The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is accepting 2027 grant applications for the Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program through Dec. 31. This date is earlier than in previous years to ensure a more efficient review and grant allocation process.
The LARE program supports projects that protect and enhance aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife while maintaining access to Indiana’s public lakes, rivers, and streams for a variety of uses. It provides technical and financial assistance to qualifying local projects that improve water quality by reducing nonpoint sediment and nutrient pollution. LARE funding comes from the annual fees paid by boat owners when registering watercraft with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Qualifying projects include aquatic invasive species management, sediment removal and planning, logjam removal, diagnostic and feasibility studies, engineering design, and construction. A full list of eligible project types and program details are available at lare.dnr.IN.gov.
Applicants are encouraged to contact LARE staff to discuss potential projects before the deadline. Guidance on program requirements and instructions for grant applications are available at on.IN.gov/lare-manual.
Applications should be completed and submitted electronically to LARE@dnr.IN.gov.
In 2026, the LARE program awarded more than $2.7 million in grants to support 69 projects across Indiana. This user-funded program allows local organizations to complete lake and stream projects that may be difficult to finance on their own. All grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and local sponsors share at least 20% of the cost.
To view more DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.