Don’t miss out - the deadline for non-profit groups to apply for BoatUS Foundation grant funds of up to $4,000 for projects that educate boaters about clean water issues and environmental stewardship is February 1, 2008.

While applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that strive to improve the marine environment, projects that help stop the spread of invasive species will receive extra consideration this year.

Susan Shingledecker, Director of Environmental Programs for the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, said, “Invasive species wreak havoc on the waterways boaters and anglers enjoy. Our grant program can help these groups educate fellow waterway users about some simple behaviors that can make a big difference, such as removing any standing water, mud and plant life from your boat at the launch ramp before you head home.”

The 2007 Clean Water Grant program received over 100 proposals. Of these, 14 projects in 11 states were selected for funding. To view previous grant projects or learn more about marine debris, please visit http://www. BoatUS.com/foundation/cleanwater/grants or call Shingledecker at 703-461-2878, ext. 8358. Applications must be submitted electronically or postmarked by midnight February 1, 2008.

he BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and research organization primarily funded by the voluntary contributions of the 650,000 members of BoatUS. The Foundation operates more than a dozen programs including the only accredited, free, online general boating safety course, a low-cost EPIRB rental program, the “Help Stop the Drops” national clean fueling campaign, a free kid’s Life Jacket Loaner Program, and has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants for nonprofit groups for boating safety and environmental projects.