(SPECIAL) – Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) is hosting a Free Grant Information Session on Wednesday, Feb. 2, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Silos & Smokestacks’ office, 604 Lafayette Street, Suite 202, downtown Waterloo. The session will detail the various grant opportunities available through SSNHA to aid in preserving and telling America’s agricultural story. Potential applicants will also learn the purpose and requirements of each program, along with how to make a successful proposal.

The following grant programs will be covered during the session:

Internship Grants provides college students with internship and networking opportunities, while completing interpretive and preservation projects throughout the Heritage Area. This program is only available to designated SSNHA Partner Sites. Grant awards will cover up to 70% of the intern’s wages. Applications are due postmarked by February 1, 2011.

General Grants help fund agricultural related interpretive projects in the Heritage Area including exhibit development, educational programs, interpretive signage, marketing, and event programming. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, local or regional governments, or federally recognized Indian tribes located within the Heritage Area (applicants do not need to be a designated SSNHA Partner Site.) Grant awards range from $1,000 to $10,000. Applications are due postmarked by April 27, 2011.

Interpretive Planning Grants assist sites and organizations that need interpretive planning assistance in identifying their interpretive significance, story and/or themes. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, local or regional governments, or federally recognized Indian tribes located within the Heritage Area (applicants do not need to be a designated SSNHA Partner Site.) The maximum grant award is $2,500. Applications are due postmarked by April 27, 2011.

Bus Grants assist schools in the Heritage Area with the transportation costs associated with field study trips. Eligible applicants include Pre K-12 public, private, or charter schools. The grant funds 75% of the total amount of transportation to and from the school and selected SSNHA Partner Site for the field study trip, not to exceed $350. Applications will be available beginning August 1, 2011, with grants awarded until December 1 or funding is depleted, whichever comes first.

“The Silos & Smokestacks’ staff is looking forward to answering your questions and assisting with the grant application process,” commented Don Short, SSNHA President. “This session will also include a new grant program for interpretive planning.”

No registration or cost is required to attend this event and all potential applicants are encouraged to attend. Grant applications are available under the Grant section at www.silosandsmokestacks.org <www.silosandsmokestacks.org/> . For more info, contact Candy Streed, Program & Partnership Director, at 319-234-4567 or cstreed@silosandsmokestacks.org