Request for Proposals: Freshwater Future’s Spring Project Grants
Calling all water protectors! Does your group need funding to advocate for drinking water, river, lake, shoreline, wetland, or groundwater protection in the Great Lakes Basin? Freshwater Future’s Spring Project Grants program is accepting applications until March 31st. These grants provide financial support up to $5,000 for grassroots advocacy efforts that promote water protection. For more information including examples of advocacy projects, please see our Q&A webinar recording or contact Alana Honaker, alana@freshwaterfuture.org or (231) 348-8200 ext. 6. Learn more here!

Meet our Fall Grantees: Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association
Freshwater Future grantee Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association is tackling PFAS pollution in New York’s second largest inland lake. Seneca Lake is the deepest of the Finger Lakes and is the source of drinking water for over 10,000 people. Yet, a nearby Superfund site, where clean-up efforts have stalled, is contaminating this crucial freshwater resource. Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association is conducting targeted testing of affected streams and lake waters and using the results to press federal and state agencies for faster remediation to protect public health. You too can become a grant recipient to support your impactful work by applying to our Spring Project Grants (see above)!
Register – Freshwater Heroes Celebration: February 26, 2025 | Noon ET
Every year, Freshwater Future recognizes exceptional advocates and organizations doing amazing work for the waters and people in our Great Lakes region. Please save the date for Freshwater Heroes Awards celebration on February 26th at noon ET. Register here to join us at this live virtual event to meet our heroes and hear their stories. This event is free and everyone is welcome.

Early-bird Registration Deadline January 31st: Join Us in Rochester, NY for All About Water on March 27th!
Please join Freshwater Future and our grassroots partners for the All About Water 2025 Convening on March 27th, in Rochester, NY! Limited funds to assist with travel costs are available on a first-come, first-served basis – Don’t wait to sign up! The early-bird registration and discounted pricing deadline is January 31, 2025.

Ice Coverage Doubles on Lake Erie in Two-Days
This week’s Polar Vortex brought the coldest weather of the year to the region, resulting in Lake Erie’s ice coverage doubling in just two days! The Great Lakes had a record low ice-coverage last winter. Even with the cold temperatures this past week, ice coverage is still below average on the Great Lakes.