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Volunteer Monitoring Grant Application Package

The MiCorps Volunteer Stream Monitoring Grant Application is targeted at local governments and nonprofits seeking to initiate or enhance volunteer stream monitoring projects. With approximately $60,000 available, these grants aim to focus on benthic invertebrate and stream habitat monitoring. Key eligibility requirements include prior financial audits and project sustainability post-funding. Grantees receive extensive support, including training sessions. Interested entities can apply online after the grant application package is posted, with a deadline set for one month thereafter.

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Volunteer Monitoring Grant Application Package

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  1. Volunteer Monitoring Grant Application Package MiCorps First Annual Conference Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center October 29, 2005

  2. Outline • General Grant Information • Eligibility • Ineligible Entities and Activities • Grant Evaluation Criteria • How To Apply • Tips, Suggestions, Etc. • Questions? 2

  3. General Information • Grant funds are for Volunteer Stream Monitoring projects • Funds are intended to initiate or improve local volunteer stream monitoring projects and not to serve as ongoing funding source for monitoring programs • Primary focus should be benthic invertebrate and stream habitat monitoring in wadeable streams and rivers • May collect samples for chemical analysis, but this must be in conjunction with benthic invertebrate and habitat monitoring • Approx. $60,000 available • There is no maximum dollar amount per grant • 25% local match required • Maximum duration of projects is 2 years • GAP will be available soon at www.micorps.net. Deadline will be one month after GAP is posted online. 3

  4. General Information • Grantees sign project contract with the Great Lakes Commission. • Grantees will have access to MiCorps resources and expertise • MiCorps staff will provide training for all grantees at an 8-hour training session in Spring, 2006 4

  5. Eligibility • Local units of government and nonprofit entities are eligible for funding. • Must have undergone a successful financial audit or other acceptable review within the 24-month period immediately preceding the application. • Must submit a QAPP no later than 60 days after grant is awarded, and 60 days prior to the date of initial sampling. 5

  6. Eligibility • Must be committed to continuing the monitoring project after the grant expires. • Must not have had a grant revoked or terminated or demonstrated an inability to manage a grant or meet the obligations in a project contract within the 24-month period immediately preceding the application. • Must submit a complete application by the deadline. 6

  7. Ineligible Entities and Activities • Individuals, for-profit organizations, and federal and state agencies are not eligible to receive funding. • Volunteer activities such as river cleanups, lake monitoring, restoration efforts, and strictly education or school activities will not be funded. • School or classroom-based programs using students as the primary volunteer source are not eligible for grant funding. 7

  8. Grant Evaluation Criteria • Clarity and reasonableness of project description, goals and objectives (20%) • Watershed coverage/sampling design (10%) • Quality/past performance of the organization (10%) • Anticipated volunteer quantity and quality of recruitment and methods to retain volunteers (10%) • Location/watershed priority and links to other programs and projects (10%) • Expectation of project continuation beyond the grant period (5%) 8

  9. Grant Evaluation Criteria • Quality of evaluation plan (5%) • Cost reasonable for project scope, including 25% minimum matching funds (10%) • Likely to generate useful data for DEQ (20%) • Use of MiCorps (or equivalent) procedures and requirements (training, QA) - must meet this requirement to be eligible for funding • attend an 8-hour training session; • develop a QAPP that meets MiCorps standards; • arrange and complete a “side-by-side” session with MiCorps staff. 9

  10. How to Apply • Online application process. The following items must be submitted online at www.micorps.net/gap06. • Web Application Form (page 7) • Project Description (pages 8-9) • Work Plan (page 10) • Timetable (page 10) • Budget Information Form (page 10-12) • Resume or curriculum vitae for project manager or scientific consultant or advisor. 10

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  14. Web Application Form • Instructions are on Page 7. • Complete this web form when you are ready to apply. • Any questions? 14

  15. Project Description • Instructions are on pages 8-9 • Applicants must answer these questions, using the Project Description template provided by MiCorps • Page limit = 8 pages • Any questions? 15

  16. Sample Goals • To increase individual and community awareness of the value and needs of the local streams and their watershed systems. • To provide the organization, training, equipment, data analysis, and quality control for a scientifically sound community effort to identify recent trends in what we now have by assessing the physical and biological characteristics of the river/tributaries. • To inspire and facilitate community efforts that will preserve and improve the ecological conditions necessary for a healthy river system. 16

  17. Work Plan and Timetable • Instructions are on Page 10 • Templates for each are provided on the GAP application web page. • Follow instructions - Make sure to include the “mandatory tasks” in your work plan. • Work Plan and Timetable may be combined into one document, if desired. • Any Questions? 17

  18. Budget • Instructions are on Pages 10-12 • Applicants must complete the Budget Information Form provided on GAP Web Page (see Appendix A for sample) • A 25% local match is required of all applications. • Labor, in-kind services, and materials can count as match • Match beyond 25% is encouraged • Applicants may include the cost of staff, travel, equipment and supplies, and sample analysis needed to implement the volunteer monitoring activities 18

  19. Tips, Suggestions, Etc. • We are looking for well-designed monitoring projects that will produce reliable, high quality data • Have a clear idea for why you want to collect data and how you plan to use data • Emphasize why your project will be successful and sustainable - staff qualifications (sound science), links to other projects, strong volunteer base, etc. • Develop a strategy to evaluate your progress • Develop a strategy to recruit and retain volunteers 19

  20. Tips, Suggestions, Etc. • Be as clear and concise as possible and consider the evaluation criteria as you prepare the application • Partner with aquatic expert advisors who can provide assistance and advice • Call MiCorps staff for advice and assistance with your application 20

  21. Questions? Contact: Ric Lawson, GLC Ph: 734-971-9135 or Email: rlawson@glc.org 21

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