Since 2002, the ACA has partnered with L.L. Bean to sponsor the Club Fostered Stewardship (CFS) Program. The CFS Program provides funding and logistical assistance to local paddling clubs that undertake stewardship projects on local waterways. The purpose of the program is to support volunteer stewardship efforts, and encourage local clubs to take an active role in helping to protect and improve the nation's recreational waterways.
Many of the stewardship needs of our rivers, streams, lakes and coastal waters are best addressed through local action. However, local paddling clubs often have limited financial resources. As a result, they sometimes need assistance in order to organize successful stewardship projects.
That's why L.L. Bean and the ACA have teamed up to sponsor the CFS Program. ACA awards CFS grants each year to local paddling clubs that undertake stewardship projects in their local areas. CFS grants are available for projects that utilize volunteers in efforts to protect, maintain or restore recreational waterways, provide for or improve public access, or enhance safe navigation. Eligible projects include: cleaning up waterways, clearing in-stream safety hazards, maintaining access areas, erecting signs and controlling erosion, establishing and maintaining paddle trails, acquiring threatened access points, and providing sanitary facilities. Grant amounts range from $100-$1,000.
Past projects receiving CFS grants include: removing heavy debris and trash from the Arkansas River in Colorado, establishing a water trail on the Occoquan River in Virginia, maintaining an access point for the Haw River in North Carolina, restoring eroded stream banks on Spring Creek in Pennsylvania, and erecting signs for a boat ramp site on the San Francisco Bay Water Trail.
ACA also offers additional assistance to clubs for waterway stewardship projects. Clubs concerned about liability for injuries that occur during stewardship projects may be able to obtain liability insurance coverage through the ACA. The ACA can also provide assistance with volunteer recruitment. Clubs may request additional assistance using the CFS Grant Application Form
Interested clubs are required to submit a short application outlining their proposed project. ACA typically awards grants several times throughout the year based on the merits of the project and funds availability. Grant application deadlines for 2004 are April 1, June 1 and August 1. Apply early to increase your chances of receiving funding. Use the links below to download the CFS grant guidelines and a grant application. (Acrobat PDF)
For more information on the CFS Program contact the ACA National Office at (703) 451-0141 ext. 20, or send an email to cfsgrants@americanccanoe.org
