Mayor Linda Kavanagh and the Town Council have announced the launch of the second annual Republic Rewards Community Grant Program.

Republic Rewards is a recycling rewards program available to municipalities and residents that receive their recycling services through Republic Services.

With this program, Republic Services rewards customers individually through special discounts with local businesses, as well as vote points toward the funding of civic projects and community improvements.

Republic Services has established the Community Grant Program in Fountain Hills to fund a selected project that will enhance the environment and local community. The grant amount is $10,000.

Eligible local charities, non-profit groups, and other civic organizations are encouraged to submit a proposal application for a community-benefiting project to be considered for funding, which may include:

*Environmental projects that enhance the natural beauty of the community, water conservation projects, and projects that sustain a healthy environment.

*Public enjoyment projects that would offer an elevated level of convenience or aesthetic benefit to a wide variety of community members.

*Educational ideas or projects that help reduce litter or waste and help advance the awareness of “reduce, reuse, recycle” within the community.

*Healthy and active lifestyle programs that would promote physical activity or nutritional educational programs.

Last year, Republic Service provided a $10,000 grant to the Fountain Hills Cultural and Civic Association to purchase and plant shade trees in Fountain Park.

“We are pleased to be working with Republic Services again to fund a community initiative that improves the quality of life for our residents and visitors,” said Kavanagh.

“By placing the voting into the hands of our citizens, we can work together to build a better future for Fountain Hills.”

The grant application and information about the application process can be found at www.republicgivesback.com and www.fh.az.gov.

Grant applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2015. The public voting will begin on March 2 via the Republic Rewards website www.republicgivesback.com.

Voting will conclude June 30.