The purpose of Educational Institution Sustainability Grant program is to advance schools’ environmental sustainability practices, including through energy efficiency upgrades, sustainable landscaping, water use reduction, and air quality improvements. By providing a small grant to support environmental efforts by staff, students, and patrons, the Prairie Village Educational Institution Sustainability Grant will engage school communities in improving the natural and built environments of Prairie Village and can then serve as an example to our residents and neighboring communities.

• The project must be at an accredited school located in the city limits of Prairie Village—public or private, preschool or K-12.
• Application requires a narrative statement about the purpose of the project and its expected alignment with the City’s climate action plan through environmental sustainability and/or carbon reduction goals (<2 pages), as well as a project budget and a budget rationale for the grant request amount, not to exceed $500. Applications may come from school staff or official organizations representing the school, such as the parent association (PTA or other) or governance board.
• Total educational institution sustainability grants in Prairie Village will not exceed $2000/year. The deadline for grant requests is March 31^st of each school year. Each school can only receive one grant award per year, so schools are encouraged to collaborate internally to submit only one application from their school. If applications for more eligible projects are received than funds allow, priority will be on awards to schools that have not received one in the previous 3 years.
• Eligible improvements include, but are not limited, to the following: enhancements to facilitate transition to/incorporation of solar power and/or wind power, solid waste reduction (composting/recycling infrastructure), property upgrades to facilitate low-emission school transit (idle-free zones, bike racks, crosswalks), installation of water-filling stations/water coolers, tree planting, school garden development, and/or native plantings.
• The Prairie Village arborist will consult on tree plantings to ensure they meet the standard for native, non-invasive species.
• It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain any relevant permits and approvals.
• All improvement projects must meet the requirements of the 2021 IECC and/or the attached specifications, whichever results in the greatest energy efficiency, and must conform to the City of Prairie Village municipal code.
• The Environmental Committee is granted the authority to determine if a proposed project meets the overall eligibility and purpose of the grant program and will consult with the City’s Building Official when necessary
• Schools will receive reimbursement for expenses incurred for approved projects, following submission of receipts and brief documentation of any adjustments to approved plan.