The Great Lakes Foundation is dedicated to preserving the richness of wilderness cruising areas in the Great Lakes and fostering the art, culture, and science of cruising. It aims to promote marine safety through education, including publications and seminars; protect and preserve wilderness areas; enhance the appreciation of the Great Lakes through providing information to members and the public; encourage the study and preservation of the marine environment; and offer encouragement, information, and financial assistance to individuals and organizations furthering the Foundation's purposes.
The grant program by the Great Lakes Foundation supports a wide range of projects aimed at preserving the Great Lakes wilderness areas and promoting the culture and science of cruising. These projects include breakwater construction, dredging, and university-level research. The Foundation, since its inception in 1993, has awarded over $318,212 in grants that align with its grant policy, which supports charitable, educational, or scientific purposes. Through these efforts, the Foundation seeks to enhance marine safety, protect wilderness areas, and foster an appreciation and understanding of the Great Lakes' marine environment among its members and the general public.