Financial Resources
CT Lakes Grants Program
Connecticut Federation of Lakes (CFL) is pleased to release our 2024 Lakes Grants Program. Under this Program, the CFL request applications from its Members for financial grants to support projects in three categories.
CFL recognizes that its Lakes Grants Program grants will not likely cover the full cost of project applications, but it is our hope that these grants will help you organize, raise the profile for your project or help engage your community. We hope these “seed funds” will make the difference in some or your projects coming to fruition.
The CFL Board voted to continue the grants program in 2024 for the total combined award amount of up to $4,000.
State Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program
In 2019, the Connecticut General Assembly (with strong encouragement from CFL!) established an Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp fee (Public Act 19-190) that applied to all registered boats using CT waters, to proved a dedicated funding source for the "Connecticut Lakes, Rivers, and Ponds Preservation Account." This account funds programs to protect the state's lakes, ponds, and rivers by addressing aquatic invasive species and cyanobacteria blooms.
Deadline for 2024/2025 has passed
Use the links below to become familiar with the program and prepare to apply for the 2025/2026 round. The 2024/25 application was released in October.
Other Organizations Grant Opportunities
The following grants opportunities may be useful. They may not be available right now or fit your organization, so please read through the individual requirements before applying. If they are not available now put them on your calendar for the future. CFL does not have any affiliation with the following organizations.
Bass Pro Shops
At this time, we are investing in programs and initiatives that are aligned with our commitment to conservation. This includes projects and organizations working in the following areas: Conserving Wildlife and Habitat, Connecting New Audiences to the Outdoors, Advocating for Access and Sportsmen’s Rights, Supporting Military and Veterans, and Strengthening Communities in the Missouri Ozarks
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Awards competitive grants through our programs to protect and conserve our nation's fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. The Foundation works with public and private partners in all 50 states and U.S. territories to solve the most challenging conservation problems. Explore the programs to learn about their conservation goals and strategies, and the species and landscapes they support.
Long Island Sound Stewardship Fund
Established in 2018 to promote a sustainable Long Island Sound, the Sound Stewardship Fund provides additional space for funders who care about the Long Island Sound to work together to make a positive impact on its ecological health; work in alignment with the federal Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 2015; help nonprofits working to restore the health and living resources of the Sound achieve conservation outcomes in a more effective and collaborative way; support capacity-building efforts that strengthen nonprofits working to protect the Sound.