Today is #WeAreLakeErie Day
Today marks our annual celebration of Lake Erie, a magnificent Great Lake that nourishes millions of people and wildlife with its freshwater. Join us TODAY to share our collective appreciation on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Bluesky). Share your stories and pictures on social media, and we will re-share them!
Blog: Stay Safe at the Beach
Thinking about visiting a beach, kayaking, or just heading out for a swim? Read our latest blog post to learn about key water safety issues, how water quality is monitored, and where to find more information.
Funding Available for Your Water Work
Freshwater Future’s Fall Project Grants cycle is open until September 30th and we are looking for grassroots advocacy projects that will make a permanent change throughout the Great Lakes! Your local community organization could receive up to $5,000 in funding to protect drinking water, shorelines, inland lakes, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater throughout the region. Learn more about the application process, eligible projects, and more with these resources:
- Sign up for our upcoming Q&A on September 2nd to learn more about eligibility
- View a previous Q&A webinar
- Read our RFP here
- Visit our Grants page
- Look over past projects to get a feel for what we are looking for
Contact Lindsey at (231) 348-8200, ext 110, or Lindsey@freshwaterfuture.org with any questions.
Upcoming Online and In-Person Events
Public Charities Can Lobby: How Your 501(c)(3) Can Influence Policy for the Greater Good – Tuesday, August 18, 12:00 pm ET
Freshwater Future’s partner, Alliance for Justice, will lead our next monthly session focused on nonprofit lobbying “Do’s and Don’ts”. Please note that this session will not be recorded.
Relax with Mindfulness and Movement
All are invited to this free, 45-minute guided session with Jonathan Relucio, an expert with over 20 years of experience. Join us to relax and restore each month, and please invite others! Can’t join? Registrants can access past session recordings here – contact alana@freshwaterfuture.org for the password.
Wednesday, August 19, 11:30 am (Eastern) Register here!
Wednesday, September 16, 11:30 am (Eastern) Register here!
New! Grants Q&A Webinar – September 2nd, 12-1pm (Eastern)
Join Freshwater Future staff to learn more about our grant programs, what projects are eligible to receive funding, and how to set yourself up for success when applying. Please register by August 30th. Note that this webinar will not be recorded, but a recording of our 2025 webinar is available on our website. We hope to see you there! Register here!
New! Affordable Water Now Day of Action, Lansing, Michigan – Wednesday September 23, 2026, 8am-3pm (Eastern)
On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, we’ll gather at the Michigan State Capitol for our Affordable Water Now Day of Action—and we hope you’ll join us! Never lobbied before? No problem! You do not need to be a seasoned advocate to participate, and to help you prepare, we are hosting a virtual training session! Details to be shared very soon!
Register today to join us at the Capitol
Water is Life Festival – Save the Date
Saturday, September 5th, 2026:
The Water is Life Festival is an annual celebration of water, art, music, food, and community, held at the Downtown Petoskey Waterfront. The event is free to attend and is open 12-9pm. Register now to have a chance at winning locally-provided door prizes!