DEC and New York Sea Grant Announce $200,000 Funding Now Available for Projects to Implement Great Lakes Action Agenda Priorities

Interested Applicants Encouraged to Join Webinar on January 27, 2026

Published: Sunday, January 25, 2026 9:00 am

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York Sea Grant today announced that $200,000 in funding is available for projects benefitting New York’s Great Lakes basin by demonstrating the application of ecosystem-based management approaches to local watershed challenges.

“The Great Lakes are vital to our region by supporting vibrant ecosystems, clean drinking water, and local economies. DEC is proud to work with New York Sea Grant and our partners to advance implementation of the New York Great Lakes Action Agenda,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “These grants announced today provide another boost to support locally driven efforts that benefit New York’s Great Lakes communities and protect this vital resource.”

Projects selected will implement the goals of New York’s Great Lakes Action Agenda and address actions specifically identified in locally supported water quality, natural resources, or sustainable land use plans.

New York Sea Grant Associate Director and Cornell University Cooperative Extension Assistant Director Katherine Bunting-Howarth, Ph.D., J.D. said, “This partnership between New York Sea Grant and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provides communities in New York’s Great Lakes region with funding for projects that are increasing their resilience and enhancing their local environment and ecosystem resources that are vital components of coastal community economies.”

Those eligible to apply include municipalities, Indian Nations, not-for-profit organizations, regional planning councils, soil and water conservation districts, and educational institutions. Please review the Request for Proposal for additional details on eligibility.

The New York Great Lakes Basin Small Grants Program supports stakeholder-driven efforts to restore and revitalize the State’s Great Lakes region using ecosystem-based management and is funded through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund, under the authority of the New York Ocean and Great Lakes Ecosystem Conservation Act. New York Sea Grant administers the New York Great Lakes Basin Small Grants Program in partnership with DEC's Great Lakes Program.

Interested applicants are encouraged to join New York Sea Grant’s informational webinar on January 27, 2026, at 12 p.m. to learn more about the project requirements and application process. Register with New York Sea Grant at NY Sea Grant Small Grants Program website. Applications are due by March 27, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.; instructions and application materials are available at NY Sea Grant Small Grants Program website. For more information on New York's Great Lakes Action Agenda, visit DEC’s website. More information on New York Great Lakes Basin Small Grants projects and other New York Great Lakes-related information is available at New York Sea Grant’s website.