In the wake of North Coast fires, competition seeks sustainable rebuild ideas

A climate-focused nonprofit is encouraging people impacted by the recent Northern California wildfires to apply for a competitive national grant process with proposals on how to rebuild using practices more resistant to future natural disasters.

Matt Petersen, a longtime environmentalist and formerly the city of Los Angeles' first-ever chief sustainability officer, founded Citizen E (short for Citizen Entrepreneur) around the concept of finding innovative solutions that create healthier communities. The year-old group pays special attention to methods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address some of Earth's most pressing problems.

Individuals across the United States and its territories with project ideas, whether brand new and seeking seed capital or already underway and in need of continuation funding, are eligible for the $10,000 grand prize.

The deadline for applying on the nonprofit's website is Dec. 16.

Five finalists from the pool of applicants will be announced on Jan. 2, and an online public poll will help an internal panel select the winning project based on its creativity, potential impact and overall viability.

As a consolation, the other four finalists will each receive a grant of $500, or more depending on remaining budget.

“This is really for an individual doing something in the community who needs a shot in the arm to make their idea come to life,” said Petersen.

“After the fires and devastation, we want to support projects that help them make the corner of the world they love better than ever.”

For the entire list of submission guidelines and more information, visit: www.citizene.org.