The Hill Country Alliance is accepting applications for its Night Sky Preservation Fund, which provides up to $5,000 in reimbursement funds for community efforts to protect dark skies throughout the Texas Hill Country.
The annual grant program, now in its second year, funds initiatives to improve outdoor lighting practices, reduce energy consumption and minimize light pollution in the region. The Coypu Foundation and individual supporters support the fund.
Local nonprofits, small businesses, individual entrepreneurs and government agencies committed to preserving the night sky are eligible to apply for the grants. Applications are possible until October 31st.
Qualifying projects include applying for the International Dark Sky Place designation, retrofitting night sky lighting, creating educational materials, and participating in the Alliance for Business and Neighborhoods Night Sky Friendly programs.
“The initial launch of the Night Sky Preservation Fund was a tremendous success, enabling HCA to support 11 different projects across nine organizations,” said Dawn Davies, night sky program manager for the Hill Country Alliance. “We are proud to now offer this as an annual opportunity for Hill Country partners, and we look forward to supporting another round of applicants in achieving their night sky preservation goals.”
Projects must occur in one or more of the 22 eligible counties: Bandera, Bexar, Blanco, Burnet, Comal, Edwards, Gillespie, Hays, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, Medina, Real, San Saba, Travis, Uvalde, Val Verde and Williamson.
The alliance's goal is to strengthen the region's network of International Dark Sky Places, reduce greenhouse gas emissions through improved lighting practices, and expand public education about light pollution.
The announcement coincides with Hill Country Night Sky Month, a month-long October celebration honoring the region's dark skies. The grant is the first of its kind in the region focused solely on night sky preservation.
The Alliance will host a virtual information session for those with questions about the fund on Tuesday, October 7, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time.
