Grant Reviewer Guidelines
Grant Reviewer
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water completed a competitive application process in search of grant reviewers to evaluate proposals for the Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal grants program. Reviewers were represented from a variety of locations throughout the US and its territories and/or freely associated states.
Preferred Backgrounds
Grant reviewers selected provided their knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Marine Debris
Experience and expertise in marine debris ADV removal projects, knowledge of current issues and trends in marine debris management, and/or familiarity with different types of marine debris and their impact on ecosystems.
- Behavior Change and Education
A background in behavior change strategies, especially related to environmental issues; experience in designing and implementing educational programs; and/or understanding effective communication methods to promote behavior change within communities.
- Marketing and Outreach
Demonstrated skills in marketing and outreach campaigns, particularly in the context of environmental initiatives; experience in employing digital and traditional media for awareness and engagement; and/or ability to develop and implement communication strategies to reach diverse audiences.
- Financial Analysis and Grant Management
Expertise in financial analysis and budgeting, with a focus on grant-funded projects, experience in evaluating project budgets for feasibility and cost-effectiveness, and/or familiarity with grant management processes, including monitoring and reporting requirements.
- Environmental Conservation and Sustainability
A strong background in environmental conservation and sustainability practices, knowledge of best practices in sustainable waste management, and/or understanding the broader environmental impact of marine debris removal projects.
- Project Evaluation and Impact Assessment
Experience in evaluating project proposals and assessing their potential impact and/or familiarity with metrics used to measure success in environmental projects.
- Legal and Regulatory Knowledge
Understanding of relevant environmental laws and regulations related to marine debris removal and/or experience navigating the legal landscape associated with environmental projects.
- Innovation and Technology Integration
Familiarity with innovative technologies and approaches in marine debris removal and disposal
- Community Needs
Understanding of the needs and challenges of underserved communities that have been historically marginalized and/or overburdened by pollution, belong to a tribal or underserved community that has faced marine debris challenges, and/or knowledge of best practices in incorporating community input and the principles of diversity, equity, and/or inclusion into project design and implementation.
Time Commitment
- Willing to commit to at least one (1) review cycle:
- Each review cycle will last two to three months.
- Reviews are occured from December 2024 through February 2025.
- The time commitment required is approximately 25 hours per review cycle.
- Reviewers must be able to attend between four and eight hours of virtual meetings for committee discussions during each review cycle.
Grant Reviewer Requirements
- Analyze grant applications effectively against specific criteria.
- Align with the Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal initiative.
- Reviews are expected to occur from December 2024 through February 2025.
- Access grant reviewing software on a desktop, laptop or tablet.
- Possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills to assess the feasibility, impact, and innovation of proposed marine debris removal projects.
- Maintain a strong sense of ethics and impartiality to ensure fair evaluation without bias.
- Engage in discussion, communicate clearly, and provide constructive feedback in the evaluation process.
- Avoid any conflicts of interest, direct or perceived, and maintain confidentiality.