Human Dimensions Research and Engagement
Human Dimensions Research and Engagement supports organizations studying fisheries’ social and economic dimensions and engaging communities to inform Great Lakes fisheries management and policy.
Funder: Great Lakes Fishery Trust
Due Dates: January 8, 2027 (Preliminary proposals, 5:00 p.m. EST) | April 12, 2027 (Invited full proposals)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1.3 million shared across two research grant categories in 2027; no cost or time limits on individual requests
Summary: Supports research, engagement, and capacity-building on fisheries’ social and economic dimensions to inform Great Lakes management and policy.
Key Information: Successful applicants must seek an opportunity to present findings to a relevant Great Lakes Fishery Commission audience.
Description
The Great Lakes Fishery Trust’s Human Dimensions Research and Engagement program funds hypothesis-driven research, engagement, and capacity-building that improve understanding of fisheries’ social and economic context. It supports competitive grants within established themes and funder-directed grants. Its goals are a more resilient and stable fish community, greater sustainable value for stakeholders, and increased self-sustaining fish populations.
The 2027 priorities are the economic value of Great Lakes fisheries, equity considerations, and user and nonuser values and motivations. Projects should produce information or capacity useful to fisheries managers, policymakers, and other relevant audiences. Priority goes to work directly informing policy and management in Michigan’s Lake Michigan basin, although activities may occur elsewhere when their benefits transfer to Lake Michigan. Current issues and challenges, rigorous methods, and accessible communication of findings are central priorities.
