Opportunity Information
Funding Information
Award Information
Submission Information
Question Submission Information
Technical Assistance Session
Eligibility Information
Additional Information
Criteria
2026 Great Lakes Restoration Community Grant
- Community Impact
- Alignment with GLRI Program Goals and Priorities
- Feasibility
- Creativity
- Budget
Projects are required to contribute to at least one of the following GLRI Measures of progress
- Acres controlled for invasive species to benefit habitats, native species and communities.
- Estimated pounds of phosphorus reductions from agricultural conservation practice implementation.
- Estimated gallons (in millions) of stormwater runoff reduced.
- Miles of Great Lakes streams and shoreline restored or protected.
- Acres of riparian buffers, wetlands and floodplains restored or reconnected.
- Acres of coastal wetland, nearshore and other habitats protected or enhanced.
- 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:
- Number of youth impacted through education and stewardship projects.
- Number of people trained through workforce development programs.
Review and Selection Process
We have established the following guidelines to provide some additional structure to decision making:
Each criterion (Community Impact, Alignment with GLRI Measures, Feasibility, Creativity, and Budget) is valued at 20 points, for a total possible score of 100 points.
Scale Type | Score Range | Rating | General Analysis |
1–5 Scale | 1 | Poor | Minimal evidence of quality, clarity, or alignment; lacks organization or measurable outcomes. |
| 2 | Fair | Some effort and structure shown but lacks depth, justification, or clear strategy for implementation. |
| 3 | Good | Meets expectations; demonstrates reasonable structure, alignment, and potential for positive results. |
| 4 | Very Good | Well-developed and clearly supported; strong organization and potential for effective execution. |
| 5 | Excellent | Exceptional quality, innovation, and clarity; highly aligned with goals and demonstrates strong potential for impact. |
1–10 Scale | 1–3 | Limited | Weak evidence of quality or readiness; unclear objectives or insufficient structure for success. |
| 4–7 | Moderate | Satisfactory performance; demonstrates adequate planning and potential but lacks distinction or refinement. |
| 8–10 | Exceptional | High-quality, well-structured, and innovative; demonstrates strong alignment, clarity, and measurable outcomes. |
1–20 Scale | 1–5 | Poor | Limited evidence of readiness or impact; lacks sufficient clarity or organization. |
| 6–10 | Fair | Basic structure with modest potential; lacks comprehensive justification or depth of planning. |
| 11–15 | Good | Clear and well-organized; demonstrates competence, alignment, and clear pathways to achieve outcomes. |
| 16–20 | Excellent | Outstanding clarity, innovation, and organization; demonstrates significant and lasting impact with strong execution potential. |
Anticipated Announcement Dates
November 3, 2025 (Mon): | Letters of Intent (LOIs) released/announced |
Wednesday, November 12th 10:00 am EST Thursday, November 20th 01:00 pm EST | Informational Webinar |
January 16, 2026 (Fri): | LOIs due |
February 23, 2026: | LOI decision notification emails sent; invitations to submit full proposals; Office hours for accepted applicants |
April 17, 2026 (Fri): | Full proposals due |
May 18, 2026 (Mon): | Full proposal notification emails sent |
May – August 2026: | Rolling virtual announcements with projects after grant agreements; Feedback provided upon request; Office hours for accepted applicants |
August 26, 2026 (Wed): | Subaward start dates |