About
Proposals must be received by Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern time on October 28, 2024 to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2025.
Up to $12 million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding is available for new NOAA Great Lakes Fish Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants. Through this funding opportunity, NOAA aims to support habitat restoration projects that will lead to significant and sustainable benefits for Great Lakes native fish species.
As the largest freshwater system on earth, the Great Lakes are an important ecological and economic resource. The Great Lakes face many threats, however, including habitat degradation, oil spills and other pollution, overfishing, and the spread of invasive species. The quality and quantity of fish habitat in the Great Lakes has declined for decades and continues to be a concern. Without the right habitat, fish cannot build their populations, and that means fewer—and less healthy—fish.
Projects selected through this funding opportunity will help sustain the multiple benefits the Great Lakes by:
- Supporting valuable fisheries and coastal resources
- Improving the quality of our water by restoring coastal wetlands
- Providing recreational opportunities for the public’s use and enjoyment
- Increasing the resilience of Great Lakes communities
Applicant Webinar
NOAA will host a public webinar with information for potential applicants on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 1 p.m. ET. If you are unable to attend, the webinar slides, audio, and transcript will be linked on this page following the event.
For Applicants
Application Process
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, commercial (for profit) organizations, U.S. territories, and state, local and Native American tribal governments.
Applications from individuals, federal agencies or employees of federal agencies will not be considered. Individuals and federal agencies are strongly encouraged to work with states, non-governmental organizations, municipal and county governments, and others that are eligible to apply.
Eligible applicants may be located anywhere but must propose work within the Great Lakes basin and within one of the eight U.S. Great Lakes states (New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota).
How to Apply
Applicants should apply through the www.Grants.gov website. A complete standard NOAA financial assistance application package should be submitted in accordance with the guidelines in the Notice of Funding Opportunity announcement posted to www.Grants.gov. Each application must include the application forms from the SF-424 form family.
When to Apply
This funding opportunity will remain open until 2026, contingent on the availability of funds. Applications will be accepted and considered on an annual basis as they are received each year. To be considered for funding in the 2025 federal fiscal year, applications are due by October 28, 2024. For funding in FY2026 and FY2027, applications will be due by September 5, 2025, and September 4, 2026, respectively.
Schedule
2024:
- August 27: Publication of funding opportunity.
- September 13: Public webinar for potential applicants.
- October 28: Deadline for proposal submissions to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2025.
2025:
- September 5: Deadline for proposal submissions to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2026.
2026:
- September 4: Deadline for proposal submissions to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2027.
Need Help?
Julie Simmons
Rina Studds
Last updated by Office of Habitat Conservation on 08/27/2024