BoatUS Foundation Seeks Volunteers for Grant Program

The BoatUS Foundation needs peer reviewers to assist with its Abandoned and Derelict Vessel (ADV) removal program.

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is looking for a panel of volunteers to serve as peer reviewers for their Abandoned and Derelict Vessel (ADV) removal grant applications from December 2024 to July 2025.

The BoatUS Foundation received a four-year, $10 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This initiative aims to enhance safety and clean up coastal areas by removing abandoned and damaged vessels from U.S. waterways and the Great Lakes.

“This is a coordinated, impactful investment to remove abandoned and derelict vessels, and we’re proud to help NOAA carry out this important mission to rid our shores and waterways of marine debris,” said BoatUS Foundation President Heather Lougheed. “Our goal over the next four years is to focus on the immediate issue — the substantial number of ADVs that need removal.”

Individuals with experience in marine debris management, boating, education, nonprofits, government, marketing, grant management, financial analysis, project evaluation, impact assessment, or legal/regulatory fields are encouraged to apply. Reviewers are asked to commit to at least one review cycle (lasting two to three months), with an expected time commitment of 25 hours per cycle, including independent proposal reviews and virtual meetings.

BoatUS Foundation hopes to further expand the program to inland freshwater lakes and waterways, ultimately aiming to reduce the need for ADV removals as education and prevention efforts become more effective.

Interested volunteers can apply by visiting the BoatUS Foundation website or the Grant Reviewer Application page.

The deadline for applications is Nov. 1, 2024.

Photos courtesy of BoatUS Foundation.

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