The National Audubon Society is now accepting applications for its 2010 class of TogetherGreen Fellows and Innovation Grantees.

Through TogetherGreen Conservation Fellowships, 40 promising individuals (half from the Audubon network and half from external organizations) will be chosen for their leadership potential, skills and commitment to engaging people of diverse backgrounds in conservation action. Fellows receive a $10,000 grant, assistance launching a conservation action project, and specialized training. They also become part of an exciting alumni network of conservation professionals from across the country.

TogetherGreen Innovation Grants annually provide essential funding that enables Audubon and their partners to inspire, equip, and support activities that engage people in conservation action and creating healthier communities. Audubon will select a minimum of 40 proposals, providing more than $1 million dollars of support-with grants ranging from $5,000 - $80,000. Grants will be reviewed by an expert advisory panel, with the majority of grants averaging about $25,000.

"The TogetherGreen Fellows and Innovation Grants programs have had remarkable success in building the capacity of conservation professionals and achieving tangible results across the country. We look forward to another selection of great applications that will engage thousands of Americans in local conservation action." said Frank Gill, National Audubon Society President.

Candidates for the TogetherGreen Fellows program must have at least six years experience in some aspect of the environment, a passion for conservation, the desire to learn and grow, and an interest and ability to reach diverse and previously underrepresented audiences. The inaugural class of TogetherGreen Fellows was named in 2008 and in less than one year recruited more than 3,400 participants who contributed a combined 37,000 hours to their conservation action projects. The 2009 Fellows are currently engaging thousands of people in the protection of habitat, wildlife, and water resources, as well as reducing energy use in 37 cities in 20 different states and one U.S. territory.

Innovation Grant funds will be awarded to Audubon's broad national network, including State Programs, Centers, and local Chapters- each working in partnership with one or more external organizations. Recipients will be chosen for innovative ideas that achieve conservation results focused on habitat, water, and energy. Selected grants will also need to demonstrate how they are reaching new and diverse communities and helping people get engaged in local conservation action. To date, nearly 90 environmental projects have received Innovation Grants totaling more than $2.5 million to achieve results focused on habitat, water, and energy nationwide.

To apply for a 2010 TogetherGreen Fellowship, visit http://www.togethergreen.org/People/Fellows.aspx. The site includes application guidelines, selection criteria, eligibility, benefits, and an online application.

To apply for a 2010 TogetherGreen Innovation Grant, Audubon Chapters, programs, Centers, sanctuaries and independent Audubon groups should visit http://www.togethergreen.org/Projects/Grants.aspx. The site includes application guidelines, selection criteria, benefits, and an online application.

The deadline to apply for a TogetherGreen Fellowship and/or Innovation Grant is May 7, 2010. Fellows and Grant applicants will be notified in July 2010 and August 2010 respectively.

About TogetherGreen
Audubon and Toyota launched the five-year TogetherGreen initiative in 2008 to build the promise of a greener, healthier future through innovation, leadership and volunteerism. For more information, visit www.togethergreen.org.

About Audubon
Now in its second century, Audubon connects people with birds, nature and the environment that supports us all. Our national network of community-based nature centers, chapters, scientific, education, and advocacy programs engages millions of people from all walks of life in conservation action to protect and restore the natural world. Visit Audubon online at www.audubon.org.

About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants. Toyota directly employs nearly 34,000 in the U.S. and our investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design.

Toyota's guiding principles and commitment to being a good corporate citizen place people and the environment at the heart of everything we do. This includes the development of fuel-efficient, environmentally-friendly vehicles, to reducing waste and energy consumption at our plants. To learn more about Toyota's environmental performance, visit http://www.toyota.com/about/environmentreport2009/.

Toyota believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results and we partner with numerous organizations across the country, focusing on education, the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than $464 million to philanthropic programs in the U.S.

For more information on Toyota's commitment to improving communities nationwide, visit http://www.toyota.com/community.

National Audubon Society

National Audubon Society

Now in its second century, Audubon connects people with birds, nature and the environment that supports us all. Our national network of community-based nature centers, chapters, scientific, education, and advocacy programs engages millions of people from all walks of life in conservation action to protect and restore the natural world.

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