CISMAs & Funding
CISMAs & Funding
One of SICIM's goals has been to promote and support the formation of Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) locally in the 35 southern Indiana county coverage area. The Indiana Invasives Initiative partnership agreement with the NRCS that began in 2018 has expanded our work to cover the entire state of Indiana. Toward this effort, we have compiled the following resources, including funding opportunities available to CISMAs in Indiana. For questions or more information please contact us at sicim.info@gmail.com or 812-653-5563. Our members and staff are here to help guide you through the process of creating and maintaining your county’s CISMA!
2025 reimbursements for cismas
SICIM will offer three reimbursements to Indiana CISMAs in 2025; Weed Wrangle, Outreach and Landowner Surveys.
All three are for work completed in the calendar year 2025. This includes works completed and anticipated. Since these three reimbursements include work for the entire calendar year, All CISMAs will need to provide their annual work plan for 2025 to demonstrate activities planned for the entire year.
All three reimbursement applications are due September 1, 2025 (hence the need for the annual work plans). Email completed applications to Dawn Slack, Dawn@sicim.info and Dawnraschel@gmail.com.
All CISMAs are eligible to apply for the 2025 reimbursements even if they have received a reimbursement previously. If your county or area is in the process of organizing a CISMA and have a fiduciary identified, you may apply for a reimbursement, even if you are still organizing.
For details and application instructions, download the program slides here.
Questions? Contact Dawn Slack at dawn@sicim.info or text her at 931 216 8373
Weed wrangle reimbursements for cismas
SICIM will reimburse CISMAs $3,000.00 for hosting a Weed Wrangle(s) in 2025, even if you have received a Weed Wrangle reimbursement previously. This is a lump sum reimbursement no matter how many Weed Wrangles you host in 2025. We’d love for you to host many, but hosting one qualifies a CISMA for the funds.
In order to participate in the 2025 Weed Wrangle reimbursement program each CISMA will do the following (CISMAs that host Weed Wrangles already do all of the list below except signing the reimbursement agreement):
Complete and sign the Weed Wrangle Reimbursement Agreement and email to Dawn Slack at dawn@sicim.info
The Weed Wrangle Reimbursement Agreement includes and asks for the following in order to participate in the reimbursable program:
Have a written management plan for Weed Wrangle site(s)
Agree to conduct at least 3 Weed Wrangles at each site
Use the existing on-line Weed Wrangle registration and post-event forms via the Weed Wrangle page
Complete and send to the III Project Coordinator annually in December the annual CISMA activities report (if you don’t have this spreadsheet email Dawn at dawn@sicim.info
Questions? Contact Dawn Slack at dawn@sicim.info
SICIM competitive grant for CISMAs
Our competitive grants for CISMAs are currently on hold, but if your CISMA has funding needs for an innovative project please contact us at sicim.info@gmail.com. We will determine funding possibilities on a case by case basis.
External Funding Sources
CISMAs can utilize a combination of resources to carry out activities, including volunteer time, donations, partnerships, and grants. Here is some information on financial resources such as grants to help you. We will continue to add to this section as we learn of new funding opportunities.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awards competitive grants to protect and conserve our nation's fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. The Foundation works with public and private partners in all 50 states and U.S. territories to solve the most challenging conservation problems. This grant does require a 1:1 match on non-federal money or in-kind, which can make it difficult for some groups.
This is a state grant that recently allowed participants to apply for funding for invasive species management and CISMA creation. The CWI fund is administered by the Division of Soil Conservation, and interested CISMAs should apply through a partnering county Soil & Water Conservation District.
This is a state program by the Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife. Funding is eligible for management of aquatic invasive species.
The Indiana Forestry Educational Foundation, Inc., (IFEF) provides competitive Educational Grants to help educate and inform the public about forests and forest management. Currently applications are due by October 1st and awards of up to $500 are made in December.
The Indiana Native Plant Society supports well-conceived grant projects that are in line with their mission: To promote the appreciation, preservation, scientific study, and use of plants native to Indiana. To teach people about their beauty, diversity, and importance to our environment.
The South Central Chapter of INPS will provide small grants for qualified projects that further the mission of the organization. The Chapter will consider requests for grants that range from $50 to $250. Partial funding may be offered at the discretion of the Chapter.
Friends of the National Association of Conservation Districts are individuals who support the nation’s nearly 3,000 conservation districts through donations to NACD.
Indiana American Water’s Environmental Grant Program offers funding for innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface water and groundwater supplies in our local communities.
Many Community Foundations provide funding for their local communities.
Wild Ones sponsors the Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program. These funds are designated for acquiring native plants and seeds for outdoor learning areas that engage youth (preschool to high school) directly in planning, planting and caring for native plant gardens.