Best Grants for Environmental Conservation in Vermont

Vermont nonprofits working in environmental conservation, education, health, human services, arts, or animal-related programs can seek US $5,000 - US $20,000 to serve underserved populations. Focused on community needs, the Lucy Downing Nisbet Charitable Fund gives special consideration to healthcare, domestic violence, heart disease, endangered species, and Morrisville-based organizations.

Organizations in Vermont and New York that can grow or sell native trees and shrubs for habitat conservation projects can apply for up to US $500,000 to expand nursery capacity and workforce. Lake Champlain Basin Program supports infrastructure and workforce investments that increase native plant supply and lower costs for local nonprofits in the Lake Champlain Basin.

Community-based grassroots groups in Vermont working on local environmental or sustainability projects can apply for the New England Grassroots Environment Fund’s Grow Grants, which award US $1,000 - US $4,000 to deepen existing efforts. Volunteer-driven groups or those with small budgets and up to two staff are especially prioritized.

Small, volunteer-led environmental groups in Vermont can receive US $500 - US $1,000 to launch or significantly shift local grassroots projects through the Seed Grant program. New England Grassroots Environment Fund prioritizes early-stage, community-based efforts in environmental conservation and related sustainability work; applicants only need a group bank account, not formal nonprofit status.

Conservation and community 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Vermont can access funding for fee and easement land acquisition through the Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program. Grants from The Nature Conservancy offer up to US $100,000 for projects within the Appalachians that protect resilient, connected lands and deliver meaningful community benefits.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Vermont working in elderly care, environmental protection, historic and community preservation, or education can apply for the Marianne G. Faulkner Charitable Trust’s competitive funding; awards are up to US $400,000. Organizations focused on environmental conservation in Vermont may be especially interested in this opportunity.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental conservation, children and youth services, or economic opportunity can apply for Canaday Family Charitable Trust project and capital funding, with awards from US $20,000 - US $270,000. Grants from Canaday Family Charitable Trust help Vermont environmental conservation efforts, especially innovative, Vermont-grown initiatives with clear, measurable impact and strong community involvement.

Vermont environmental conservation groups can access funding through the Open Space Institute to support capital land protection projects that conserve biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and retain forest carbon. Eligible projects must fall within the Appalachian Landscapes Project service area and demonstrate strong benefits for local communities and landscape connectivity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation and related causes in Vermont can seek funding for programs in environment, animals, health, education, human services, arts, and more. David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund supports a wide range of charitable initiatives across New England and New York, with historical preference for Connecticut organizations.

Vermont environmental conservation organizations implementing native riparian woody buffer plantings in Vermont can access funding through Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Riparian Buffer Block Grant. Support focuses on cost-effective, high-priority forested buffers along rivers and streams using native vegetation, with minimum widths of 35 feet and planting densities of at least 300 stems per acre.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Vermont can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service EQIP support to implement conservation practices on working lands. Funding and technical assistance help improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and other environmental conservation priorities on eligible farms, ranches, and forests.

Municipalities in Vermont planning combined sewer overflow (CSO) or sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) abatement projects can access funding through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. This ARPA-supported program helps communities advance CSO and SSO elimination projects on the state’s Priority Project List, with a focus on disadvantaged CSO communities and environmental conservation outcomes.

About VHCB

Our Mission: VHCB invests in the construction of affordable housing and conservation strategies that work together to ensure equity, resilience, and vitality for Vermont communities in perpetuity.

Project Feasibility Fund

The Board provides feasibility awards to assist with pre-development costs and feasibility analysis for individual projects. Feasibility funds typically cover the costs of appraisals, energy assessments, marketing studies, options, engineering and environmental studies, or other pre-development costs.

The purpose of this fund is to provide applicants with a source of funding to cover predevelopment project costs as described below in order to answer the question “is the project feasible?”. Evaluation of feasibility fund requests is done by VHCB staff.

Amount of Award

Conservation applicants may request up to $10,000 as a grant for a single project to cover feasibility related expenses. Housing applicants may request up to $20,000 as a grant for a single project to cover feasibility related expenses and up to $25,000 for scattered site projects containing more than two separate sites. Funds can only be used to compensate contracted services and shall not be used to compensate applicants for staff time.

About VHCB

Our Mission

VHCB invests in the construction of affordable housing and conservation strategies that work together to ensure equity, resilience, and vitality for Vermont communities in perpetuity.

Water Quality Grants

The Farm & Forest Viability Program provides competitive, reimbursement-based grants of up to $50,000 to help Vermont farm businesses in water quality capital improvements. This program is funded by the State of Vermont Clean Water Budget, and there is approximately $750,000 in available funds in FY26.

Overview & Eligibility

Any Vermont farm with a gross farm income of $15,000 or more that is required to comply with Vermont’s Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs) is eligible for this award. We will consider applications from non-farm entities playing an integral role in water quality management on farms, such as custom operators or non-profits. Please contact staff to ensure your entity is eligible prior to applying.

