Request for Applications: Great Lakes Local Action Fund (Canada)

The Ontario government’s Great Lakes Local Action Fund supports community-led projects that help protect and improve the health of the Great Lakes. For the 2026 call for applications, Ontario is investing $1.8 million in this round, with grants up to $100,000 for projects occurring between January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2027. The application deadline is 2:00 p.m. on November 6, 2026. The Great Lakes Local Action Fund supports projects that: Ontario reports that since 2021, it has committed $5.5 million to support 107 projects across Ontario through this fund. Projects are led by community-focused organizations such as community-based organizations, municipalities, conservation authorities, and Indigenous communities. For this 2026 call (fourth round), the focus is on local-scale projects that engage community members in protecting and/or restoring: For the 2026 call for applications, Ontario is investing $1.8 million in the fourth round.

Key funding details from the source:

The source states that projects funded through the Great Lakes Local Action Fund are led by: The source does not provide further details on: For complete eligibility requirements, applicants should review the official application guidelines on Transfer Payment Ontario (link provided below). Round 3 funding supports local scale projects that engage community members in protecting and/or restoring the Great Lakes and/or connecting rivers, and address at least one of the following priorities: For the 2026 call for applications, the source confirms the call details (amount, timing, and deadline) but does not restate whether priority areas are identical; it references the fund’s priority approach. Applicants should confirm the exact priority-area requirements in the official 2026 call materials. This fund is designed to channel local, community-engaged action toward measurable environmental outcomes in Ontario’s Great Lakes region—particularly work that supports ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and water-quality protection. The opportunity is intended for organizations and communities that can mobilize local participants to protect and restore the Great Lakes and connecting river systems.

Official application portal: Apply online with Transfer Payment Ontario (Great Lakes Local Action Fund)

Note: The source provided does not include a separate step-by-step document list, required forms, or specific application attachments. Applicants should consult the Transfer Payment Ontario posting for the complete submission requirements.

1) What is the Great Lakes Local Action Fund?

It is a grant program run by the Ontario government supporting community projects that benefit local communities and protect/improve the health of the Great Lakes.

2) How much funding is available in the 2026 round?

Ontario is investing $1.8 million in the fourth round of funding for the Great Lakes Local Action Fund.

3) What is the maximum grant amount for 2026 applications?

Projects can apply for up to $100,000.

4) When must projects take place?

Projects must occur between January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2027.

5) What is the deadline to apply in 2026?

6) Who can lead projects under this fund?

The source states projects are led by community-based organizations, municipalities, conservation authorities, and Indigenous communities.

7) Where do I apply?

Applications must be submitted online with Transfer Payment Ontario. If you are planning a Great Lakes or connecting-rivers project for 2027, review the official Great Lakes Local Action Fund guidance and the Transfer Payment Ontario application posting for the 2026 call to confirm eligibility, required materials, and any specific submission instructions. Then align your project plan to the stated priorities and timing requirements before applying.