The North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA) announced they are accepting grant applications for their conservation fund.
The application period is until April 14. Over the past five years, NIMMSA has awarded over $116,000 to 19 different projects. The fund was set up to ensure marine conservation activities in the North Island region can take place. The funding comes from a $1.00 per guest per day fee for all marine mammal viewing tours within the NIMMSA aera. The fee is mandatory to all NIMMSA members.
NIMMSA Board President Stephen Gabrysh said that “the NIMMSA Conservation Fund demonstrates the passion and commitment that NIMMSA members have for marine mammal stewardship on Northern Vancouver Island. Our members are proud to be supporting the amazing conservation work that is being done by so many inspiring non-profits.”
This year, the maximum award is double what it was last year. In 2022, that was $7,500, and it has been upped to $15,000.
“During the pandemic, our member contributions were drastically reduced but the Board felt strongly that the NIMMSA Conservation Fund needed to remain open to support local marine conservation projects moving forward through a difficult time,” said a release from NIMMSA.
“Pre-pandemic the maximum award request was $12,000 which was reduced to a low of $5,000 in 2021. Now, as most of the members are in the recovery stage from those initial lockdowns, NIMMSA is ready to support projects in a more substantial way again.”
There are three pathways in this year’s grant, each funding different sized projects.
The pathways are: small, up to $5,000; medium, up to $10,000; and large projects, up to $15,000.
Applications that are not-for-profit, have conservation benefits to marine life off northern Vancouver Island, and occur anytime during a 17-month period after May 1 of each calendar year are welcomed.
For more information or to apply for a grant visit nimmsa.org/conservation-fund.