The Block Island Fund has announced the formation of “Block Island Green,” an initiative dedicated to publicize and support projects promoting “greenness” — including energy and water conservation, reduction of carbon footprints, renewable energy sources, composting and recycling.

Formed in 1994, the Block Island Fund is a committee-advised fund of the Rhode Island Foundation. Committee members include Mary Donnelly, Nancy Greenaway, Lew Gaffett, Jim Stevenson, Molly O’Neill, and Pat and Shirley Howe. The fund provides grants to island nonprofits for specific projects.

The fund committee hopes that Block Island Green will help attract and build community support for a wide range of activities and projects associated with the concept of “green.” While modest financial support will be available in some cases, the primary role of the new initiative will be to serve as a facilitator and clearing house.

The committee is currently making plans for an energy reduction challenge involving school families, a special promotion of compact florescent bulbs, and a “green summit forum,” where groups and individuals will be invited to describe current projects and brainstorm additional ideas. Committee members will also survey mainland activities that might be appropriate for the island.

People who are currently involved with green projects or have ideas on how to make Block Island more green are invited to contact Shirley or Pat Howe at 466-5807, P.O. Box 1184, Block Island, RI, 02807, or shirleypathowe@yahoo.com.