Climate Grant Program

The Climate Grants Program provides grant awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 (USD) for projects that engage communities in preparing for and responding to climate change impacts, including engagement in decision-making that takes climate change impacts into account.

2012 Grants Request for Proposals (RFP)

• Climate Grant Application are due on June 1, 2012. 
• Before submitting a Climate Grant Application it is MANDATORY to contact a Freshwater Future staff member to talk through your proposal.
• Those who have previously received or are planning to apply for a Climate Grant are strongly encouraged to attend an upcoming symposium.

Click here to determine your eligibility.

Helpful questions to determine whether your project IS a climate project:  Is this a climate adaptation project (1).doc

To download an application please sign in on the Members page. 

Application Deadlines:
June 1, 2012
  
Within the climate grant program we also offer webinars and symposia where groups and individuals can learn more about climate change, how it affects their watersheds, and how they can speak to their community about the issue. The symposium will also provide a platform for groups to share their projects and learn how to incorporate the issue of climate change into the work they are already doing. To learn more about climate adaptation click here.

Priority Funding Areas for Climate Grants:

The following program areas direct Freshwater Future’s grant making for the Spring and Fall 2012 funding cycles. Projects to protect and restore shorelines, inland lakes, rivers, and wetlands in the Great Lakes Basin under the following strategic program areas will be considered:

• Projects to protect and restore wetlands;

•  On-the-ground restoration activities that incorporate climate adaption and include an action component to create permanent change (a small amount of funding for this area);

• Advocating for low-impact solutions to community storm water issues;

• Participation in land use planning and zoning that engages climate related considerations;

• Participation in watershed planning to introduce climate related components;

• Watch-dogging and participating in the development, implementation, and enforcement of local, state, provincial, and federal aquatic habitat protection regulations as they relate to climate;

• Non-partisan voter education, voter registration, and candidate forums;

• Advocating for naturally functioning river and coastal ecosystems;

• Reducing polluted runoff; and

• Launching special initiatives or creating unique opportunities to strengthen citizen involvement in aquatic habitat protection and restoration related to climate adaptation.

Climate Project Examples: