Great Lakes

NIRPC is partnering with the Alliance for the Great Lakes (Alliance) and others to administer a new funding opportunity under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). The newly formed Community Partnerships Grant Program will support implementation of GLRI projects in eligible communities where these projects are needed most. In 2027, Alliance plans to award a total of $1,125,000, for final design and permitting projects, that can be awarded up to $300,00, with a total of 3-6 awards anticipated.

Projects supported through this grant program will fund eligible project area, in communities where GLRI projects are needed most, in partnership with local organizations and agencies, with the long-term goal of securing healthier Great Lakes communities for generations to come.

We invite applicants to think creatively about the spaces in their community where projects are needed most to capture rainwater, to reduce flooding, clean and filter water before it enters rivers and lakes, creat habitat for birds, pollinators like butterflies, and other wildlife. Applicants can potentially pair these projects with opporunities for local workforce development, stakeholder engagement, financial and project management capacity building, and long-term maintenance. Lots of types of projects could occur on many different types of sites.

Letter of Interest (LOI): Due September 4, 2026

Full proposal: Due November 13, 2026

Visit Community Partnerships Grant Program - Alliance for the Great Lakes for full details.

Questions or requests to learn more about the support provided should be emailed to CommunityPartnershipGrant@greatlakes.org.