.'s visionary nonprofits. The Meyer Foundation's Exponent Award recognizes strong and effective nonprofit leaders with a track record of accomplishment who have the potential for future growth and development. The award program is designed to stabilize and strengthen the executive leadership of Meyer's grantees, to increase the voice and visibility of some of the region's most effective nonprofit leaders, and to help them attract additional resources. The award, intended for mid-career executives who may be in danger of burnout or who would benefit from a leadership development grant to take their skills and organization to a new level, honors up to five leaders each year. The reward recipient's organization of receives a two-year grant of $100,000 to be used for leadership development.
Criteria:
To qualify for the exponent award, nominees must be the chief executive officer (executive director or president) of an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has received at least two grants from the Meyer Foundation since January 1, 2003; and have served in their current position for a minimum of three years but not more than ten years. Candidates must be nominated by a letter from a board member, colleague, grant-maker, or other community leader.
For more Information Visit: The Meyer Foundation Web site for complete program information and nomination procedures.
Request for Proposals: http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10005415/meyerfoundation

NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION'S COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Deadline: April 6, 2007, and September 7, 2007
The program, sponsored by the Natonial Forest Foundation will support newly forming nonprofit organizations in need of capacity-building that intend to proactively and inclusively engage the local community in forest management and conservation issues on and around National Forests and Grasslands. CAP provides start-up grants in the range of $5,000 to $15,000 each, as well as basic tools and guidance, to enable newly forming grassroots community groups to resolve differences and play a more active role in the sustainable management of nearby national forests and surrounding communities. CAP funds can be used for a wide range of tools, including technical assistance, training, consultants, community outreach, obtaining 501(c)(3) status, group facilitation, basic start-up and operating costs, materials and equipment, program development, nonprofit management skill-building, and communications.
For more information: visit www.natlforests.org