PLEASE READ BEFORE COMPLETING AND SUBMITTING THIS FORM!

What is LBC's grant program? LBC allots a portion of the net profit from its annual Covered Bridge Metric Century (held on the third Sunday in August) to projects and programs that help bicycling in Lancaster County. Since 1999 we have donated $156,000 to the community.

Who is eligible? Any government agency or not-for-profit organization may apply for a LBC grant for a bicycle-related purpose. The applicant need not be headquartered in Lancaster County, but the program or project for which the grant is sought must have direct applicability to Lancaster County cyclists or residents.

What kinds of projects/programs are eligible? There is no specific list. In the past, we have awarded funds for bicycle parking racks, police bicycle patrols, bicycle route signage, cycling education, and cycling advocacy. We should point out that we tend to frown on applications for cycling helmets if they do not include training included for the intended recipients. While the Club strongly supports cyclists wearing helmets, it is cycling skills that are more important in preventing deaths and injuries, or reducing the severity of injuries, than simply wearing a helmet.

How do I submit an application? Fill out the form below and email it to the address indicated, or print a copy of the completed form and press the submit button when finished.

How much money is given out in grants? This is determined after we close the books on the current year's CBMC, usually around October or November. The amount has varied over the years, but is usually in the $10-25,000 range. There is no guarantee that grant money will be available every year. If it rains on CBMC day, or for any other reason, we have a low turnout, our net profit is reduced, or there could even be a loss. If we have a loss, there undoubtedly will not be any money available for grants for the next year. We will announce the amount available in this space near the end of the year. For 2012, a total of $30,000 has been allocated for grants!

What is the time frame for applying? Once the total grant amount has been announced, you may submit an application. Applications must reach us by February 22, 2012.

A reminder to organizations that received grants in 2011: we must receive an accounting of how you spent the 2011 grant before the deadline for 2012 grants. Even if you don’t plan to submit an application this year, we want to know how last year’s funds were spent. This need not be in extensive detail, and we don’t need copies of receipts. Just tell us how much you spent on each item, or groups of similar items. Also account for any unspent funds and how those will be spent.      

If awarded a grant, how long do I have to complete the project? Projects and programs awarded grants must be initiated during the same year the award is made, but need not be completed that year. Where applicable, include a schedule for completing the project.

IMPORTANT!! YOUR ANSWER MUST FIT IN THE SPACE ALLOTED, OR YOUR APPLICATION COULD BE REJECTED. Just the facts, please. We don't want to read a lot of "filler" extolling the benefits of bicycling. We already know this! If we need additional information about your application, we'll ask you for it.