Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Great Lakes Protection Initiative
Supports Great Lakes ecosystem protection projects
Offered by
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Latest source updateLast Update: September 20, 2026Latest change: New official annexes add detail on lakewide management and community engagement priorities for Great Lakes protection activities.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 20, 2026
Latest change: New official annexes add detail on lakewide management and community engagement priorities for Great Lakes protection activities.
Great Lakes scope details expanded
New official annexes add scope detail for Great Lakes protection activities, including lakewide management through LAMPs, nearshore assessment and management, beach quality, drinking-water protection, and lake-level adaptation. A separate annex also expands the community-engagement context with stewardship, education, outreach, and local community project support across the Great Lakes.
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The program supports projects that protect the Great Lakes freshwater ecosystem by addressing key environmental challenges. It funds actions related to areas of concern, harmful chemicals, algae reduction, coastal restoration, and community-based science.
Receipt of requests is now closed
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Up to 100% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Regional
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Implementing projects identified in AOC Remedial Action Plans (RAPs)
- On-the-ground actions following the Precision Conservation approach
- Restoring and protecting critically important coastal areas, including wetlands
- Developing, implementing, assessing, and promoting innovative approaches to reduce releases of harmful chemicals
- Community-based science projects
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Project proposal
- Supporting information requested in the program guidelines
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian non-profit organizations
- Canadian research, education, and local organizations
- Indigenous organizations and authorities
- Canadian municipal and local governments
Who is not eligible
- Individuals
- Provincial government organizations
Eligible expenses
- Direct project personnel costs, including salaries and benefits.
- Professional and management services, such as accounting, communications, translation, audit, and legal fees.
- Travel, materials, supplies, printing, production, and distribution.
- Equipment, capital assets, vehicle rental and use, contractor services, and reasonable indirect or administrative costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects or activities already underway.
- Projects mainly focused on beach cleanups or litter pickup.
- Projects mainly focused on purchasing capital assets or vehicles.
- Core organizational functions, such as meetings, maintenance, and administration.
- General conference attendance, lobbying, advocacy, and fundraising activities.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canadian Great Lakes waters and shoreline areas
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program guidelines
- Read the guidelines posted on the funder’s website.
- Step 2: Request the application form
- Email the funder to obtain a copy of the application form.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Complete the form and send it according to the program instructions.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed against the program guidelines.
- Applicants may be contacted for more information if needed.
- The application period is now closed, so no new submissions are being accepted.
Additional information
- The application period is closed.
- Program guidelines are available on the funder’s website.
- Contact the program by email for more information or for an application form.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Great Lakes Protection Initiative Program
What is the Great Lakes Protection Initiative?
The program supports projects that protect the Great Lakes freshwater ecosystem by addressing key environmental challenges. It funds actions related to areas of concern, harmful chemicals, algae reduction, coastal restoration, and community-based science.
How much funding can be received?
Great Lakes Protection Initiative Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Great Lakes Protection Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Great Lakes Protection Initiative program, you must:
Project aligned with Great Lakes priorities.
Focus on eligible Great Lakes actions.
What expenses are eligible under Great Lakes Protection Initiative?
Implementing projects identified in AOC Remedial Action Plans (RAPs)
On-the-ground actions following the Precision Conservation approach
Restoring and protecting critically important coastal areas, including wetlands
Developing, implementing, assessing, and promoting innovative approaches to reduce releases of harmful chemicals
Community-based science projects
Who can I contact for more information about the Great Lakes Protection Initiative?
You can contact Great Lakes Sustainability Fund (GLPF) by email at GreatLakes-GrandsLacs@cwa-aec.gc.ca.
Where is the Great Lakes Protection Initiative available?
The Great Lakes Protection Initiative program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Great Lakes Protection Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Great Lakes Protection Initiative is a Researchers And Facilities