Publicly supported charities and government units in Vermont seeking funding for direct land conservation projects can apply for the William P. Wharton Trust Grant, with awards up to US $15,000. Focused on environmental conservation, the Trust supports land or easement acquisitions and related direct costs, especially projects that leverage matching funds and protect natural resources.

Vermont land trusts and conservation partners working on environmental conservation in Vermont can receive support for transaction and stewardship costs tied to donated conservation easements. Vermont Housing and Conservation Board provides Vermont conservation groups with funding up to US $32,500 or 50% of eligible costs for surveys, legal fees, baseline documentation, and stewardship endowments.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, or health in Vermont and other Cox service areas can apply for James M Cox Foundation support for capital projects or special initiatives. Eligible organizations may strengthen environmental conservation efforts through building, renovation, equipment, program expansion, or capacity-building projects.

The Waterman Fund Grant aims to preserve the ecological, cultural, and recreational values of the alpine regions in Northeastern North America. It supports projects such as trail rehabilitation, alpine education, and research to enhance stewardship of these areas. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government agencies, with a requirement for matching funds. The Fund also encourages long-term sponsorships for impactful educational and conservation initiatives, particularly in alpine ecosystems.

The Davis Conservation Foundation offers grants to support environmental protection, wildlife conservation, and outdoor recreation initiatives. They prioritize projects in Northern New England, particularly in the Gulf of Maine and the Northern Forest. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities. The Foundation encourages community involvement and volunteerism, while avoiding funding for individuals, multiple-year gifts, or projects previously declined within a specified timeframe.

Vermont environmental and conservation nonprofits with budgets under $3 million can seek funding for capital projects or special initiatives that benefit local communities. Vermont environmental groups can access funding through Dealer.com by Cox Automotive for efforts such as conservation, local sustainability, food security, youth development, and early childhood education, especially projects that engage employees and show clear, measurable outcomes.

Vermont agricultural and forest producers seeking to enhance environmental conservation on working lands can receive technical and financial assistance to improve soil, water, wildlife habitat, and overall stewardship. Focused on conservation practices and long-term CSP contracts, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Vermont helps eligible operations strengthen resource management and resilience while maintaining or expanding existing conservation efforts.

Environmental conservation nonprofits and community organizations in Vermont near TC Energy operations can seek US $2,500 - US $25,000 for safety, education, environment, and resilient communities projects. Grants from TC Energy Foundation help groups that address community needs, promote equity, and can demonstrate measurable environmental and social impact.

Nonprofit organizations serving Stamford, VT and nearby Massachusetts towns can apply for Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Hardman Fund for projects in arts, culture, historic preservation, health, human services, education, and the environment. Programs addressing basic or emergency needs, poverty, or vital services for vulnerable residents may be especially competitive.

With a mission to protect land and water resources, eligible land trusts, nonprofits, and local entities in Vermont and New York can secure US $100,000 - US $4,000,000 for land or conservation easement acquisition. The Lake Champlain Basin Program prioritizes projects that improve water quality, habitat, and flood resiliency in the Lake Champlain Basin.

The Brower Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership honors young leaders aged 13 to 22 in North America who excel in environmental initiatives. Awardees receive a $3,000 cash prize, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact. This prestigious program fosters youth leadership and amplifies diverse voices within the environmental movement, encouraging innovative solutions to pressing ecological challenges. Over the past 25 years, the awards have celebrated over 100 emerging leaders dedicated to making a difference in their communities.

The John Goddard Prize offers microgrants to empower youth-led environmental initiatives across the nation. This competitive cash prize supports ambitious young leaders seeking funding for innovative projects that promote environmental sustainability. Applications are welcomed from young people dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet. By fostering creativity and action, the prize aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Overview

GEAR is a small grant offered by East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF). This grant is intended to be a catalyst for growth and development of conservation-based organizations by supporting operational costs essential for in-situ fieldwork. GEAR addresses the financial challenges organizations face when their needs fall outside large-scale project-based funding.

We aim to respond to applicants within 4 weeks of receiving the application. Funding requests up to $1,000 are anticipated, though larger requests may be considered or partially funded. Recipients must use the funds within 12 months and submit a brief report by the end of that period.

Proposals should fall within one of the three categories defined below:

• Field equipment: supplies required to monitor, survey, and assess species and habitats including, but not limited to, technology, software, tools, clothing, PPE and transport.
• Outreach: supplies needed for public engagement through schools, awareness campaigns, and activities including, but not limited to, pamphlets, books, stickers, digital content creation and signage.
• Professional development: training needed for organizational growth and greater capacity. Opportunities may include, but are not limited to, symposiums, workshops, conferences and training. Additional associated costs such as travel and housing can be included and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.