(April 18, 2008) Ogeechee-Canoochee Riverkeeper is one of just five organizations in the United States selected by the Environmental Support Center for $10,000 grants to build organizational capacity and achieve significant internal goals.

The Environmental Support Center in Washington, D.C. promotes the quality of the natural environment, human health and community sustainability by increasing the organizational effectiveness of local, state and regional environmental organizations. Its Leadership and Enhanced Assistance Program (LEAP) provides funding for consultants, for training and support from ESC staff, and for opportunities to network with peer organizations from other parts of the country.

From April 11-13, 2008, Riverkeeper and Executive Director Chandra Brown, accompanied by Board members Jim Abbot and Linda Smith, attended a three-day LEAP orientation workshop in Baltimore, Maryland.

The OCRK delegation joined similar teams from organizations in Texas, California, Connecticut, and Wyoming for organizational assessment, training, and planning.

A list of all five organizations and information about LEAP may be found at http://www.envsc.org/news/leap-program-announces-class-of-2009/.