Freshwater Future Weekly: February 6, 2026
Thank You to the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation for Their Continued Support
Freshwater Future is pleased to announce it has received a $250,000 grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. This funding will enable us to continue supporting community organizations across the region with small grants, capacity building, technical expertise, collaboration, and policy engagement, helping local groups and leaders protect waterways and drinking water in their own communities. The entire press release can be read here.
Learning Opportunities:
Protect Your Organization’s Data, February 11th, 1-2 ET
Want to dive deeper into cybersecurity? Conservation Capacity Project is offering a webinar on Wednesday, February 11, 1-2 ET. It will cover the basics of cybersecurity protection and common-sense proactive approaches to data governance. After the webinar, you can access a free cybersecurity assessment and tech support. Register here: Conservation Capacity Project-cybersecurity webinar.
Freshwater Future Grant Writing Learning Session, Wednesday, February 18th
Freshwater Future invites you to Practical Grant Writing Tips on February 18, 2026, at 12:00 pm ET. We will share our expertise as both a funder and a grantee. You’ll leave with increased confidence and guidance on how to prepare a successful proposal. There is no fee to attend. Register here.
Join us on February 25th for Mindfulness and Movement
Take a break out of your day and refocus at the next Mindfulness and Movement session! Join us at 11:30 am ET for our free monthly event, led by Jonathan Relucio, an expert in trauma-informed mindfulness. A reminder that registration is required for each event, so sign-up today!
Request for Proposals: Spring Grant Cycle Now Open
It’s time to start thinking about Spring Project Grant Applications! Community-based organizations are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to assist with water advocacy work. Not sure if your project is a good fit? Read more on our grants webpage, which includes a map of all previously funded projects and frequently asked questions. You can also call or email Alana at (231) 348-8200 ext. 6 or [email protected] to learn more! The deadline for proposals is March 31st.
Your Input is Needed: Help Us Determine Learning Sessions and Workshops for 2026 (Deadline Extended to Feb 9)
Strong, community organizations, like yours, are essential for protecting and improving drinking water and surface waters in the Great Lakes region. Please fill out our short survey to let us know what topics you would like to learn about to help your organization continue its valuable water work. Deadline extended until February 9, 2026.
Speak out to Protect Waterways from Federal Deregulation
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants to limit the ability of states and Tribes to review and veto federal permits under the Clean Water Act that threaten local waterways. By cutting out critical stakeholders and environmental reviews, it will be easier than ever for corporations to pollute our waters. Use Freshwater Future’s form and customize your comment to add your own experience and concerns. Note that the EPA is not likely to consider comments without personalization. Comment closes Tuesday, February 17th.
Indiana Residents – Urgent Action to State Representatives
Your support and voice are needed NOW to stop the passage of a bill that puts Hoosiers’ health at risk, including the safety of residents’ water from source to tap. The Indiana State Senate just quickly passed a bill that dismantles the state’s environmental agency, and the Indiana State House will vote soon on Senate Bill 277. With this form, send a message to your state representative as soon as possible asking them to oppose this bill, and please share this with your fellow residents!
Update to the Tonawanda Seneca Nation’s Data Center Fight
Last week, Freshwater Future shared that the Tonawanda Seneca Nation and their allies are again pushing back on a new, larger plan for three data centers at the Western New York Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park, also known as STAMP. New York State has officially denied the Tonawanda Seneca Nation’s request that the agency take over as the lead agency and conduct a thorough environmental review. While this is disappointing for advocates, they are pleased that New York state provided new rigorous requirements for Genesee County Economic Development Center’s environmental review.
Deadline Extended to February 9: Help Us Determine Learning Sessions and Workshops
Please fill out this short survey to let Freshwater Future know what topics you would like to learn about to help your organization continue its valuable water work. Your input will guide future learning sessions and webinars.