Program - ADV Grant

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.

Applications for grant reviewers are now closed.

How to Apply:

Prospective grant reviewers should read more about the BoatUS Foundation Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal Program.


Grant Reviewer Evaluation

Applicants are evaluated by BoatUS Foundation staff based on the information provided in the application. Staff look for diverse viewpoints and will select a well-rounded panel of reviewers that collectively cover the knowledge and experience areas listed above.