NARROWSBURG, NY — The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, Inc. (UDSB) is accepting proposals until February 18, the third Monday of the month, from groups that will help enhance its mission of promoting butterfly habitat.

Funding can be used for advertising, buying supplies to make pollinator plant seed balls, or other ideas that support the non-profit organization’s project, “The Monarch Butterfly: Fostering the Flyway by the Byway.” For example, a group that already has a booth at a festival could add a children’s seed ball program and distribute UDSB’s popular butterfly brochures.

“This is a perfect opportunity for organizations along the Scenic Byway to collaborate on projects that are important to both the environment and tourism-based economic development,” said UDSB committee chairperson Glenn Pontier.

“We want to thank the Sullivan County Legislature for supporting the valuable work we are doing to promote the river towns and the river valley,” he added.

In the last 20 years, the Monarch Butterfly population has dwindled from more than a billion to just 150 million. At nearly 82%, this decline has been observed with alarm along the Delaware River, which serves as a flyway for the annual migration of Northeastern Monarchs from their summer breeding grounds to their wintering roosts in central Mexico.

UDSB, Inc. has made a pool of $5,000 available in 2019 for programs that teach young people about butterflies and their need for food and habitat, educate the public about pollinator and habitat gardens, advertise the presence of butterflies along the byway and other creative ideas.

Organizations may apply for grants of up to $1,500 to meet these goals. Grants are competitive, up to $500 for a single project or event. Proposals that include some match (either monetary or in-kind) will receive preference.

Grants are awarded on a rolling deadline. Applications submitted by the third Monday of a month will be reviewed for award decisions to be made on the fourth Monday.

Applicants must have a non-profit status, such as being a 501(c)3 or equivalent—churches and other religious organizations, chambers of commerce, local governments, schools, civic organizations, 4-H clubs, scouts, for example. They must also be located in the general Route 97 service area, familiar with the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway and the festivals, fairs, and events within the byway.

Upon approval, applicants will receive an award letter stating: approval of the project; the amount of the grant award; and requirements upon completion, including a report showing how the money was spent and the number of people served. To request a one-page application form, email info@upperdelawarescenicbyway.org. Completed applications may be returned electronically or to UDSB, P.O. Box 127, Narrowsburg, NY 12764.