While it’s still summer, the upcoming winter season is right around the corner. As the season approaches, Vail Resorts Echo, the company’s corporate stewardship program, is kicking off the 2010 fall grant process. Open to Tahoe nonprofits, applications are due Sept. 22.

Vail Resorts Echo encompasses environmental stewardship, charitable giving and community engagement. The program is aimed at protecting the beautiful natural resources that surrounds the resorts and helping build stronger communities.

For its charitable contributions, Vail Resorts Echo supports programs that enhance the quality of life in the South Lake Tahoe area. Specifically, the focus of our charitable giving through Echo is in two main areas:

* Supporting educational and youth programs.

* Encouraging innovation in and implementation of environmental stewardship practices.

Local Heavenly leadership from Vail Resorts form the VR Echo Giving Council, and they award cash grants and in-kind donations once a year through a grant application process. Nonprofits that run programs within our focus areas, benefit local residents and are based in El Dorado County and Douglas County may apply.

Vail Resorts Echo has hit the web with a new site, www.vailresortsecho.com, which enables employees as well as the local communities and others to get a comprehensive snapshot at the company’s corporate stewardship initiatives. In addition, nonprofits will be able to download the grant application and find instructions on how to apply.

The details:

* Applications are due Sept 22.

* Instructions and application is available online at www.vailresortsecho.com.

* One application should be submitted for both cash and in-kind requests.

* An organization can receive funds and/or in-kind donations once each year.

If you have any questions about the application process, give Nicky DeFord a call at (720) 524.5020 or email at ndeford@vailresorts.com.