MODESTO – Redwood Creek wines is putting its money where the grass grows and committing $130,000 in the third annual Greater Outdoors Project.

Nine nonprofit finalists will be selected from across the country, eight of which will be awarded $10,000 each.

The title grant of $50,000 will go to one winner, based on a national, public vote.

Redwood Creek wines is calling on outdoor organizations nationwide to apply for this year's grant to fund a specific outdoor project unique to that group.

Interested organizations must apply by Feb. 28 at www.RedwoodCreekWine.com .

Redwood Creek established the Greater Outdoors Project in 2008 to recognize and support nonprofit organizations that share its commitment to preserve, protect and provide access to America's great outdoors.

"The Sierra Nevada mountain snowmelt nurtures our vineyards, making them rich and fertile grounds for grape production," says Cal Dennison, Redwood Creek winemaker and outdoor enthusiast. "Because nature directly influences our craft and the quality of our wines, we should do our part to give back to the outdoors."

A panel of judges made up of active members of the outdoor community, including Dennison, will review applications from hiking, water conservation and energy preservation groups, to name a few. Redwood Creek wines encourages applicants to be creative in their project submissions.

Whether clearing pollution from Lake Erie, collecting litter from the trails of the Redwood Forests or sprucing up the appearance of the Everglades, any project dedicated to improving the outdoors is deemed appropriate.

From April 1 through Aug. 31, outdoor enthusiasts will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite nonprofit at www.RedwoodCreekWine.com . The winning organization will be announced in September.

Last year's Greater Outdoors Project grant was presented to Friends of New Orleans City Park, after a nationwide vote of more than 38,000. The $50,000 grant is currently being used to reestablish 19 acres of ecosystems in the Couturie Forest, a popular woodland nestled at the center of the park's 1,300 acres, that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

To enter this year's Greater Outdoors Project, participants must complete the online application at www.RedwoodCreekWine.com , which includes a statement of purpose, detailed budget, timeline and photographs of the proposed project.

All project work must be completed by December 2011. Only one application per organization will be considered and all submissions must be dedicated to a specific project.

The grant applicant must be 21 years of age or older and a legal U.S. citizen. Only members or representatives of registered 501(c )(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.

For complete rules and additional information, visit www.RedwoodCreekWine.com .