The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative aims to tackle major environmental issues in the Great Lakes area by funding projects that protect, restore, or enhance habitats for native fish and wildlife, especially migratory birds. Projects should align with specific conservation plans and focus on declining habitats like wetlands, grasslands, and forests within the Great Lakes coastal zone.
Who it's for: This grant is for organizations, including public and private educational institutions, nonprofits, tribal organizations, and various levels of government, that are committed to wildlife habitat conservation in the Great Lakes region. For-profit businesses are not eligible.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Being a for-profit entity or business
- Projects not located within the Great Lakes coastal zone
- Failure to demonstrate long-term management for wildlife habitat
- Projects not addressing declining or at-risk habitat types
- Proposals not aligning with GLRI Action Plan IV or relevant conservation plans
What You May Need
- Project proposal aligning with GLRI Action Plan IV
- Documentation of nonprofit status if applicable
- Proof of eligibility as a public or private institution
- Detailed project budget
- Plan for long-term habitat management
- Evidence of cost-sharing or matching funds
- Maps showing project location within the Great Lakes coastal zone
- Letters of support or partnership agreements
- Scientific data or decision support tools used in planning
- Description of benefits to identified bird species
Cautions
- Ensure project location is within 15 miles of Great Lakes coastal waters
- Align activities with specific conservation plans and GLRI Action Plan IV
- Demonstrate long-term management plans for habitat conservation
- Cost-sharing or matching funds are required
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include public and state institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, other Native American tribal organizations, private institutions of higher education, special district governments, state governments, city or township governments, county governments, independent school districts, and federally recognized Indian tribal governments. For-profit entities or businesses are not eligible.
Overview
This grant is for organizations, including public and private educational institutions, nonprofits, tribal organizations, and various levels of government, that are committed to wildlife habitat conservation in the Great Lakes region. For-profit businesses are not eligible.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Being a for-profit entity or business
- Projects not located within the Great Lakes coastal zone
- Failure to demonstrate long-term management for wildlife habitat
- Projects not addressing declining or at-risk habitat types
- Proposals not aligning with GLRI Action Plan IV or relevant conservation plans
Use of Funds
Funds can be used for activities that protect, restore, or enhance habitats within the Great Lakes coastal zone, focusing on wetlands, grasslands, and forests. Projects should benefit native fish and wildlife populations, particularly migratory birds, and align with specific conservation plans.
Total Program Funding
$800,000
Expected Awards
3
Cost Sharing
Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- May 6, 2026
- Deadline
- Jul 6, 2026(9 days)
- Archive Date
- Oct 1, 2027
Application Checklist
- Review GLRI Action Plan IV and relevant conservation plans
- Prepare a detailed project proposal
- Gather documentation of nonprofit or institutional status
- Develop a project budget with cost-sharing details
- Create a long-term habitat management plan
- Collect maps and data supporting project location
- Secure letters of support or partnership agreements
- Compile scientific data or decision support tools
- Submit application by the deadline