2025 Great Lakes Annual Learning Exchange
Annual Learning Exchange
Join us for the inaugural Great Lakes Regional Learning Exchange, a free, day-long event designed to build the capacity of organizations working to protect and restore the Great Lakes. This gathering brings together community leaders, nonprofit professionals, and regional experts to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and strengthen the skills needed to access and manage federal funding successfully.
Meals will be provided, and all sessions are free and open to those committed to advancing locally led environmental solutions across the Great Lakes region.
Tentative Agenda
September 24, 2025 – Rochester, NY
Free event • Meals provided • Shuttle available to Hyatt Regency for HOW Great Lakes Conference Attendees
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Shuttle Service (to venue)
Transportation provided from designated hotel(s)
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Registration & Coffee
Check-in, light breakfast, and informal networking
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Framing the day and meeting the RAE & Junction Coalition team
9:50 AM – 10:15 AM
Opening Plenary: The GLRI Landscape
Speaker: Administrator Anne Vogel, U.S. EPA Region 5
An overview of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative priorities and future direction
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Panel Session: Community Leadership in the Rochester Region
Local stories, challenges, and opportunities in accessing federal funding
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
1:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Breakout Training Sessions I
Hands-on workshops on grant readiness, nonprofit infrastructure, and program design
2:45 PM – 4:15 PM
Breakout Training Sessions II
Topics include compliance and reporting, private and federal funding strategies, and adaptive program management
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Closing Plenary & Remarks
Speaker: Alicia Smith, Junction Coalition
Key reflections, community-rooted insights, and a call to continued collaboration
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Shuttle Service (to hotel)
Return transportation to designated hotel(s)
Target Audience
This event is designed for community-based organizations, nonprofit leaders, and program staff working to advance positive environmental outcomes in Great Lakes communities. Whether part of a small or emerging nonprofit new to federal funding, or an established organization looking to strengthen your grant management infrastructure, the Learning Exchange offers valuable training and peer learning opportunities. The event also welcomes tribal and Indigenous organizations, local government partners, technical assistance providers, and regional coalitions committed to building community capacity and driving restoration efforts across the Great Lakes region.
Accommodations & Travel Stipends
If you need hotel and/or travel accommodations, please contact Lisette Perez at lperez@estuaries.org
Details
Date: September 24th, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (EST)
Location: In-Progress
Cost: Free event • Meals provided • Shuttle available to Hyatt Regency for HOW Great Lakes Conference Attendees
Organizer: Restore America’s Estuaries in partnership with Junction Coalition
