Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program

The Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program is a state-funded initiative designed to combat the threats posed by terrestrial and aquatic invasive species across the state. Administered through a collaborative effort by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the program aims to support strategic projects that prevent, detect, eradicate, and control invasive species in Michigan’s diverse ecosystems. Since its inception in 2014, the program has awarded over $40 million in competitive grants, with up to $3.6 million available annually based on legislative appropriations. The program targets several core goals, including preventing the introduction of new invasive species, strengthening early detection and rapid response networks, reducing the spread of recently confirmed species, and managing widespread infestations. Projects may span educational outreach, scientific research, field implementation, and community coordination, and must demonstrate alignment with Michigan’s aquatic and terrestrial invasive species state management plans. Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals that are transferrable, scalable, or otherwise applicable at regional or statewide levels. Eligible applicants include local, federal, tribal, and state government units (with a prior contact requirement for state agencies), nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, and universities. Funded projects must be located within Michigan. Partnerships are supported, with clear roles required for grant recipients and collaborators. While state match is not required for the 2025 cycle, applicants must clearly define their project objectives, work plans, evaluation methods, and communication strategies. Applications must be submitted through the MiGrants online portal, with full proposals due by November 1, 2025. The request for proposals will open on September 1, 2025, followed by informational webinars. Award announcements are expected in March 2026, with project start dates commencing upon grant execution. Project durations vary by funding category, ranging from one to three years, and reporting is required twice annually. Final reports are due within 60 days after project completion. Evaluation criteria emphasize relevance to program goals, technical merit, applicant qualifications, cost realism, and communication strategies. Proposals must also address diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice considerations, with specific expectations for outreach design, population engagement, and data accessibility. Applications will be reviewed by inter-agency technical teams and scored based on published criteria. Grantees must comply with all applicable permitting, procurement, and financial documentation rules, including detailed tracking of reimbursements. Only eligible costs incurred during the grant period will be reimbursed. All promotional materials must acknowledge MISGP support and undergo review before distribution. For full guidelines, applicants are advised to consult the 2025 MISGP Handbook.

Emphasize DEI and EJ integration across proposal; ensure relevance to MISGP goals; define transferrable/scalable impact; confirm all attachments are submitted in MiGrants.