Courtesy Photo Black Lake Preservation Society member Linda Sandvik and two Michigan Department of Natural Resource conservation officers display a boat launch sign and invasive species removal tools installed with support of a 2020 CBCW grant in this undated photo provided by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Calling all lake associations, watershed groups, nonprofits, and local and tribal units of government! The Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters program is offering grants to support aquatic invasive species outreach efforts.

The funding opportunity is available to organizations dedicated to boater education about aquatic invasive species and protecting Michigan’s waterways.

Funding requests can range from $1,000 to $3,000 and do not require local match or cost sharing. Clean Boats, Clean Waters grants can be used for a variety of activities, including signage, invasive species removal supplies — such as plant removal tools, sponges and towels — and staff time to perform watercraft inspections and demonstrations of boat cleaning techniques.

Interested organizations can apply for a grant now on the Clean Boats, Clean Waters website, canr.msu.edu/clean_boats_clean_waters/Grants. The deadline to apply is Dec. 17.

The program is a competitive funding opportunity, and complete applications will be ranked based on eligibility, project significance and overall strategy.

CBCW is a joint effort between Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Funding for CBCW and this mini grant opportunity is provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.