Great Lakes Stewardship Grants
Eligibility
Michigan schools, school districts, nonprofits, and other organizations may apply. Programs must engage Michigan youth in hands-on Great Lakes conservation education, fisheries science, or aquatic ecosystem stewardship. Projects must produce measurable environmental and educational outcomes related to the Great Lakes.
Program Goals
The Great Lakes Fishery Trust's Great Lakes Stewardship Grants fund programs that connect Michigan students to the health of the Great Lakes through hands-on science and conservation activities. The Trust invests in projects that build public understanding of Great Lakes fisheries and aquatic ecosystems, inspire environmental stewardship, and develop the next generation of Great Lakes scientists and conservationists.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
GLFT releases competitive RFPs on a biennial cycle, with the RFP published in winter of odd years. The next RFP is expected in winter 2027. Applications require a program design, environmental education outcomes, evaluation plan, and budget. Organizations must demonstrate capacity to implement the proposed program.
Cycle Notes
Great Lakes Stewardship Grants are awarded biennially. The most recent RFP was published in winter 2025. The next RFP is expected in winter 2027. Monitor glft.org for announcements of the next grant round.
Grant Award Amount
Great Lakes Stewardship Grants award up to $50,000 per project. Multi-year projects may receive larger awards. Funds support program materials, equipment, personnel, and field experiences tied to the approved stewardship education project.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — water quality and environmental monitoring for Great Lakes stewardship programs
- micro:bit Starter Kit — data collection for student fisheries and aquatic ecosystem science projects
- Smart Hydroponics Kit — water systems and ecosystem science aligned to Great Lakes conservation education
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Great Lakes Stewardship Grants in Michigan?
Michigan schools, nonprofits, and organizations engaging youth in Great Lakes conservation education may apply. Projects must produce measurable environmental and educational outcomes.
How much funding is available through Great Lakes Stewardship Grants?
Awards reach up to $50,000 per project. Multi-year projects may receive larger investments.
Can Great Lakes Stewardship Grant funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. Great Lakes Stewardship Grant funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
How do Michigan schools apply for Great Lakes Stewardship Grants?
Monitor glft.org for the next RFP, expected in winter 2027. Submit a program design, environmental education outcomes, evaluation plan, and budget when the RFP is published.
How can Forward Education help with Great Lakes Stewardship Grant funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Michigan schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes this grant funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Michigan standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
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