Lake Erie Protection Fund

The Lake Erie Protection Fund, administered by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission, was established to finance research and on-the-ground projects aimed at restoring Lake Erie and its watershed. Since its inception, the fund has supported over 365 projects with more than $12 million in grants. The fund supports projects that directly address the pressing environmental and economic issues impacting the lake, including: Nutrient Reduction: Projects that reduce nutrient runoff, which can lead to harmful algal blooms Water Quality Protection: Initiatives to improve and maintain the water quality of Lake Erie Wetlands Restoration: Efforts to restore wetlands, which play a crucial role in filtering pollutants and providing habitat for wildlife Invasive Species Management: Strategies to control and prevent the spread of invasive species Fisheries Management: Programs to sustain and enhance fish populations in Lake Erie Proposals must align with the priorities of the Lake Erie Protection and Restoration Plan. Website: Lake Erie Protection Fund Website Governing Statute: Ohio Revised Code 1506.23 Eligibility: Government, non-profit and for-profit entities are eligible to apply for funding. Funding may not be used to fund staff salaries for state employees. Applicants must be based in Ohio, although work may be contracted with outside entities as necessary. Specifications: Small grants up to $50,000 are available to fund research and on-the-ground projects aimed at protecting, preserving and restoring Lake Erie or its tributary watersheds in Ohio. The Lake Erie Protection Fund focuses on projects that lead to better management decisions for both environmental protection and economic development. Special grant projects may be funded - amounts and topics change annually. The Fund is supported through donation or purchase of a Lake Erie license plate displaying the Marblehead Lighthouse or Toledo Harbor Lighthouse by Ohio artist Ben Richmond, the Life on Lake Erie Kayak, or the Lake Erie life ring. Application Deadline: Annually, usually in January. Contact: Ohio Lake Erie Commission [email protected] June 22, 2020 | Agency Improving Lake Erie, One Project at a Time! The Lake Erie Protection Fund grant program helps finance research and on-the-ground projects aimed at restoring Lake Erie and its watershed. Projects must advance the goals of the  2025 Lake Erie Protection and Restoration Plan including but not limited to: Reducing harmful algal blooms and managing nutrients Restoring and enhancing habitats and wetlands Beneficial reuse of dredge materials Advancing long-term water quality and ecosystem health Grant Funding Grants up to $45,000 Who Can Apply? Units of government, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Funding cannot be used for state agency personnel costs Request for Application (RFA) & Timeline 2027 Application Form The application deadline: January 17, 2027 Proposal Award Announcement: April 2027 Project Support & Contact Please reach out to the Grant Project Manager, Kris Patterson, at [email protected] About the Lake Erie Protection Fund The Lake Erie Protection Fund is made possible through sales of Ohio’s Lake Erie license plates and direct donations to the Lake Erie Protection Fund. Each specialty plate purchased contributes $15 directly to the LEPF, which supports local projects that make a lasting difference for Lake Erie. To learn more and/or purchase your Lake Erie license plate, click here . Prior Grant Awardees The Lake Erie Protection Fund Grant was awarded to the following applicants: 2025: $45,000 to Cleveland Metroparks for a Nature-Based Shoreline Planning Study. Cleveland Metroparks will review and prioritize waterfront sites throughout the Parks properties to identify sites that would benefit from living shorelines, coir logs, floating wetlands and/or other nature-based shoreline protection.