Reflections from the Great Lakes Learning Exchange

On Wednesday, September 24th, Restore America’s Estuaries hosted the inaugural Great Lakes Regional Learning Exchange in Rochester, New York, along the scenic Genessee River. We welcomed over 70 passionate environmental leaders, practitioners, and community members from across the Great Lakes region to explore ways to make our communities and Great Lakes more resilient, sustainable and accessible.

This event not only gathered individuals from across the region, but also helped us to share knowledge, expand our presence in the region, and foster collaboration. The day was filled with dialogue ranging from compliance and reporting to building strong grants management infrastructure. Attendees built new connections, exchanged knowledge, and deepened their understanding of how to navigate the federal funding system. 

We extend our sincere gratitude to our partners, Junction Coalition and EPA Region 5 Great Lakes National Program Office, for their leadership and support in making this learning exchange possible. 

 

 

 

Highlights included:

• A keynote address from EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel, who engaged directly with our audience. 

• A panel featuring four environmental leaders from Western New York, sharing their work, lived experiences, and organizational missions in their communities.  

• Six breakout sessions on topics such as including designing a fundable program, organizational readiness, compliance and reporting.  

• Welcoming over 70 attendees for our inaugural regional learning exchange 

• Announcing the release date for our Request for Applications (RFA) – November 3rd, 2025 

This event is just the beginning of the Great Lakes Restoration Community Grant Program making big waves for our lakes. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and shared their insights. Follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn and sign up for our newsletter to learn about more future events and upcoming opportunities to engage. Stay tuned.  

 

Breakout Session Slides can be accessed here: 

 

Designing Fundable Programs: From Fit to Final Proposal 

 

Evolving Your Message, Evolving  Your Mission

Compliance & Reporting: Navigating Federal Grant Requirements with Confidence & R

Organizational Readiness: Building Your Grant Management Infrastructure

Understanding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: What It Is and Why It Matterss