1. Presentation Overview Introduction to the Great Lakes Commission The Commission’s Role in Seeking/Administering Grants Practical Advice in Seeking and Securing Grants Resources for Grant Seekers Questions/Answers/Discussion

2. Great Lakes-St. Lawrence System Water Resources: An Overview Largest system of freshwater on the face of the earth 6.5 quadrillion gallons of water over 95,000 square miles of lake surface 20% of world’s supply of fresh surface water; 90% of United State’s supply Basis for multi-billion dollar industries in every state and province Intensive, multiple use under a complex multi- jurisdictional management structure 989 billion gallons withdrawn/ used in-stream daily; 59 billion excluding hydroelectric

3. Great Lakes Commission Binational agency representing Great Lakes states and provinces Formed in mid 1950s via U.S. state and federal law: provincial associate membership in 1999 Promotes the informed use, management and protection of the water and related natural resources of the Great Lakes Basin and St. Lawrence River Addresses resource management, environmental protection, transportation and sustainable economic development issues Functions are information sharing, policy research and development, and advocacy “Information and research broker” that focuses on hydrologic, rather than geo-political boundaries

4. “Our vision is a Great Lakes Basin that offers a prosperous economy, a economy, a healthy environment and a high quality of life for its citizens by applying principles of sustainable development in the use, management and protection of water, land and other natural resources” ~ 2000 Strategic Plan Vision Statement

5. Mission Statement The Great Lakes Commission, a binational public agency dedicated to the use, management and protection of the water, land and other natural resources of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system. In partnership with the eight Great Lakes states and provinces of Ontario and Quebec, the Commission applies sustainable development principles in addressing the issues of of resource management, environmental protection, transportation and sustainable development. The Commission provides accurate and objective information on public policy issues; an effective forum for developing and coordinating public policy; and a unified, systemwide voice to advocate member interests. ~ 2000 Strategic Plan

6. Great Lakes Commission – Program Areas Administration Resource Management Environmental Quality Transportation and Sustainable Development Communications and Internet Technology Data and Information Management Regional Coordination

7. Practical Advice in Seeking and Securing Grants

8. “Don’t put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) until you have a high probability for success” Establish relationship with program officer Consider letter of inquiry Submit draft, if appropriate Program officer will be your advocate Pursue multiple sources, but always be up front about who else you’re talking to Don’t’ be shy – foundations/funders want to be overwhelmed

9. “Tell them what they want to hear” Comply with every requirement Address criteria point-by-point Use the funder’s termnology

10. “Budget for uncertainty” Anticipate the unanticipated in staffing, funding, travel and timeline Ask for what you really need – don’t “pad” or “lowball” but accommodate uncertainty Maximize cost-share and line up support quickly Make sure you can deliver on promises Develop a task/activity timeline for proposal development “back-costing”

11. “Look for partnerships – at all levels and in all forms” Seek project and funding partners Multi-disciplinary approaches are typically well received Make sure partners can deliver – substance, quality, time and funding

12. “Position yourself for the next step” Securing funds for one project opens doors to the next Use the project proposal to set up opportunities for further work

13. “Don’t overlook the important elements” Budget in time and money for evaluation Provide for dissemination and publicity Keep your program officer informed, updated and involved Credit the funder whenever, however you can

14. “There is no shortage of funds for a good project” The universe of potential funders is evolving, but is still large Research on funding sources is as/more important than research on the proposal topic Remember– the gestation period (i.e., concept to reality) can be lengthy

15. “Words to Live By – Never, Ever...” Miss a deadline Ignore submittal requirements Let a typo get by Miscalculate a budget List partners you haven’t contacted “Shot gun” a proposal

16. Resources for Grant Seekers Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN) – www.great-lakes.net Funding Guide – fully searchable www.great-lakes.net/infocenter/news/funding.html University resources Agency contacts