Freshwater Future Weekly: March 27, 2026

This Week: Bidding for Special Edition Basketball Jerseys; Spring Project Grants; Mindfulness and Movement; Celebrate the Freshwater Heroes; Fundraising Basics for Nonprofits; Join the Team; Win! PA Bill Supporting Public Water Systems Advances to House Vote; Win! Wisconsin’s Bad Data Center Bill Fails as Legislative Session Ends

Bidding is Open for Special Edition Basketball Jerseys!

Support Freshwater Future at a West Michigan basketball game or by bidding on a limited edition game jersey! We will be attending the Grand Rapids Gold game on Friday March 27th, selling 50-50 tickets and meeting up with new and old friends. The players will wear special “All Day IPA”-themed jerseys featuring Freshwater Future’s logo for their Fan Appreciation Game, sponsored by our partner Founders Brewing Company. Until this Sunday, March 29th at 9pm ET, you can bid on one of the special edition jerseys and proceeds will support our work to protect the people and waters of the Great Lakes! 

Happening Next Week:

Spring Project Grants – Upcoming Deadline for Proposals

The Project Grants Program is currently open to proposals for financial support of grassroots advocacy activities that promote river, lake, shoreline, wetland, groundwater, and drinking water protection in the Great Lakes Basin. Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000 for grassroots project expenses and activities. We recommend that you call us to discuss your project ideas before applying. Contact Alana at (231) 348-8200 ext. 105 or Alana@freshwaterfuture.org to learn more! Applications are due by next Tuesday, March 31st. A question and answer video can be viewed here.

Register Today for Mindfulness and Movement on March 31 

Set aside a small part of your day and join us for a free 45-minute session to relax and restore! This March 31st gathering will be led by Jonathan Relucio, a mindfulness facilitator and coach with over 20 years of leadership and community organizing experience. All are invited to this 11:30 am ET event – please feel free to share. Register today and thank yourself later! 

Join Us Wednesday to Celebrate the 2025 Freshwater Heroes!

Protecting and restoring the health of the lakes, rivers, wetlands, shorelines in our Great Lakes region requires hard work, persistence, and dedication. Freshwater Future is honored to present the 2025 Freshwater Heroes, whose efforts are inspirational and motivational. You won’t want to miss this inspirational event that recognizes the special contributions of residents and organizations. Please join us virtually on April 1st at 12 pm Eastern Time to celebrate our Freshwater Hero Award winners and may their stories give you hope and a boost to continue your work. Please note that this session will not be recorded. 

New! Water Watchers Presents: Fundraising Basics for Nonprofits

Your organization’s important work requires funds. Join us at the Fundraising Basics Webinar on Tuesday, April 21 at 12 pm ET (11 am CT) to learn about different sources of funds and methods to get donations. We’ll share tips to connect with potential supporters and boost your confidence to start fundraising immediately. Register today! Please note that this session will not be recorded.

Join the Freshwater Future Team! 

Freshwater Future is currently hiring a new Development Director. Visit our website for a job description and how to apply. 

Win! Pennsylvania Bill Supporting Public Water Systems Advances to House Vote 

This week, a new bill was introduced that proposes to pause all new water system privatizations for one year, in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. It also would repeal a disastrous law, Act 12, which has led to skyrocketing system takeovers and water bills. While more needs to be done to keep our water public and affordable, this bill is critical for slowing down acquisitions and protecting water customers across the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania residents: watch for an email with a call to action in the next few days!

Win! Wisconsin’s Bad Data Center Bill Fails as Legislative Session Ends

Community advocates support strong data center regulations that prioritize both environmental and ratepayer protections. Thankfully, a Wisconsin bill failed adoption that would have limited renewable energy use by these massive industrial developments. It also lacked protections for ratepayers who are already facing rising energy bills as more of these projects are proposed. Freshwater Future invites Great Lakes community groups fighting data centers and other industrial water users to the monthly Large Water Withdrawals meeting. If you’re interested in attending to network, learn, and work with other advocates, email Alana at alana@freshwaterfuture.org.