​​​​​​The Great Lakes Basin Conservancy was formed in 1997 by a group of people who spend their vacations on the shores and islands of the Great Lakes. They were concerned about land preservation and the quality of the water and environment around them. 

The GLBC is a 501(c)(3) organization and utilizes a grant making process to facilitate financial support of other organizations whose activities are consistent with its charitable purposes. 

Some of the organizations supported by the GLBC are The Georgian Bay Land Trust, Georgian Bay Forever, and Georgian Bay Biosphere.