Sustain Our Great Lakes Program
This grant funds projects to restore and protect Great Lakes habitats, wildlife, and water quality through science-based, on-the-ground conservation and ecological restoration.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates: May 28, 2026: Pre-proposal deadline | August 6, 2026: Full proposal deadline
Funding Amounts: ~$11 million total in 2026; individual awards range from $200,000–$1,000,000; typical project duration 2–3 years
Summary: Supports projects to restore and protect habitats, wildlife, and water quality across the U.S. Great Lakes basin through collaborative, on-the-ground conservation.
Key Information: Matching funds not required but 1:1 match from non-federal sources increases competitiveness.
Description
The Sustain Our Great Lakes program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, is a public–private partnership dedicated to sustaining, restoring, and protecting fish, wildlife, and habitats within the U.S. portion of the Great Lakes basin. The program leverages federal and private funding to address key ecological challenges such as habitat loss, fragmentation, invasive species, and pollution. Grants support on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement, aiming to improve water quality, expand nature-based solutions in communities, control invasive species, and activate restored habitats and natural areas.
Funded projects contribute directly to measurable ecological outcomes including stream and riparian restoration, nature-based infrastructure, invasive species management, and long-term stewardship of restored sites. The program is aligned with the priorities of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and other regional conservation strategies.
