The Copper Environmental Foundation has given $26,000 in grants to five Summit County organizations for the 2010 cycle.

The nonprofit foundation supports youth environmental action and education programs throughout Summit and Lake Counties. Since its inception, the foundation has granted more than $56,000. Funds are generated by employee paycheck donations, with each dollar matched at 100 percent by Copper Mountain.

Recipients include:

• Keystone Science School – to support the Education in Action program, focused on Mining and Water Quality,

• High Country Conservation Center and the Summit County Landfill – for six exhibits at the Summit County Resource Allocation Park,

• Girl Scouts of Colorado, in conjunction with Keystone Science School – for financial assistance to Girls Scouts for overnight programs,

• Alternatives for Simple Living – for agency and program support, to further develop its after-school programming that includes the “Summit Harmony” program and the implementation of “The 6 R’s” (Recycling, Restoring, Reusing, Reducing, Responding, and Refusing) program, and

• Bring One Back – to support the mission to bring one piece of litter back for every hike, bike, dog walk or other outdoor outing.

For more information about the Copper Environmental Foundation, e-mail environment@coppercolorado.com.