Open
Environment - Addressing the Freshwater Challenge
Support for clean water policy and conservation
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
This program supports efforts to secure sustainable clean water for people and the environment, especially in the Great Lakes basin. It funds work that strengthens the environmental community and informs water quality and water quantity policy development.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Projects that promote clean water for people and nature.
- Work to strengthen the One Water movement in the Great Lakes.
- Development and demonstration of model approaches, including nature-based solutions.
- Efforts to inform and strengthen One Water policies.
Documents Needed
- Letter of inquiry
- Project purpose and objectives
- General methodology
- Total project cost
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Non-governmental organizations
- Environmental organizations
- Water policy and related organizations
Who is not eligible
- U.S.-based applicants are not the focus of the non-U.S. letter-of-inquiry guidance.
Eligible geographic areas
- Great Lakes basin
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Letters of inquiry are reviewed, with a typical turnaround of about 90 days.
- Applicants may be asked to submit a full proposal only if advised by staff.
- Submission is made through the foundation’s online application process.
Additional information
- Applications from non-U.S. organizations should begin with a letter of inquiry.
- All letters and proposals must be submitted in English.
- Funding in Canada is provided only occasionally.
- The foundation uses an online letter of inquiry form.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Environment - Addressing the Freshwater Challenge Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Environment - Addressing the Freshwater Challenge. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Environment - Addressing the Freshwater Challenge?
This program supports efforts to secure sustainable clean water for people and the environment, especially in the Great Lakes basin. It funds work that strengthens the environmental community and informs water quality and water quantity policy development.
Who is eligible for the Environment - Addressing the Freshwater Challenge program?
To be eligible for the Environment - Addressing the Freshwater Challenge program, you must:
Project supports clean water goals.
Project advances water policy or conservation.
Non-U.S. applicants start with a letter of inquiry.
What expenses are eligible under Environment - Addressing the Freshwater Challenge?
Projects that promote clean water for people and nature.
Work to strengthen the One Water movement in the Great Lakes.
Development and demonstration of model approaches, including nature-based solutions.
Efforts to inform and strengthen One Water policies.
Who can I contact for more information about the Environment - Addressing the Freshwater Challenge?
You can contact Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
Where is the Environment - Addressing the Freshwater Challenge available?
The Environment - Addressing the Freshwater Challenge program is available across Canada.
Is the Environment - Addressing the Freshwater Challenge a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Environment - Addressing the Freshwater Challenge is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Environment - Addressing the Freshwater Challenge?
Environment - Addressing the Freshwater Challenge is funded by Charles Stewart Mott Foundation