Freshwater Future
Spring and Fall 2008 Funding Cycles
What is Grassroots: Applicants must be grassroots groups with limited funds that rely on volunteers for all or a majority of their work and that can demonstrate the capacity to accomplish the project. While Freshwater Future has no specific budgetary limitation for eligibility, it is highly unlikely a group with an annual budget over approximately $200,000 will be considered eligible as a grassroots initiative under our definition.
Eligibility:
- Any grassroots initiative working to protect aquatic habitats in the Great Lakes
- United States applicants that do not have 501(c)(3) tax status or Ontario applicants that are not registered charities governed by the Income Tax Act must have a sponsoring 501(c)(3) organization or registered charity (see Sponsors section below)
- Applicants must be a 2008 member of Freshwater Future (you may join at time of application). If the membership fee is a hardship for your organization, please contact Freshwater Future for assistance.
- Each applicant may submit only one application for funding in either the Spring or Fall cycle. Groups or individuals who have received funding through Freshwater Future grants program may reapply, as long as previous projects have been successfully completed or are in good standing (please call to determine grant status).
- Each organization or individual is eligible for one Project Grant/Technical Assistance Grant and one Special Opportunity Grant each calendar year.
- A high priority is placed on supporting citizen initiatives within the watershed boundaries of the Great Lakes Basin. Applicants outside the Basin will be considered for funding if their project will demonstrably benefit aquatic habitats inside the Basin.
- If awarded a grant, a member of the organization will have the opportunity to have an experienced grassroots advocate as a mentor. If awarded a Spring Grant, this member is required to attend Freshwater Future's 5th Annual Grassroots Symposium on May 2, 2008 in Huron, Ohio. If awarded a Fall Grant, this member is required to attend Freshwater Future's 6th Annual Grassroots Symposium. Funding assistance will be provided for this member. Although only this member is required, we encourage more members to attend our Annual Grassroots Symposium. For additional information about the new Advocate Mentor Program see www.freshwaterfuture.org.
Sponsors: In order to apply for a Freshwater Future grant, non-501(c)(3) organizations and Ontario organizations that are not registered charities must have a qualified 501(c)(3) organization or a registered charity serve as a sponsor. The sponsor assumes responsibility for financial administration of the grant. If necessary, the sponsor may charge up to 5% of the total grant to cover administrative costs.
Types of Activities We Do Not Fund:
- Non-advocacy related education projects
- On-the-ground restoration projects without an advocacy component (limited funding in 2008, see below*)
- Governmental functions (including governmental entities such as units of government, governmental agencies and conservation districts)
- Lobbying activities (activities that attempt to influence specific pieces of legislation)
- Projects that have already been completed
*Please make sure to read the entire RFP before applying for a grant.*
2008 Request For Proposals
(PDF Format)