The Daybreak Fund has launched its 2026 Request for Proposals (RFP), offering at least $1.3 million to nonprofits, tribes, and tribal organizations advancing climate resilience, water protection, and environmental equity in the Lake Michigan Basin in Wisconsin and Lake County, Illinois.
Established in 2023, the Daybreak Fund is a collaboration of nine philanthropic partners united in supporting nature-based solutions to climate change that protect the environment while uplifting communities. Since 2023, the Fund has awarded nearly $5 million to projects showcasing innovative approaches that combine environmental action with meaningful community impact.
“Over the past three years, we’ve seen an incredible range of nature-based strategies emerge—from regenerative agriculture and agroforestry to green stormwater infrastructure and the integration of Indigenous ecological knowledge,” said Amber Meyer Smith, Program Officer for the Daybreak Fund. “As we enter our fourth grant cycle, we’re looking for projects that not only demonstrate innovation and technical excellence, but also deepen community engagement and advance the leadership of those most affected by climate and water challenges.”
The Daybreak Fund remains committed to supporting collaborative initiatives that center equity, build local capacity, and create pathways for systems change. “The most transformative projects we’ve funded bring together diverse partners who might not otherwise work together,” said Vicki Elkin, Executive Director of the Fund for Lake Michigan, a core Daybreak partner. “We’re eager to continue investing in partnerships that amplify community voices, especially those from frontline and historically overburdened communities, while delivering tangible environmental outcomes.”
The 2026 RFP includes a mandatory pre-application, due April 10, followed by invitations for select applicants to submit full proposals. Grant awards will be announced in August. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations. Governmental entities and educational institutions will be considered by invitation only. Collaborative projects that integrate social equity, sustainability, and measurable impact are strongly encouraged.
The Daybreak Fund is a fiscally sponsored project of the Windward Fund. For more details, please visit https://www.daybreak.fund.