The Great Lakes Fishery Trust (GLFT) is now accepting proposals under its Access to the Great Lakes Fishery program. This request for proposals (RFP) will be used to disburse up to $1.3 million in grants. Proposals are due by Friday, August 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST and must be submitted through the GLFT website.
The GLFT will hold an optional webinar with information for potential grantees on Wednesday, July 15, at 10:00 a.m. EST. To register for the webinar, please visit the registration page on the GLFT website. The webinar will cover program priorities, provide information on the online application, summarize the review process, and answer applicants’ questions. For those unable to attend, the webinar will be recorded and posted on the GLFT website.
Grants awarded through this RFP are intended to:
- Support the development of new access sites below lowermost barriers in the Lake Michigan basin where such sites will fill gaps in access for shore-based recreational angling or tribal fishing.
- Support the development of high-appeal access sites for tribal fishing or shore-based recreational angling in areas with potential for high use outside the Lake Michigan basin.
- Throughout Michigan, support enhancements to, or renovation and/or reconstruction of, existing access structures that meet the Fishery Trust’s criteria for age, ongoing use, continuing suitability, and past maintenance efforts. Note: Renovation/reconstruction grants are limited to sites 20 years of age or older where the need for reconstruction is not driven by lack of appropriate maintenance.
If you have questions regarding the program area or a proposal submission, please contact Meagan O’Brien, grant manager, at [email protected] or 517-371-7468.
English 
Spanish 
Chinese 
Arabic 
Bengali 
French 
German