Rainwater Revival Calls for Grant Applications from Hill Country Schools

Hernandez Elementary

Board member Karen Ford presents a check to Hernandez Elementary School in 2014


For the fifth consecutive year, the Hill Country Alliance’s Rainwater Revival offers funds to help students learn about rainwater catchment and water conservation.

As Texas Hill Country residents and businesses look for ways to conserve water, the Hill Country Alliance’s Rainwater Revival grants lend a helping hand to schools throughout the 17-county region. The HCA is now taking applications through May 1 from schools that want to implement or enhance rainwater collection and water conservation programs on their campuses.

“From funds received at our art [rain] barrel auction at Rainwater Revival 2014, we are happy to offer three $1,000 grants for 2015,” said Christy Muse, executive director for HCA. “So far, our grant program has helped 13 schools set up or continue their water conservation programs. Most recently, we learned from the Hill Country Montessori School that their grant made it possible for them to cut their well water use by 30,000 gallons a year, so the school now uses only 16 percent of their annual well water permit. What a fabulous response.”

Ms. Muse noted the school planted native, drought-resistant plants, uses a drip irrigation system, and has adopted a number of indoor water-saving measures as well.

The deadline for applications for grants to be used during the 2015-2016 school year is May 4, 2015, with the selection of recipients expected by May 18, allowing teachers to start their projects at the beginning of the fall school year.

“We’ve developed an easy process for teachers to request a grant,” said Karen Ford, Rainwater Revival Chairperson. “We understand the demands on a teacher’s time and how meaningful a grant can be to an educator these days.”

To apply, provide a one-page description of the project, including number of students reached, expected outcomes, length or duration of project, and general management and participation in the project; the project budget, including grant amount requested and, if anticipated, matching funds or in-kind services (matches not required); letter(s) of support from school principal and any others, as appropriate, and primary contact name, phone and email.

The grants are open to public and private elementary, middle and high schools throughout 17 counties of the Hill Country region. Email applications to info@RainwaterRevival.com or mail to HCA-Rainwater Revival, Attention Grant Program, 15315 Hwy 71 West, Bee Cave, TX 78738. Complete information and a list of eligible counties are available at www.rainwaterrevival.com.

About the Rainwater Revival The Rainwater Revival is an annual celebration of collection, conservation and common sense designed to help individuals and businesses learn how to capture rainwater for in-home and outdoor irrigation. The free event is sponsored by the Hill Country Alliance and will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park.

About Hill Country Alliance HCA is a collaboration of diverse people and organizations whose purpose is to raise public awareness and build community support around the need to protect the natural resources and heritage of the Texas Hill Country.