Paddle Antrim is proud to announce the recipient of its 2025 Ripple Effect Mini Grant, awarding $1,000 to Antrim County Emergency Services / Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to support the purchase of volunteer field glasses.
The Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program is funded through revenue generated by Paddle Antrim events, including the Paddle Antrim Festival. “A portion of the proceeds from our events is reinvested directly back into the community through this program,” said Deana Jerdee, Executive Director of Paddle Antrim. “The Ripple Effect Mini Grants allow us to support partners whose work strengthens our waterways, enhances safety, and benefits the broader community.”
Antrim County is a growing tourism destination, with seasonal population increases leading to more events and a greater need for emergency response support. Antrim County Emergency Services works alongside first responders through its CERT program—a dedicated group of trained volunteers who assist during emergencies, missing-person searches, and large community events, including Paddle Antrim programming.
The awarded grant will fund the purchase of field glasses to improve volunteers’ ability to identify individuals from a distance, helping locate missing persons more quickly, monitor event participants, and identify individuals in distress. This equipment will also reduce the number of volunteers needed in the field, decreasing risk and improving overall safety.
Since launching the Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program, Paddle Antrim has supported 38 projects, awarding a total of $39,451 to date. This grant represents the 39th project funded through the program, further extending Paddle Antrim’s commitment to reinvesting event revenue into meaningful community impact.
“CERT volunteers play a vital role in supporting public safety in Antrim County,” said Jerdee. “This investment not only strengthens emergency response efforts but also directly supports the safety and success of Paddle Antrim events and other community gatherings.”
Ripple Effect Mini Grant Details
Paddle Antrim accepts applications for the Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program year-round, with reviews conducted each November and recipients announced in December. Grants support projects that align with Paddle Antrim’s mission to protect waterways, connect communities, and educate the public.
For more information about the Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program, visit www.paddleantrim.com/ripple-effect-mini-grants/.