Lake Erie Protection Fund Grant
Forecasted
Lake Erie Protection Fund Grant supports Ohio government, nonprofit, and research organizations’ research and on-the-ground projects to protect and restore Lake Erie and its tributary watersheds.
Funder: Ohio Lake Erie Commission
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $45,000–$50,000 grants; projects typically funded for one year
Summary: Funds research and on-the-ground projects that protect and restore Lake Erie and its watershed.
Key Information: Applicants must be based in Ohio, and projects must address a priority in the 2025 Lake Erie Protection & Restoration Plan.
Description
The Ohio Lake Erie Commission administers the Lake Erie Protection Fund to finance research and on-the-ground work that protects, preserves, and restores Lake Erie and its watershed. Supported by Ohio Lake Erie specialty license plate sales and donations, the program funds projects that provide a direct benefit to Lake Erie or its Ohio tributary watersheds.
Projects must advance the 2025 Lake Erie Protection & Restoration Plan. Its priorities include reducing harmful algal blooms and nutrient pollution, restoring habitats and wetlands, finding beneficial uses for dredged material, and improving long-term water quality and ecosystem health. The program favors work that prepares protection and restoration projects for implementation.
