The Foundation has distributed more than $150,000 in grants since 1993 to activities that meet the Foundation's Grant Policy.
These grants are among those previously made by the Great Lakes Foundation:
- Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates "The Thomas Hume Returns Home" project in collaboration with the Lakeshore Museum Center in Muskegon, Michigan for an exhibit, a documentary film and a public program.
- Toronto Brigantine Inc. for life raft maintenance and Officer training in 2010.
- Maritime Fund of St. Clair County. Matching funds raised at 2008 Dedication & Lake Huron Rally in Port Huron, MI.
- Paul Frederick Memorial Fellowship (for grants to the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee), the Center for Great Lakes Study and the Great Lakes Water Institute, all for research, education and outreach for understanding the Great Lakes and waterways in the Great Lakes Basin.
- Sandusky (Ohio) Area Maritime Association, to assist the purchasing of real estate for a maritime museum.
- Manitoulin Health Center in Little Current, Ont.
- Chicago Maritime Society.
- Little Current Maritime Museum.
- Courage Center, Duluth, Minn., for its adaptive sailing program.
- A Flagpole for Gore Bay, Ont.
Future projects:
- Developing relationships with other foundation associations and corporations which make grants for charitable purposes consistent with the purposes and objectives of the Great Lakes Foundation.
- Develop grant-making and establish priorities for future grants.