Paddle Antrim Awards Ripple Effect Mini Grants to Support Northern Michigan Waterways

December 13, 2024

Paddle Antrim Awards Ripple Effect Mini Grants to Support Northern Michigan Waterways

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2024
Elk Rapids, MI - Paddle Antrim is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 Ripple Effect Mini Grants. These grants will support two projects aimed at protecting Northern Michigan’s waterways.
The Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program is funded by revenue from Paddle Antrim’s events, such as the Paddle Antrim Festival. “A portion of the proceeds from our events is channeled directly into this program,” said Deana Jerdee, Executive Director of Paddle Antrim. “This initiative allows our small nonprofit to extend our outreach and foster collaborations with organizations whose values, goals and desired impacts align with ours ”
This year, grants were awarded to Grass River Natural Area and The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay:

Grass River Natural Area received $1,000 for its Septic Safe Native Plant Garden project, a partnership with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. This initiative encourages septic owners to plant native, septic-safe vegetation over their drain fields. A demonstration garden will serve as an educational resource.
The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay was awarded $1,800 to design and distribute educational materials for property owners in the Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed. These materials will promote the Waterfront Resource Guide webpage, available at https://gtbay.org/waterfront-guide/.

“We are thrilled to support these two impactful projects, which align with our mission to promote stewardship and education around our waterways,” said Jerdee. “These initiatives will not only protect water resources but also help spread the message of stewardship beyond what we can achieve alone.”
Ripple Effect Mini Grant Details
Paddle Antrim accepts applications for the Ripple Effect Mini Grants year-round, with reviews conducted each November and recipients announced in December. For more information about the program, visit www.paddleantrim.com/ripple-effect-mini-grants/.
About Paddle Antrim
Paddle Antrim is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization who uses paddle sports to educate the public about our precious water resources. Paddle Antrim hosts Chain of Lakes Water Trail and supports and promotes investments in infrastructures that facilitate public access to the water trail. Paddle Antrim believes education, increased access, and promotion of our waterways will increase protection as well as enhance the economic vitality of Northern Michigan.
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Contact:

Deana Jerdee, Executive Director

deana@paddleantrim.com, (231) 492-0171