Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc
Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc is a public charity based in Lansing, Michigan, that funds efforts to enhance, protect, and rehabilitate Great Lakes fishery resources. Formed in 1996, the Trust was established to compensate Michigan residents for lost use and enjoyment of the Lake Michigan fishery resulting from operation of the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant.
Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc at a glance
In short: Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc gave $3.1M across 11 grants in 2024 (avg $286K), mostly in Michigan. 45% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $3,143,320
- +45.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 11
- -38.9% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $285,756
- +137.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $250,000
- Total assets
- $22,779,914
- +15.1% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 45% first-time grantees (5 of 11, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Michigan (68% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc
- How to Apply
-
Apply through the online process when a relevant opportunity is available, following that program’s guidance and policies.
- Review Cycle
- The Special Projects program lists October 2, 2026, as its next deadline, with board review on November 10, 2026. The listed 2026 deadlines for Access and Habitat are earlier than October 2 and have passed. Research requests for proposals are released in the fourth quarter of even-numbered years, with proposals due in January of the following year; the next stated cycle is expected to follow that schedule.
- Deadline
- The Special Projects program lists October 2, 2026, as its next deadline, with board review on November 10, 2026.
- Contact
Mailing address: 230 North Washington Square Ste 3, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 371-7468
Website: https://glft.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
5 open opportunities from Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc
Ecological and Biological Fisheries Research to Inform Management
Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ecosystem Health and Sustainable Fish Populations Grants: Ecological and Biological Research to Inform Management
Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc
Amount
Up to US $1,300,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Great Lakes Stewardship
Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc
Amount
Up to US $100,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Michigan Department of Natural Resources ($750K). Together the top 10 received $3.1M.
Grant Size Distribution
69 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 29 grants of 69 (42%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Trust’s website describes its research as relevant to the Lake Michigan fishery, while allowing projects outside the Lake Michigan basin when results and outcomes can transfer to Lake Michigan. The Access program is described as serving the Great Lakes region, with a focus on Michigan; the Habitat program’s stated scope is the Great Lakes region. Its 2024 grant dollars went primarily to Michigan recipients (68%), with 13% listed for recipients in an unidentified state, 13% for New York, and 6% for Illinois.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 11 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc open to new grantees?
45%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 5 of 11 grantees (45%) were first-time recipients. With only 11 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 9 points. First grants averaged $277K; repeat grants $293K. How we count
Medians: $250K first-time, $238K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.5M (2021) to $3.1M (2024). In 2024 it made 11 grants totaling $3.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Department of Natural Resources Lansing, MI | Renovate snug harbor shoreline fishing site at muskegon state park | $750,000 |
| Carleton University | Characterize needs, motivation and values of fisherman and characteristics the risk, benefits and barriers faced around lake Michigan | $423,340 |
| The Research Foundation for SUNY at Brockport Brockport, NY | Project to evaluate whether thiamine deficiency could affect lake whitefish recruitment in the great lakes region | $403,982 |
| Conservation Resource Alliance Traverse City, MI | Construction of three bridges and install habitat structures on the crystal river in Leelanau county | $315,000 |
| Michigan State University Extension Alpena, MI | Teaching great lakes literacy: connecting scientists, educators, and youth through research and data explorations | $276,837 |
| Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Harbor Springs, MI | Replace Meshenahma Research Vessel | $250,000 |
| Trout Unlimited Inc Rockford, MI | Remove infrastructure of a deteriorating dam and former fish farm on the baldwin river to restore a healthy stream channel | $200,000 |
| Great Lakes St Lawrence Governors & Premiers Arlington Heights, IL | Initiative to find ways to capture potential value of commercially caught great lakes fish more fully | $183,098 |
| Central Michigan University Mt Pleasant, MI | Evaluate the source-specific production of coho salmon on the lake Michigan fishery | $172,340 |
| Bay Mills Indian Community Brimley, MI | Permanent concrete boat ramp and seasonal, removable dock with handicap-accessible kayak launch | $125,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The 2024 filing states that Public Sector Consultants provides key financial services to the Trust.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $22,779,914 | $4,216,119 | $3,966,905 | $3,143,320 | 11 | $550,251 |
| 2023 | $19,797,140 | $5,258,751 | $2,714,878 | $2,166,780 | 18 | $2,092,930 |
| 2022 | $17,622,237 | $2,056,621 | $2,662,255 | $2,150,186 | 13 | $-2,173,628 |
| 2021 | $18,327,543 | $3,568,990 | $1,904,944 | $1,476,812 | 16 | $1,151,627 |
| 2020 | $17,313,254 | $5,044,887 | $2,841,565 | $2,438,866 | 11 | $1,810,023 |
| 2019 | $14,862,186 | $6,420,931 | $2,503,540 | $2,015,770 | 20 | $1,686,859 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Trust’s stated mission is to provide funding to enhance, protect, and rehabilitate Great Lakes fishery resources and to manage its resources to compensate for lost use and enjoyment of the Lake Michigan fishery. Its four funding areas are access to the Great Lakes fishery, ecological and biological research to inform management, habitat protection and restoration, and Great Lakes stewardship.
Its programs support shore-based angling and tribal fishing access; research intended to inform fisheries management and support resilient fish communities; protection, restoration, and stabilization of fish habitats; and public understanding of Great Lakes ecology. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, charitable nongovernmental organizations, educational organizations, and governmental organizations, including tribal organizations.
