Lakeshore Stewardship Program
Cultivating Environmental Stewardship in the Lakeshore Region
Since 2003, LNRP has invested over $111,000 to support 45 project partners throughout the Lakeshore Region.
Our Vision
We envision a Lakeshore region in Eastern Wisconsin where:
- Clean, safe waters for drinking and recreation are the norm for all residents and visitors;
- Existing fragile ecosystems are adequately protected and historical ones re-established;
- Recreational opportunities in natural areas are widely available; and
- Lands are used in environmentally sustainable ways.
LNRP partners with local stewardship projects to further our vision.
The LNRP Project Application Process is Designed to be Interactive and Supportive
- Applicants have the opportunity to work closely with a Project Advisory Team (PAT) to explore ways to improve the proposal and ensure a successful project.
- Applicants have an opportunity to interview with the advisory team. This interview allows you to expand your project explanation and provide support materials in person!
- You may call the LNRP office to discuss your project idea or submit a one-page letter of intent briefly explaining your project and budget needs.
- We will send the application instructions to you or you can download them right here from the website. We will also put you in touch with the PAT representative most appropriate for your intended project.
To obtain project forms visit our download forms page.
Eligibility
LNRP chooses to partner with and support organizations that are:
- Based in the Lakeshore Region
- Not-for-profit and exempt from federal taxes under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or
- Using a fiscal sponsor that is tax-exempt
- Grassroots group with limited funding sources.
Amount of Support
While we give donated support in the form of our Project Advisory Team consultations, financial support can range from $500 to $5,000 depending on the scope of the project and fund availability. Organizations may apply for funding once each calendar year.
Project Support Maximum of $5,000
Lakeshore Stewardship Program Project Priorities
Projects should work to improve the quality of drinking and surface water. Strong projects will include other priorities as listed below:
LNRP gives preference to projects that:
- Promote partnerships and creative collaborations
- Foster a sense of pride and identification with a watershed in the region
- Have the potential to leverage additional resources
- Demonstrate potential to be replicated elsewhere in the region
- Advance creative ecological solutions or concepts
- Advance recommendations or best management practices of government or community agencies
- Protect unique natural areas
- Provide short-term benefits while maintaining a long-term ecosystem perspective
We are particularly interested in stewardship projects that address issues previously identified as the most pressing in the Lakeshore Region:
- Loss of riparian buffers and shoreline habitat
- Inadequate identification and protection of wetlands and groundwater recharge areas
- Inadequate or unbalanced land-use strategies
- Habitat fragmentation and loss of biodiversity
- Absence of stewardship ethic
- Contamination of drinking water
Limitations and Restrictions
LNRP does not partner with:
- Individuals
- Lobbying or electoral activities
- Capital campaigns, fund drives, or equipment purchases not directly related to a specific project
- Enhancement of private property, unless there is an overriding public benefit
- Projects or organizations located outside the Lakeshore Region
- Research projects that lack an action component
Lakeshore Stewardship Program Project Application Process
In 2009, the Pollution category was incorporated into three other topic areas: Water Resources Protection, Land Use Protection and Habitat Restoration, and Environmental Education and Outreach. The LNRP application process is designed to be interactive and supportive. Project applicants have the opportunity to work closely with a Project Advisory Team (PAT) to explore ways to improve their proposal and ensure a successful project.
You may call the LNRP office to discuss your project idea or submit a one-page letter of intent briefly explaining the project and budget needs. We will mail or email the application instructions or you can download them from the website. We can also put you in touch with the PAT representative most appropriate for your intended project.
Members of one of our four Project Advisory Teams — Water Resources Protection, Environmental Education and Outreach, Land Use Protection and Habitat Restoration — are available to meet with you to offer technical assistance and advice on completing your application. Pre-application discussions can help you refine your ideas, learn about other available resources, and increase your chances of success.
You will also have the opportunity to meet with a PAT for a face to face interview. This will give you the opportunity to elaborate on your project ideas beyond the written application.
We will route your project to the appropriate Project Advisory Team according to the specific issue you propose to address:
- Water Resources Protection: Projects that monitor or improve streams, rivers, lakes or
wetlands.
- Environmental Education and Outreach: Projects that establish or improve
communication and education about water quality issues for the general public, youth and
stewardship programs.
- Land-Use Protection and Habitat Restoration: Projects that focus on improving land development decisions to restore or protect water quality.
The volunteer members of the advisory teams review applications, make recommendations for which projects to support, and monitor the progress and results of the selected projects. The LNRP Board of Directors, composed of volunteers from throughout the Lakeshore Region, approves all projects.
The application consists of a simple form, project narrative and budget, limited to five typed pages.
Timetable and Deadlines
LNRP has funding cycles based on funds availability but you may make an inquiry or submit an application at any time during the year.
We encourage all potential applicants to contact the LNRP office well in advance of the project round to discuss project ideas and request technical assistance.
The project period is typically one year from the respective start date. LNRP will consider an 18-month or two-year project period if the scope of the project warrants, or in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Applicants chosen to be a LNRP Local Stewardship project may apply for follow-up support (in the next calendar year) to support new initiatives or to build on previously-supported efforts, provided that previous projects have been successfully concluded.
Contact Us
(920) 304-1919
Grants@LNRP.org
Board of Directors and Staff