Grants can play a key role in obtaining the funding needed to help you and your lake coummunity maintain your lake, watershed and natural environment. Our Grant Tips page provides information to help get your lake association organized and prepared so that you can successfully apply for grants. The list of grant opportunities below apply to a wide range of lakes management needs, and requirements differ for each. Grant application deadlines fall at different times of the year so be sure to check the deadlines on the grants for which you would like to apply for. Links are provided directly to the website of the grant source, where everything you need to know is provided in detail. Let us know if we can help, and good luck with your lakes grants!

ILMS LAKE LEADER Indiana Lakes Management Society is providing funds for need-based scholarships to assist in building the capacity of the state’s lake leaders to learn about protecting our valuable water resources. The Lake Leaders Scholarship is intended to reduce the cost of registration, meals and lodging for attendance at the annual Indiana Lakes conference. Find out more about this scholarship

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS The Indiana Lakes Management Society provides financial assistance is through the ILMS Scholarship Donation/Silent Auction Fund to help meet the college tuition needs of up to three applicants for an academic year. Find out more about these scholarships

CHS FOUNDATION The CHS Foundation invests in the future of agriculture and rural America through a strong commitment to education and leadership development. Funding is program-orientated and your request should fall into one of the five program areas: University Partnerships, Rural Youth Leadership Development, Returning Value to Rural Communities, Cooperative Education, Farm and Agricultural Safety Find out more about these grants

CONSERVATION INNOVATIVE GRANTS Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. Under CIG, Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds are used to award competitive grants to non-Federal governmental or non-governmental organizations, Tribes, or individuals. Find out more about these grants

FRESHWATER FUTURE PROJECT GRANTS The mission of Freshwater Future is to foster and support a vital, effective grassroots sector working locally to protect aquatic habitats throughout the Great Lakes Basin. Freshwater Future provides financial resources, shares information, and fosters communication between citizens and organizations working to protect aquatic habitats. The Freshwater Future grants program is designed to increase the ability of grassroots groups and individuals to succeed in advocacy projects to protect rivers, lakes, and wetlands in their areas. Find out more about these grants

IDEM 319 The Federal Clean Water Act Section 319(h) provides funding for various types of projects that work to reduce nonpoint source water pollution. Funds may be used to conduct assessments, develop and implement TMDLs and watershed management plans, provide technical assistance, demonstrate new technology and provide education and outreach. Organizations eligible for funding include nonprofit organizations, universities, and local, State or Federal government agencies. A 40% (non-federal) in-kind or cash match of the total project cost must be provided. Find out more about these grants IPL GOLDEN EAGLE ENVIRONMENTAL GRANTS IPL will provide financial grants to not-for-profit organizations and governmental units for projects that will preserve, protect, enhance or restore environmental and biological resources throughout IPL's operating territory. Find out more about these grants LARE GRANT The goal of the Division of Fish and Wildlife's Lake and River Enhancement Section is to protect and enhance aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife, to insure the continued viability of Indiana's publicly accessible lakes and streams for multiple uses, including recreational opportunities. This is accomplished through measures that reduce non-point sediment and nutrient pollution of surface waters to a level that meets or surpasses state water quality standards. To accomplish this goal, the LARE Program provides technical and financial assistance for qualifying projects. Find out more about these grants NATIONAL FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE – FIVE STAR RESTORATION MATCHING FUNDS PROGRAM Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Five Star Restoration program seeks to develop community capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations by providing modest financial assistance to diverse local partnerships for wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration. Find out more about these grants NiSOURCE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION In support of its aspiration to become North America's Premier Regulated Energy Company, NiSource has established the NiSource Charitable Foundation, with a mission to help create strong and sustainable communities where NiSource employees and customers live and work. In close collaboration with NiSource employees and community partners, the Foundation seeks opportunities to provide funding and encourage volunteer support for non-profit organizations Find out more about these grants LOCAL CORPORATE SPONSORS Local Corporate Sponsors are often overlooked when it comes to grants and funding, but are really an excellent source for local support on environmental issues.  If there is a Walmart, Target, Kroger, Marsh, Kmart, Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, Cabela's, Bass Pro Shop, etc. in your area, contact the manager to inquire about funding. COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS Community Foundations and Organizations are invested in the local communities in Indiana. Their members and donors are caring, giving and concerned citizens. They often provide grants to non-profit groups working on environmental issues in the community. Contact your county community foundation or local chapters of Kiwanis, Lions Club, Rotary, etc. to inquire about grant opportunities.