3/7/2022
Mr. Jesse Miller
Chair
The Pepper Foundation
11 Hills Beach Road, Marcil Hall #121
Biddeford, Maine 04005
Dear Mr. Miller,
The York Ready for Climate Action (YRCA) team is pleased to offer this Letter of Inquiry for The Pepper Foundation’s consideration. Our organization is requesting a program support grant of $85,000 for the creation of the “Grow Native Initiative”, which involves generating educational opportunities and community-based events that address the detrimental impacts of invasive and non-native species within the York area.
The YRCA began in 2006 when a small group of citizens in the York area came together to combat climate change as they felt it was time the community stopped waiting for the government to do something. This led to the creation of the organization and motivating individual communities to commit to using renewable energy sources community-wide by specific target dates. This goal was met in 2019, allowing us to direct our attention to environmental actions such as the Grow Native Initiative.
We aim to fill our community’s need for native plant and sustainable gardening education through a series of educational pamphlets. These pamphlets will discuss topics such as indigenous and invasive species in the area, how to maintain and restore biodiversity in your backyard, and education on sustainable gardening practices. These pamphlets will also be accompanied by a monthly subscription gift that is based on supplying 250 homes; such as seed packets ($5×750=3 for each home), fertilizers bags filled with the compost contents ($30 for the actual bags), or other gardening supplies that will vary in cost between $2.50-$20. We believe that the educational tools we provide will assist and encourage the York community to implement sustainable gardening practices within their homes.
In addition to the pamphlets, we will be expanding our website to include a wider variety of information pertaining to the topics such as invasive species, non-native plants, and sustainable gardening practices. There will be articles, blogs, video tutorials, and a list of more eco-friendly and sustainable options for individuals who are interested in learning more about a healthier greener yard. There will be a section dedicated to educational programs that teach individuals how to identify different plants and restore biodiversity within their yards. All of these additions will cost $500 to add to the website based on quotes from web design businesses and they will be included under the EcoHomes drop-down menu as it involves creating a more sustainable home for individuals and their community.
As a non-profit organization, YRCA understands that real, meaningful change begins within one’s own community, which is why our organization wants to set aside program funds to host programs and events for the citizens of York. These events will range from sustainable local business markets to creating community gardens. We plan for these events to cost anywhere between $10,000-30,000 and our goal is to host at least 2 large events within the year. The connectivity between residents, local businesses, and non-profits will benefit not only the spirit of the community but will also raise awareness of local and sustainable actions in a fun and engaging way.
Our core values are strongly rooted in serving our community to create unity between the environment and humans. We believe that by making sustainable lifestyle changes accessible for everyone in our community, the quality of life within the city of York will improve, not only for the environment but for humans as well. Furthermore, we aim to address education and solutions regarding climate change impacts to ensure that future generations can experience a vibrant and healthy environment. The Grow Native Initiative aligns with many of the core values and missions of the Pepper Foundation. Our organization ultimately aims to serve the unmet needs of our community to better our livelihoods and our surrounding environment. In addition, we are heavily committed to implementing climate change combating initiatives.
Not only will the York, Maine environment benefit from individuals being educated and participating in the Grow Native Initiative; but the community will, as well. This initiative will solve the lack of education and awareness of invasive plant species and sustainable gardening in the York area. The pamphlets, extended website, and gardening/business events will educate and spread knowledge of sustainable gardening practices to ensure the health of the community is able to confront climate change impacts. The organization anticipates reaching 100 new homes/individuals joining the cause/initiatives within the year.
Thank you for providing YRCA the opportunity to share a Letter of Inquiry with you, The Pepper Foundation, with whom we share the common goal of combating climate change by building a stronger and healthier community. We hope to be invited to share a full proposal of the Grow Native Initiative for the fund of $85,000 to begin the initiative for an entire year at the end of 2022. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact me at (717) 315-0752.
Sincerely,
Montana Stephens, Alex Kiehnau, and Abbie Anderson
Executives of the Grow Native Initiative
