This page is a work-in-progress, so thank you for your patience as we build it out. If you know of any funding opportunities for CCs that should be listed here, please don’t hesitate to email us at vtconservation@gmail.com.
Tiny Grants
The goal of AVCC’s Tiny Grants program is to provide seed money and/or matching funds for specific projects in the broad categories of land conservation, education and outreach, stewardship and management, and planning. The grant cycle usually begins in January, with applications due in April and awards announced in May. Learn more at https://vtconservation.com/tiny-grants/
Community Tree Fund
The Community Tree Fund is a collaborative effort between the Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) and the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program (VT UCF) dedicated to supporting Vermont’s communities by addressing the need for more flexible funding for small-scale tree planting projects (typically 1-10 trees depending on type of tree stock)
Projects may address a specific need, such as increasing shade, improving air quality, beautifying spaces, or fostering community engagement. Preference will be given to projects planted on public land, but projects on private land are allowed if there is a demonstrated public benefit.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with two seasonal deadlines:
April 18, 2025 (Spring) and September 12, 2025 (Fall)
Find out more and apply here: https://vtcommunityforestry.org/municipal-assistance/financial-assistance/community-tree-fund
Recreational Trails Program
The Recreational Trails Program, federally funded on an annual basis through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administered by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, provides annual funding to Vermont communities for the development and restoration of public recreational trails.
All projects funded should help achieve the program’s goal of developing and maintaining trails in proximity to all who live in and visit Vermont. Furthermore, all projects are required to help achieve the goals, objectives, and priorities found in Vermont’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).
Eligible applicants include municipalities, non-profit organizations, and other governmental entities, with grant amounts ranging from $7,500 (recommended minimum) to $50,000. Applicants must commit to match up to 20% of the total estimated project cost.
The 2025 grant round is now closed. Pre-applications for 2026 will likely be due in November/December.
For more information, visit https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreational-trails-program or email anr.fprrecreationgrants@vermont.gov.
Small Grants for Smart Growth
Small Grants for Smart Growth, launched by Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) in 2018, provides seed money for catalyzing community-based initiatives related to smart growth. Where and how we develop affects our quality of life, how we get around, our natural resources, and how inclusive and affordable our communities are. Smart growth is an approach to land development that can make our communities more livable in all of these areas, by investing in our unique villages and downtowns and fighting sprawl, which makes Vermont feel less like Vermont.
Eligible applicants include local or multi-town entities, such as a municipality, municipal commission or committee; non-profit organizations; or citizen groups that are either working with a non-profit or seeking 501(c)(3) status. Applicants must be within the State of Vermont.
Grants are available in the range of $500 to $2,500 per project. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
For more information on eligibility and to read about projects funded by the program, visit https://vnrc.org/small-grants-for-smart-growth/.