too late for 2008, but perhaps something will be available for 2009? 

"Small Grants Program - 2007, http://www.ctlakes.org/ct_lakes_version_2_015.htm

The Connecticut Federation of Lakes (CFL) is now accepting applications from lake groups in Connecticut seeking financial assistance to start or strengthen their organizations. A total of $12,500 has been made available from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEP) through a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Federal Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant. Projects or activities should be capable of being completed by June 1, 2008.

WHY? The goal of this grant program is to assist the growth and development of lake associations who are either new groups trying to organize or lake associations that have been inactive. One objective of the lake group applying for a grant must be to protect and improve the water quality of their lake of interest

HOW MUCH? Grants are expected to range between $300 and $3,000 and are provided on a reimbursement for services basis. A non-federal funding match of at least 40% of the total project / activity cost is required for all projects. The 40 % match requirement can be met through cash contributions to the project or in-kind services such as donations of documented time dedicated to the project.

WHAT CAN BE USED FOR THE MATCH?

• Other non-federal grants or cash contributions.
• Volunteer services. Http://www.independentsector.org/programs/research/volunteer_time.html this site lists an
  estimated dollar value of volunteer time.
   
• Pro bono services or reduced-fee services (the amount of the reduction is the match).
• Donated equipment (appraised at current value).
• Staff salaries allocated to the project.

DEADLINES? The deadline for proposals is 7/1/07.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Non-profit lake organizations and environmental groups with a strong lake management focus, groups looking to organize to address lake water quality initiatives. Groups that are not established as a legal entity must partner with a legally established organization in order to enter into contracts with the CFL. Such groups asa municipality, local land trust or other legally established environmental group is recommended.

WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES QUALIFY?
Examples of projects or activities that may qualify for funding include but are not limited to:

• incorporation or other group formation costs
• developing a newsletter
• capital purchase of monitoring equipment
• limited site investigations such as storm water evaluations
• initial invasive species survey
• funding for conferences attendance
• develop a web page
• Hall rental costs for initial meetings and public hearings.
• CFL lake organization membership
• Aid in the start-up of new lake association, (including filing for 501(c)(3) certification).
• Special “first time” mailings to raise funds, recruit members, and build public awareness of the lake organization.
   
• Hire consultants to conduct environmental planning activities that may affect water quality, and provide other technical assistance.
   
• Lake cleanups, lake appreciation events.
• Convene a series of stakeholder meetings, hire a facilitator to identify issues and priorities.
• Storm drain stenciling.
• Training for and volunteers on lake issues.
• Equipment for water quality monitoring and training.
• Create database and maps of existing and allowable land uses, impervious surfaces, etc. within a designated lake watershed.
   
• Review of existing municipal regulations with goal of improving watershed protection.
• Plan and implement volunteer lake restoration projects/activities.
• Develop plans to protect and restore water resources within watersheds "