Great Lakes Great Responsibility is pleased to offer Marine Debris Mini Grants of up to $1,000 to support community-driven projects that reduce marine debris at its source and increase public awareness across the Great Lakes watershed.

This program is designed to empower schools, nonprofit organizations, and community groups, to implement creative, practical, and impactful projects that prevent litter and plastic pollution from entering waterways. Funded projects should focus on education, behavior change, and upstream solutions, helping communities understand their role in protecting the Great Lakes and inspiring long-term stewardship.

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Through this mini grant program, GLGR seeks to strengthen local capacity, amplify community leadership, and foster a culture of responsibility and care for the Great Lakes, ensuring these extraordinary freshwater resources remain clean, healthy, and resilient for generations to come.

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Need assistance? Register for Marine Debris Mini Grant Q & A session on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 12pm ET. 

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MARINE DEBRIS MINI GRANT GUIDELINES

ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION

• Your organization must be in the Great Lakes watershed and provide benefits to those within that geographic area.

• Schools, youth groups, service organizations, tribes, informal community groups, and government agencies are welcome to apply. Eligible applicants include U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Canadian registered charities, and other community-based or public entities working to advance marine debris prevention and education. Grants to religious organizations will be considered only if they serve the general public and do not have religious overtones of a sectarian nature. 

• No grants are made to individuals.

• No grants will be made to previous grantees who have received funding in the last two years. Those receiving a grant in 2023 or earlier are invited to apply. 

ABOUT YOUR PROJECT

• Grants are made for future projects only. No funding will be given for projects completed before final board approval. Board approval is usually within four (4) weeks of the grant deadline. 

• Great Lakes Great Responsibility discourages repeated applications for sustained funding of programs.

• Grant recipients will be required to share:

  1. Photos and/or video of the project(s)/event(s)

  2. Number of participants involved

  3. Amount of trash removed, if applicable (pieces and/or pounds)

  4. Number of volunteer hours involved, if applicable

ABOUT FUNDS AVAILABLE

• Applicants may submit requests up to a maximum of $1,000 per application cycle unless otherwise indicated.

• For accounting purposes, all allocated funds are disbursed upon receipt of documentation of the expenditures.

ABOUT DEADLINES

• Marine Debris Mini Grant applications are reviewed two times each year.

• Completed applications must be submitted by March 31 or September 30.

• Grants are normally paid within one year of approval. If necessary, a written/emailed request may be submitted for a six (6) month extension.

ABOUT ALLOCATION DECISIONS

• A Grant Committee makes all allocation recommendations.

• All recommendations for allocations must be approved by vote of the Great Lakes Great Responsibility board at their monthly meeting following the application deadline.

BUDGET EXAMPLE

• You may use our budget example to assist you in completing the budget section of your application: Budget Example.

• Blank Google Sheet Budget Form (make a copy) or Download blank Excel Budget Form​