HCA accepting applications for grants to preserve the night sky

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Partners interested in helping the Hill Country Alliance (HCA) preserve the night sky in the region can now apply for a grant. The applications for the program are open through October.

The annual grant, known as the Night Sky Preservation Fund, is in its second year and has received "generous support" from the Coypu Foundation and advocates from around the Hill Country, according to the nonprofit.

The fund "provides financial support for community-driven efforts to protect the region's dark skies," according to a news release from HCA. Qualifying projects to apply for include "International Dark Sky Place designation, retrofitting lighting to be night sky-friendly, creating educational and outreach materials, and participating in HCA's Night Sky Friendly programs for businesses and neighborhoods."

Those interested in applying can request up to $5,000 in reimbursement funding, and the deadline to apply is Oct. 31. The funding goes toward "eligible night sky preservation projects."

"Through this funding opportunity, HCA aims to strengthen the network of International Dark Sky Places in the region, reduce greenhouse gas emissions through more innovative lighting practices, and broaden community education and engagement around light pollution issues," the HCA said.

This announcement comes as the month-long celebration begins for Hill Country Night Sky Month, which honors the region's "night sky that is filled with stars, planets, and even the occasional comet," HCA said.

"This annual observance highlights the beauty, ecological importance, and cultural significance of dark skies across the Texas Hill Country," the release said.

Any projects funded must be within one or more of the 22 eligible counties, which include the following, as provided by the HCA:

• Bandera
• Bexar
• Blanco
• Burnet
• Comal
• Edwards
• Gillespie
• Hays
• Kendall
• Kerr
• Kimble
• Kinney
• Lampasas
• Llano
• Mason
• Medina
• Real
• San Saba
• Travis
• Uvalde
• Val Verde
• Williamson

“The inaugural launch of the Night Sky Preservation Fund was a tremendous success, allowing HCA to support 11 distinct projects across nine organizations,” Dawn Davies, Night Sky Program Manager for the Hill Country Alliance, said in the release. “We’re proud to now offer this as an annual opportunity for Hill Country partners, and we’re excited to support another round of applicants in achieving their night sky preservation goals.”

For more information on the application submission process, visit the HCA website.