Freshwater Future Weekly: October 23, 2026

Election Engagement Resources for U.S. Nonprofit Organizations

You may have heard the phrase, “Democracy is not a spectator sport,” but for nonprofit organizations there are strict rules for getting involved in nonpartisan voting activities. Nonprofits must ensure their activities do NOT support or oppose candidates for public office.Please use and share these resources from the Alliance for Justice that explain how nonprofits can engage in elections. 

Check out our current Take Actions: Together, Our Voices Make a Difference

New! U.S. Permitting Reform Bill Threatens Clean Water

A new bill, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, is being rushed through Congress and aims to speed up construction of large infrastructure projects like pipelines and data centers. The bill is a huge threat to clean water. It attacks and weakens the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and other laws. Another problem with the bill is it takes decision-making power away from the communities and governments closest to affected waterways.

Send your Members of Congress a message today and ask them to OPPOSE the permitting reform bill. 

https://secure.everyaction.com/1jO1Ay_hsESgzZjt-wu3-g2

Upcoming Deadline: Weigh in on Canada’s Freshwater National Security Strategy

Sunday is the final day to submit your thoughts to The Canada Water Agency to contribute to Canada’s first National Water Security Strategy. Please share your local experiences and knowledge to inform what a freshwater-focused strategy should include. In addition to your personal insight, Freshwater Future developed suggestions that broadly reflect long-term freshwater visions and priorities for the Great Lakes. The survey closes October 25, 2026 at 5pm ET.

Upcoming Online Events

Keep Your Nonprofit Status: Reporting and Compliance Guidance

All U.S. community-based organizations are invited to our free December webinar to review essential tasks that will keep your non-profit compliant with state and federal laws. Regardless of your experience level, this is a great opportunity to learn or review requirements for recordkeeping, IRS filings, lobbying limits, and more! 

Register today and join us on Tuesday, November 17th at 11 CT / 12pm ET.

Relax with Mindfulness and Movement

Take some time for yourself to refresh and restore. Join us for our free monthly Mindfulness & Movement session. Jonathan Relucio, an experienced mindfulness teacher, will guide attendees through this 45-minute session. Sessions start at 10:30 am CT / 11:30 am ET. Please register for each event separately! Past sessions can be accessed here – please email info@freshwaterfuture.org to request the password. 

November 2, Monday

December 9, Wednesday

Want to check out past updates? Check out the Weekly Archive!

Share:

More Posts

Freshwater Future Weekly: October 16, 2026

This Week: New Webinar! Keep Your Nonprofit Status: Reporting and Compliance Guidance, Register for November and December Mindfulness and Movement Sessions, U.S. Senate Introduces New Permitting Reform Bill, New Minnesota Steel Mill Wastewater Permits Aim to Revive Wild Rice, Transparency Needed from Large Data Center Developers to Limit New PFAS Pollution, Share your story and vision for Canada’s Freshwater Security

Freshwater Future Weekly: October 9, 2026

This Week: Support Federal Wetlands & Streams Protections; Share your vision for Canada’s Freshwater Security; Water Watchers Respond to Water Withdrawal Threat; 2027 Great Lakes Local Action Funds Available – Apply by November 6th; Fundraising Best Practices; Mindfulness and Movement Sessions; New Comprehensive Canadian Funding List for Nature-Based Solutions

Freshwater Future Weekly: October 2, 2026

This Week: 2027 Great Lakes Local Action Fund; Algal Blooms on the Rise in Superior; Freshwater Future Staff Attend Healing Our Waters; Support Federal Wetlands & Streams; Canada Water Agency Requests Feedback; Upcoming Events

Freshwater Future Weekly: September 25, 2026

This Week: Michigan Advocates Push for Solutions to Ensure Affordable Water; Canada Water Agency Requests Feedback on National Freshwater Strategy; Support Federal Wetlands & Streams; Funding Available; Upcoming Events