Vashon Park District reinstated its popular community grant program this month, after the five-member park board voted to set aside $10,000 for the program in 2010.

The program offers small grants to Islanders and nonprofit organizations with visions for events or programs that benefit the community. Last year’s park district budget did not have funding for the grant program, and officials said they’re happy it could be reinstated this year.

“It’s been a successful program every year we’ve done it, but it’s been a casualty of really tight budget years,” said Vashon Park District executive director Wendy Braicks. “It’s one of the things that goes. We’re glad to reinstate it.”

In 2008, the grant program supplied funds to programs, including the Seals Swim Team, Walk on the Wild Side and Vashon Allied Arts’ summer world music concert.

“The idea is to seed diversity in our Island’s creative garden and give good new ideas a chance to blossom,” said Susan McCabe, the park district’s program coordinator, in a press release.

Those who’d like to apply for park district funds to support their project should stop by the park district’s offices in Ober Park on or after Jan. 25 to pick up an application packet. Com-pleted packets are due to the park district on March 1, and winners will be announced on March 15.

Winners are chosen based on the community merit of their proposed program. Higher scores go to proposals that fit the park district’s mission of “providing recreational opportunities that complement our Island lifestyle,” McCabe said.

A proposal will also earn points for getting Islanders to visit the parks, promoting awareness of sustainability and environmental protection, filling a “programming void” in the community or involving teens or seniors.

For more information, contact Susan McCabe at 463-9602 or smccabe@vashonparkdistrict.org.