For the third time in collaboration with the Nasza Ziemia (Our Earth) Foundation, Volkswagen Poznan invites you to take part in the „Blue Grants” competition. By supporting environmental initiatives, this program aims to promote pro-ecological attitudes among local communities in Wielkopolska Voivodeship.

So why „Blue Grants” when the colour green is associated with ecology? „The Volkswagen Group does not want to limit itself to only the production of environmentally-friendly cars. Our goal are concepts and ideas that go beyond the boundaries of products and technologies. We believe that a commitment to the natural environment requires, in addition to the development of lasting and sustainable innovations, requires new patterns of behaviour. Our „Think Blue” concept is designed to encourage green behaviour. One of the programs that fits into this concept is the „Blue Grants” program – explained Monika Hajbowicz, the Head of Communications at Volkswagen Poznan.

Katarzyna Dytrych, Nasza Ziemia (Our Earth) Foundation Board Member: „The constantly changing world requires use to be proactive and take action for the natural environment, in which we all function every day. The „Blue Grants” programme is a response to the needs of local communities, which know best what is needed in a particular region to take advantage of natural resources and protect the environment. Experiences from previous editions have shown that interest in the initiative is enormous, and the variety of ideas really inspiring.”

The tasks for „Blue Grant” participants is to prepare and implement activities in the form of a project or programme to increase knowledge about the nature conservation, shaping society’s attitudes and awareness towards ecology, promoting active ecological education in the field, and supporting local initiatives that serve to protect the environment within Wielkopolska. Entries will be accepted from organizations, associations, foundations, schools, and pre-schools, that have an idea for a project that will positively influence environmental awareness among local communities. The prize pool for this year’s edition amounts to 24000 PLN to be divided among the winning projects. In addition, a separate prize is free use for a year of a Volkswagen Caddy with BlueMotion Technology package.

„Thanks to our support in the 1st edition of the programme, implemented were 3 projects, which total exceeded 20000 PLN. Currently in progress is the implementation of five projects, which received funding in the programme’s 2nd edition. The Volkswagen Poznan Blue Grants” programme is an interesting initiative that enables the acquisition of funds for implementation of ecological ideas. We would like to encourage all interested parties to attend the information-training meeting, which will be conducted by representatives from the Nasza Ziemia (Our Earth) Foundation on 23/05/2014. The meeting will begin at 10:00 at Volkswagen Poznan headquarters, ul. Warszawska 349. During the meeting you will learn about what the competition requirements are, how to properly write a grant application, and the types of projects that have a chance at obtaining funding” – ended Mikołaj Jóźwiak, who is responsible for the „Blue Grants” project.

More information about the programme is available at www.niebieskiegranty.pl .

Contact:

Piotr Danielewicz

Spokesperson

e-mail: piotr.danielewicz@vw-poznan.pl