WASHINGTON (Map, News) - The Corcoran Gallery and the Mountain Institute will be able to start new projects after winning grants from an organization focused on what it calls “responsible tourism.”

Tourism Cares awarded $10,000 to each of the organizations as part of nine grants made worldwide, according to spokeswoman Lisa Xia.

With the money, the D.C.-based Mountain Institute will construct an ecotourism walking trail in China in the Baima Mountains.

The Corcoran will use its grant to help restore the building’s exterior facade. During a two-year project starting in April, the marble will be cleaned, windows restored and the building sealed against moisture.

The Corcoran facade work will begin in April 2008 and is expected to take two years. Workers will clean the marble, restore windows and seal the building against moisture. The work is part of a five-year plan that will involve rebuilding the roof and converting office space into additional gallery space for permanent exhibitions, according to Corcoran spokeswoman Kristen Guiter.

“We’re thrilled to be on the receiving end of this,” Guiter said, noting that the Corcoran’s building is a historic landmark.

Tourism Cares thinks of responsible tourism from a number of perspectives, according to Executive Director Bruce Beckham. It can mean having respect for historical sites, being a responsible traveler by eating locally and taking public transportation, or programs that promote sustainability. The group gives out about $300,000 a year in grants.

“We do give grants to places of an iconic nature, but we also are kind of a friend to the friendless,” Beckham said. “We’re looking to find some more obscure places that really need help, and where our grants are going to make a difference.”

melissa.frederick@dcexaminer.com