Announcing the New Spring Project Grantees!
Congratulations to the 20 organizations awarded Freshwater Future 2026 Spring Project Grants! These grassroots organizations will use funds to support their water advocacy work to protect their communities, ecosystems, and water sources. Projects funded are located around the region and will benefit each of the Great Lakes. Visit our Grants webpage to read more about what each of these organizations are working on, or to learn more about Project Grants, Special Opportunity Grants, and Coaching and Consulting.Thank you to all of our funders and donors who make these grants possible!
Win! Land Returned to Northern Minnesota Fond du Lac Band
The state of Minnesota formally honored the treaty rights of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and returned the Cloquet Forestry Center land, located within their Reservation. The exchange of 3,400 acres reflects progress toward justice and reconciliation, particularly with the University of Minnesota, which operates the Cloquet Forestry Center. The Fond du Lac Band will continue to partner with the school while strengthening the forestry stewardship and educational programs.
Upcoming Events: Save Your Spot!
New Dates! 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 July 15, 11:30 am (Eastern)
Wednesday, August 19, 11:30 am (Eastern)
Wednesday, September 16, 11:30 am (Eastern)
Check out our current Take Actions: Together, Our Voices Make a Difference
New York Residents, Keep Up the Pressure & Pause Data Center Development
In a huge win for communities, the New York State Legislature passed a one-year moratorium on new massive AI data centers. Three weeks later, it’s still waiting for the Governor’s signature.Call Governor Kathy Hochul, (518-474-8390) today – to demand she stand with New Yorkers and sign this bill!
Suggested messaging: “I am calling/writing to urge you to sign the one-year moratorium on massive data centers. New York communities deserve time to adopt laws that protect our environment, energy, and public health from these huge industrial developments.”
Michigan Residents: Stand Up for Wetland Protections
Wetlands are critical as the first line of defense against flooding, for filtering and cleaning water, and for providing sustenance and recreational opportunities.
As the federal government aggressively rolls back wetland protections, it’s critical to take a stand against similar actions in the states. Multiple bills that threaten wetland protection are currently under consideration in the Michigan legislature. Send a quick message to your state legislators today and ask them to OPPOSE these bills!
Pennsylvania Residents: Urge your State Representatives to Support Public and Affordable Water
When water systems are privatized, customers’ water bills significantly increase while the shareholders of these for-profit water systems make huge profits. The passage of Act 12 a decade ago triggered increases in water system privatization across Pennsylvania, leaving impacted residents and communities to fight for affordable water rates, policy fixes ,and local oversight.
Use your voice today to support public water for all residents by urging your state legislators to pass the Public Water Protection and Fair Utility Transition Act. This law would not only repeal Act 12, but it would also pause all new water system takeovers for a year. It is an important first step to slow down the private takeover of public water utilities. Ensure this bill gets a vote and passes this year – send a quick message today with this form!
