2026 Great Lakes Restoration Community Grant Program Letter of Intent Application

Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE) invites Letter of Intent (LOI) for the Great Lakes Restoration Community Grant Program (GLRCGP26), part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Cities, states, Tribes and nonprofit organizations representing Great Lakes communities can apply directly to the Great Lakes Restoration Community Grant Program. Furthering the efforts of GLRI, these grants will fund a range of environmental protection and restoration projects directly impacting communities in the Great Lakes Basin.  This investment will encourage significant environmental, economic, health, and recreational benefits for Great Lakes communities. The Great Lakes Restoration Community Grant Program (GLRCGP) aligns with the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and supports the goals of GLRI Action Plan IV by addressing the following focus areas: 2.3.1. Acres controlled for invasive species to benefit habitats, native species, and communities 3.1.1. Estimated pounds of Phosphorus reductions from conservation practice implementation 3.2.1. Estimated gallons (in million) of stormwater runoff reduced 3.2.2. Miles of Great Lakes streams and shorelines restored or protected 3.2.3. Acres of riparian buffers, wetlands and floodplains restored or reconnected 4.1.1. Acres of coastal wetland, nearshore, and other habitats protected or enhanced 4.1.2. Miles of connectivity established for aquatic species Eligible projects may also include the following activities; however, projects focused solely on these elements will not be considered: 5.1.1 Number of youth impacted through education and stewardship projects. 5.1.2 Number of people trained through workforce development programs. Eligible projects and activities will be community-driven, addressing the challenges and risks faced by Great Lakes communities affected by environmental issues. Technical assistance, training, and capacity-building opportunities will be provided by RAE.

Projects are required to contribute to at least one of the following GLRI Measures of progress: 2.3.1. Acres controlled for invasive species to benefit habitats, native species, and communities 3.1.1. Estimated pounds of Phosphorus reductions from conservation practice implementation 3.2.1. Estimated gallons (in million) of stormwater runoff reduced 3.2.2. Miles of Great Lakes streams and shorelines restored or protected 3.2.3. Acres of riparian buffers, wetlands and floodplains restored or reconnected 4.1.1. Acres of coastal wetland, nearshore, and other habitats protected or enhanced 4.1.2. Miles of connectivity established for aquatic species Eligible projects may also include the following activities; however, projects focused solely on these elements will not be considered: 5.1.1 Number of youth impacted through education and stewardship projects. 5.1.2 Number of people trained through workforce development programs.

For organizations without a federal negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA), indirect costs will be reimbursed at a rate up to 10% of the modified total direct costs. For organizations with a current NICRA approved by any federal agency, indirect costs will be reimbursed according to the NICRA formula.

All applications must meet the deadlines listed above and must be complete at the time of submittal. In the event of documented transmittal problems, corrupted files, or other technology problems, RAE will make every effort to accept applications that were submitted correctly, but not received due to problems outside the control of the applicant. However, to minimize the chance that a proposal cannot be accepted, we encourage applicants to submit proposals with sufficient time to rectify these kinds of problems prior to deadlines.   If you do not receive confirmation of receipt by the end of the first business day following the deadline, you must contact Jesus Sanchez as soon as possible at jsanchez@estuaries.org to ensure acceptance receipt of your application.

Virtual Informational Webinars Tuesday, November 17th (12pm CST/1pm EST) Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/dJ4_kmCCR1-EeLu4EU7rLA Thursday, December 3rd (10am CST/11am EST) Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mZZGtORARQitt-MkSLXb5A

Eligible applicants include: Nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)) Federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations State, county, and local governments Public and private academic institutions Federal agencies are not eligible to apply but may participate as partners. Projects must occur within the U.S. Great Lakes Basin, encompassing areas within the Great Lakes watersheds boundaries, and directly benefit its ecosystems and communities.