Opportunities
Grant opportunities for which the GLFT is currently accepting proposals are provided below. To access the online application page, click the name of the opportunity (e.g. Great Lakes Stewardship). If the GLFT is not currently accepting proposals, no links will be provided.
2026 Access to the Great Lakes Fishery
Access to the Great Lakes Fishery
Deadline:
Looking for the Small Grants RFP? Apply Here!
PROGRAM GOAL AND OBJECTIVE
This RFP process will be used for the disbursement of up to $1.3 million in grants in 2026. The GLFT funds projects that create or enhance shore-based access to fishing, which includes construction, improvement, or renovation of boardwalks and fishing piers with adjacent amenities such as parking facilities and walkways. Applicants are encouraged to review the GLFT’s Policy on Tribal and Recreational Fishing Access Grants prior to submitting a proposal. Additional requirements for proposals that only seek funding to support the development of engineering and design and or feasibility studies, as well as those seeking funding to support development of fish cleaning stations, are provided in the policy.
If your proposal involves a request for the GLFT to fund the acquisition of real property review the GLFT’s Policy on Land Acquisition to determine the eligibility of your proposal. This policy, and others relating to grant proposals, can be found on the Resources page on our website (www.glft.org). The questions under the Land Acquisition section of this guidance document and the online application are required only if your project includes a land-acquisition component.
SUBMISSION AND AWARD DATES
Applications are due by August 28, 2026*, at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EDT). Funding decisions will be made by the GLFT Board of Trustees on November 10, 2026. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by December 7, 2026. Grant awards will be available to successful applicants upon formal action by the board.
*Deadline extended from August 21, 2026.
2026 Small Grants
Small Grants
Deadline:
Program Goal and Objective
The Great Lakes Fishery Trust (GLFT) supports a wide range of projects in its various grant programs. The Small Grants program features a more streamlined application process for projects aligned with GLFT priorities but smaller in scope. The program will accept applications and have two review cycles in 2026. Up to $127,500 will be disbursed; individual requests must not exceed $20,000.
The GLFT will consider smaller grant requests that align with our Small Grants Policy. As described in the policy, projects must demonstrate a direct contribution to one or more of the GLFT’s program areas as defined by the respective policy documents or most recent grant program requests for proposals:
- Access to the Great Lakes Fishery
- Ecological and Biological Research
- Habitat Protection and Restoration
- Human Dimensions Research and Engagement
- Great Lakes Stewardship
Additionally, GLFT will accept proposals for funding symposia, workshops, and conferences that align with these program areas.