The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a program that funds projects to tackle environmental problems in the Great Lakes area. This specific grant focuses on protecting and restoring habitats for native fish and wildlife, especially migratory birds. Projects should align with specific conservation plans and address at-risk habitats like wetlands, grasslands, and forests within the Great Lakes coastal zone.
Who it's for: This grant is for organizations that are not for-profit businesses. Eligible applicants include schools, nonprofits, government entities, and tribal organizations that can demonstrate the importance of their project for wildlife habitat and Great Lakes conservation.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Being a for-profit entity or business
- Proposing a project outside the Great Lakes coastal zone
- Failing to align with GLRI Action Plan IV or relevant conservation plans
- Not addressing at-risk habitat types
- Inability to manage the GLRI investment property properly for wildlife habitat
What You May Need
- Project proposal aligning with GLRI Action Plan IV
- Justification of project importance for wildlife habitat
- Description of how the project uses existing science and decision support tools
- Demonstration of long-term management plan for the habitat
- Cost-sharing or matching funds documentation
- Detailed budget plan
- Proof of eligibility (e.g., nonprofit status, government entity)
Cautions
- Projects must be within the Great Lakes coastal zone as defined by NOAA
- Cost-sharing or matching funds are required
- Projects should be within 15 miles of Great Lakes coastal waters for favorable consideration
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include independent school districts, nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, public and state institutions of higher education, state governments, county governments, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, private institutions of higher education, other Native American tribal organizations, city or township governments, and special district governments. For-profit entities or businesses are not eligible.
Overview
This grant is for organizations that are not for-profit businesses. Eligible applicants include schools, nonprofits, government entities, and tribal organizations that can demonstrate the importance of their project for wildlife habitat and Great Lakes conservation.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Being a for-profit entity or business
- Proposing a project outside the Great Lakes coastal zone
- Failing to align with GLRI Action Plan IV or relevant conservation plans
- Not addressing at-risk habitat types
- Inability to manage the GLRI investment property properly for wildlife habitat
Use of Funds
Funds can be used for projects that protect, restore, or enhance habitats in the Great Lakes area, particularly those that benefit migratory birds and other native wildlife. Projects should focus on declining or at-risk habitats 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
- Last Updated
- May 6, 2026
Application Checklist
- Review GLRI Action Plan IV and relevant conservation plans
- Develop a project proposal that aligns with conservation goals
- Ensure project location is within the Great Lakes coastal zone
- Prepare a detailed budget and cost-sharing plan
- Gather documentation proving organizational eligibility
- Submit application by the deadline