Clean Boats, Clean Waters Grants

The Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) Grants program is jointly managed by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Funding for this program comes from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program (MISGP), administered through Michigan.gov/Invasives. The CBCW initiative aims to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) through public education and outreach directed at the boating and angling community. It emphasizes hands-on, community-based engagement to reduce AIS transmission at waterbodies across Michigan by supporting local entities in implementing educational and preventative projects. The purpose of the CBCW grant is to provide financial assistance to organizations conducting outreach and education about AIS prevention. Grants of up to $3,000 are available on a competitive basis, with awards determined by eligibility, project significance, anticipated outcomes, and target audiences. Projects should include outreach and prevention activities, such as in-person educational events and dissemination of approved AIS educational materials. Funding supports the creation or distribution of state-approved outreach materials, invasive species removal supplies, event logistics, and volunteer recognition items. Staff time may also be covered if it relates to watercraft inspections, boat cleaning demonstrations, or public education about AIS prevention. The program encourages collaboration and regional coordination. While CISMAs (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas) are eligible for MISGP funds, they are also encouraged to assist local applicants within their jurisdictions seeking CBCW funding. Eligible entities include local and tribal governments, lake associations, watershed groups, schools, youth organizations, nature centers, and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations. Applicants must obtain permission from the relevant site owners or managers before implementing projects, particularly when using Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) boating access sites, which may require a use permit. CBCW funds are distributed through reimbursement for eligible expenses, and no cost-sharing or match is required. Funded projects must host at least three outreach events using CBCW-approved materials, complete a short mandatory training module (approximately one hour), and report quantitative data such as attendance, outreach materials distributed, volunteer hours, and locations of outreach activities. Each grantee must submit a final narrative report with photos, a summary of expenditures, and all receipts before reimbursement is issued. Payments are typically made within 60 days after documentation is received by MSU Extension. The 2026 grant cycle is currently open, with applications accepted through January 30, 2026. The CBCW program is anticipated to continue annually through 2028. Applicants are encouraged to contact program staff to confirm project eligibility prior to submission. Past funding rounds have supported 7 to 13 projects per year, distributing between $19,800 and $35,000 annually since 2021. Prospective applicants and interested parties can stay informed by signing up for MSU Extension Invasive Species updates or by contacting Kelsey Bockelman, Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Educator, at bockelm4@msu.edu for guidance and application support.

Applicants are encouraged to contact program staff to confirm eligibility and project scope prior to submission.