Lake Erie Community Grant Program

The Lake Erie Community Grant Program is administered by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission (OLEC) with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). This program is specifically targeted toward environmental restoration and education projects within Ohio's Lake Erie watershed. It is designed to address long-standing ecological issues while empowering communities, particularly those with historically unmet needs for environmental investments and technical resources. The program underscores a commitment to local engagement, recognizing that many communities in the watershed struggle with aging stormwater systems, underutilized natural spaces, and increasing climate stressors. Eligible projects must be located within the Ohio portion of the Lake Erie watershed, defined by specific USGS hydrologic unit codes. These may include initiatives such as restoring or enhancing coastal wetlands and aquatic habitats, reducing stormwater runoff, managing invasive species, and rehabilitating streambanks. Proposals that incorporate community-based environmental education components, particularly those that reach youth (K-12), are encouraged as secondary activities. All applications must include measurable outcomes aligned with the GLRI Action Plan IV, such as acres of habitat restored, stormwater runoff volume reduced, or miles of connectivity established for aquatic species. Funding is available in two tiers: one large grant of up to $750,000 and four to five smaller grants of up to $75,000 each. While no cost-sharing or matching funds are required, applicants are invited to describe any additional leveraged resources, including in-kind or volunteer contributions. Awards will be made on a reimbursement basis after an optional 90-day advance period. Allowable costs include essential equipment, indirect costs up to 10%, and administrative charges for third-party fiscal agents, provided they remain within outlined limits. Land acquisition is not an eligible expense, but work may take place on private land if long-term protections are documented. Applications will be evaluated based on their benefits to the applicant community, environmental impact, feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and dissemination and evaluation plans. Each project must include metrics that report environmental progress and community engagement outcomes. Proposals must also demonstrate community involvement throughout the project lifecycle—from planning to execution—and show capacity-building potential. Projects that engage underrepresented groups or grassroots organizations are prioritized. Proposals are due by April 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Award announcements are expected in May 2026, with funded activities to begin on or after July 1, 2026. Large grants may span two to three years, while small grants are expected to last 12 to 18 months. Applications must be submitted via email using the official grant form, with supporting instructions provided on the program's website. Technical assistance is available for both the application process and evaluation metrics, including quality assurance documentation if required. For further information, applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Sandra Kosek-Sills, the Grant Program Manager, via email or phone. The OLEC, in collaboration with equity-focused partners like Black Environmental Leaders Association and Rural Action, is committed to helping communities successfully navigate this opportunity. The initiative reflects a broader goal of community-led resilience and restoration across Ohio's Lake Erie basin.

Emphasize GLRI evaluation metrics; highlight community-led design and underserved populations; prepare detailed project feasibility.