Pre-applications are a key piece of many Wisconsin grant applications. Make sure you know the timelines. With deadlines coming up fast, it is essential to work quickly if pre-applications have not been started.
Here’s an example of a fast-approaching deadline for a popular grant program: from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:
WDNR Surface Water Grant – Pre-Applications Due SEPT 2, 2021
Pre-applications are due soon for the WDNR Surface Water Grants. You will need to plan to discuss your project with the WDNR prior to sending in a pre-application.
The Surface Water grants include potential funding for Planning: stream, lake, and other restoration / improvement projects, invasive species management plans, and education/outreach. These activities often are applicable to MS4 communities to help meet permit requirements.
The Planning grants may cover the early planning and coordination for your project, such as fine-tuning your project approach or lining up other technical project and funding partners. Eligible applicants include lake associations and districts, river management organizations, local units of government, nonprofits, schools, and others. The grants may cover up to 75% or 67% of your initial project planning costs.
More than $6 million is available to provide cost-sharing grants to support projects in the following areas:
Planning for lakes, rivers, and watersheds
Lake protection planning and implementation
Restoration of surface water, shorelands and wetlands
Education, outreach, and organization development
Management plan implementation
Aquatic invasive species prevention & control
Land acquisition/conservation easements
To get started, download a copy of the grant application packet from WDNR, complete the sections labeled “pre-application” and submit it to DNRSurfaceWaterGrants@Wisconsin.gov by Sept. 2. Don’t forget to talk with the designated WDNR coordinator to inform them about your project. They will provide suggestions and technical assistance to help you qualify for the grant (full proposal due November 1). More information is available at DNR's Surface Water Grant Program webpage.
How Can R/M Assist You?
If you have an idea for a project, we welcome discussion to help you plan your project, including identifying and applying for grants, including those which may be applicable to cover design, engineering, permits and construction.
We look forward to helping you complete a successful project!