Among 2024 grantees, Conservation Resource Alliance describes its mission as protecting northern Michigan’s waterways, wildlife, and forests; Huron River Watershed Council describes its work as protecting and restoring the river for healthy and vibrant communities. These are the grantees’ stated missions, not the Trust’s.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Trust reported 11 grants totaling $3,143,320. Grant amounts ranged from $43,723 to $750,000, with a median of $250,000. Its largest reported awards included $750,000 to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for shoreline fishing-site renovation at Muskegon State Park; $423,340 to Carleton University for research on Lake Michigan fishers’ needs, motivations, values, and perceived risks and barriers; and $403,982 to the Research Foundation for SUNY at Brockport to evaluate whether thiamine deficiency could affect Lake Whitefish recruitment in the Great Lakes region. Other awards included $315,000 to Conservation Resource Alliance for Crystal River bridges and habitat structures, and $276,837 to Michigan State University Extension for Great Lakes literacy education.
The Trust accepts proposals for its Research and Habitat programs annually and for Access and Stewardship in alternating years. Its website describes applications as submitted through an online grant process and encourages prospective applicants to discuss eligibility, project goals, and alignment with Trust priorities with staff. Program-specific guidance and policies set additional requirements. The Trust’s filing states that grantees must submit written progress reports at least twice yearly, accompanied by a standard financial report form, and a final report with the last disbursement request.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Dan Bock, Scott Hicks, Doug Craven, Frank Beaver, Amy Trotter, Brian Napont, and Rebecca Meunick as trustees. Scott Bowen served as chair until August 12, 2024; Randall Claramunt began as chair on August 13, 2024. Jonathon Beard is listed as trust manager.
Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc is led by Scott Bowen, Chair since 2024 (on filings since 2023); none of the 10 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Scott Bowen
Chair
Acting Chair → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Randall Claramunt
Chair
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amy Trotter
Trustee
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Doug Craven
Trustee
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Frank Beaver
Trustee
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brian Napont
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dan Bock
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Hicks
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca Meuninck
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jonathon Beard
Trust Manager
Grant Manager → Manager & Secretary, 2021
Manager & Secretary → Trust Manager, 2024
On filings since 2019
13 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (8)
- Former: Julie Metty Bennett (2019–2023) — Manager
- Former: Marc Smith (2023) — Trustee
- Former: Charles Wooley (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Dan Eichinger (2019–2022) — Acting Chair
- Former: Mike Shriberg (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Robert Reichel (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Mark Wilson (2019–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Mark Coscarelli (2019) — Manager & Secretary
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc
How much does Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc give each year?
Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc gave $3.1M across 11 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $2.2M across 18 grants.
What is Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc's typical grant size?
Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc's median grant in 2024 was $250,000, and its average grant was $285,756, across 11 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc that year got $277K on average.
Where does Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc give grants?
Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc gives mostly in Michigan: 68% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were New York (13%) and Illinois (6%).
Does Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 11 grants with a stated purpose on Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc's largest grantees?
Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Michigan Department of Natural Resources ($750,000), Carleton University ($423,340) and The Research Foundation for SUNY at Brockport ($403,982), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 50% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc?
Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc reported $22.8M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $4.2M.
What does Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc fund?
The Trust’s stated mission is to provide funding to enhance, protect, and rehabilitate Great Lakes fishery resources and to manage its resources to compensate for lost use and enjoyment of the Lake Michigan fishery. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc?
Apply through the online process when a relevant opportunity is available, following that program’s guidance and policies. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc's EIN?
Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-3331471. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS August 18, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS October 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS August 8, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 13, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Walters Family Foundation
Milford, MI
The Walters Family Foundation supports Michigan projects in environmental conservation, arts and culture, economic vitality, and innovative learning. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $150,000, with a median of $50,000; it funds preselected organizations only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$17.9M
Grants
22
Total Given
$1.2M
The Herrington-Fitch Family Foundation
Traverse City, MI
The Herrington-Fitch Family Foundation supports varied charitable work, including education, land conservation, arts and culture, environmental programs, and human services, primarily in Michigan. In 2025, grants ranged from $50 to $250,000, with a median of $1,000; it funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.7M
Grants
35
Total Given
$342K
Harry a and Margaret D Towsley
Ann Arbor, MI
The foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, health and human services, civic and community work, arts and culture, and environmental stewardship, primarily in Michigan. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $269,500, with a median of $20,000 in filings. Organizations apply through its website’s electronic form; it does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$50.8M
Grants
111
Total Given
$3.8M
Jury Foundation
Saginaw, MI
Assets
$5.5M
Grants
1
Total Given
$339K
Middle Michigan Development Corporation
Mt Pleasant, MI
Middle Michigan Development Corporation supports business retention, expansion, attraction, and community development, primarily in Clare, Isabella, and Osceola Counties, with some regional work also described in Gladwin County. Its reported 2024 grants ranged from $9,670 to $19,697, while its facade-improvement program offered eligible businesses up to $5,000 in matching funds. The profile does not state whether MMDC accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$308K
Grants
2
Total Given
$29K
The Isabella Bank Foundation
Mt Pleasant, MI
Assets
$1.2M
Grants
4
Total Given
$132K
More similar funders
More Funders in Michigan
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/great-lakes-fishery-trust-inc-morg_df2bc086cccc4a12a1711f45df86daa7
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_383331471_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/great-lakes-fishery-trust-inc-morg_df2bc086cccc4a12a1711f45df86daa7},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Great Lakes Fishery Trust Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?