2026 Great Lakes Regional Learning Exchange

Join us for our second 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:

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Registration & Coffee  

9:30 AM – 9:50 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks 

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Opening Plenary 

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Breakout Sessions

• 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM – Session Option A
• 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM – Session Option B

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch and Networking

1:30 PM – 2:45 PM | Breakout Sessions 

• 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM | Session Option A
• 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM | Session Option B

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Closing Plenary 

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Closing Remarks & Adjournment

Please note: This is a tentative agenda. A detailed agenda, including session topics, speakers, and breakout session descriptions, will be provided in the coming weeks.

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:

The Great Lakes Regional Learning Exchange will take place in Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood. For your convenience, we recommend booking accommodations at the Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland University Circle, located just a six-minute walk from the venue. The hotel is situated near Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

If you need hotel and/or travel accommodations, please contact Lisette Perez at lperez@estuaries.org  

There are a limited number of stipends available. Please request support as soon as possible.