Muskegon River Watershed Grant

The Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund is administered by the Fremont Area Community Foundation and was established in 2002 through a philanthropic gift from Great Spring Waters of America, Inc., now known as BlueTriton Brands. The fund is intended to promote the sustainable use and protection of natural water resources, with a specific geographic focus on the Muskegon River Watershed in Michigan. Each year, the fund offers up to $50,000 in total grant funding to support projects that align with its mission of conservation, restoration, and environmental education. The fund’s central objective is to sustain the waters and water-dependent natural resources of the Muskegon River Watershed. This includes funding for programs or projects that work to conserve, enhance, and restore the watershed’s ecological integrity. Projects that aim to reverse environmental degradation or improve water quality, particularly through education that promotes responsible utilization of natural resources, are encouraged. Eligible initiatives may also include collaborative efforts among multiple organizations that enhance environmental outcomes and leverage additional financial resources. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000. The fund emphasizes collaboration and matching contributions, rewarding proposals that demonstrate partnership and additional funding sources. Priority is given to projects that have a measurable environmental impact and offer long-term sustainability. While the fund does not list specific expenditure restrictions, it implies that funding must be used for direct project activities related to environmental stewardship within the watershed. Eligible applicants are not explicitly defined in terms of organization type in the source material. However, based on the nature of the projects supported—such as restoration and educational initiatives—it is likely that nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and other community or conservation-focused entities would be appropriate applicants. Applicants must ensure that their projects occur within the Muskegon River Watershed to qualify for consideration. Applications for this grant open on June 1 each year, and the deadline to submit a proposal is July 15. If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is extended to the next business day. Award notifications are released in October. There is no mention of a pre-application process, letters of intent, or Q&A periods in the source information, nor are there listed evaluation criteria or application questions. Interested applicants should contact the Fremont Area Community Foundation for further details or clarifications. The Foundation is located at 4424 W 48th Street, Fremont, Michigan 49412. Inquiries can be made via phone at 231.924.5350. While no email or individual contact name is listed, general inquiries can likely be handled through the main contact number or via the Foundation’s official website. The grant appears to recur annually based on the stated timeline and funding availability.