The Southeastern Rivers and Streams Support Fund of the World Wildlife Fund, a global conservation organization, builds the capacity of freshwater conservation organizations in the southeastern U.S. by providing small grants and related technical assistance. This grant increase, and associated grant period extension, will enable the World Wildlife Fund to continue to provide such small grants while also working to recruit new donors to underwrite the small grants program.

Climate change is beginning to impact the Great Lakes ecosystem, yet it is a challenge to develop conservation strategies that address climate change because of the uncertainty surrounding site-specific impacts and the lack of detailed information on species and systems that are most vulnerable to harm. The Nature Conservancy, an international conservation organization, works in the Great Lakes states and with partners in Ontario to develop and implement sound conservation strategies to protect and restore the Great Lakes. With support from Mott, the conservancy will produce climate action plans for three key Great Lakes aquatic systems that will serve as models for "climate ready" conservation action plans throughout the Great Lakes basin.

The passage of the Great Lakes Compact in 2008 created historic opportunities for Great Lakes states to enact sustainable water conservation and management programs. Wisconsin is in an important position to significantly influence Great Lakes water policy as it develops standards for the withdrawal, use, and protection of its surface waters and groundwater. The Midwest Environmental Advocates promotes sound management practices that will ensure lasting protections of the region's waters. With a two-year renewal from Mott, the organization will work with state and regional leaders to establish state-level programs that implement the compact, protect groundwater resources, and promote water conservation.