Lake Erie Protection Fund Grant
Forecasted
Lake Erie Protection Fund Grant supports Ohio governments and nonprofits with research, planning, and on-the-ground projects to reduce pollution, restore habitats, and protect Lake Erie and its watershed.
Funder: Ohio Lake Erie Commission
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $45,000–$50,000 grants; typically one year
Summary: Supports research, planning, and on-the-ground projects that protect and restore Lake Erie and its Ohio watershed.
Key Information: The FY 2026 application requires Ohio-based government or nonprofit applicants with a federal tax identification number.
Description
The Ohio Lake Erie Commission administers the Lake Erie Protection Fund to finance research and on-the-ground projects that protect, preserve, and restore Lake Erie and its watershed. Supported work must advance the 2025 Lake Erie Protection and Restoration Plan. Priorities include reducing harmful algal blooms and nutrient pollution, restoring habitats and wetlands, beneficially reusing dredged materials, and improving long-term water quality and ecosystem health.
The program supports better ecological management decisions for environmental protection and economic development. Projects may answer research questions, demonstrate implementation approaches, or evaluate a process, design, or concept. The FY 2026 guidelines favor work that prepares restoration projects for implementation, including concept plans, engineering, site assessments, permitting, and nutrient-reduction planning. The fund is supported by Ohio Lake Erie specialty license plate sales and direct donations.
