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 info@vtconservation.org.
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/.
Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB)
VHCB awards grant funding that have supported conservation commissions in numerous ways, from Town Forest acquisition funds to Feasibility Fund awards, which may contribute to appraisal costs for new conservation projects, etc. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with quarterly board meetings.
Conservation Applications & Funding Programs • Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP)
LCBP awards funding for conservation, stewardship, education, and outreach activities that benefit the Lake Champlain watershed. Previous awardees have included nonprofits, regional planning commissions, municipalities and conservation commissions, all with projects focused on improving the health of Lake Champlain.
Grants & RFPs – Lake Champlain Basin Program
Fields Pond Foundation
Provides grants for land management for public access, land acquisition/conservation activities, education/outreach components, or stewardship of conserved lands. Recent awardees include small land trusts, conservation commissions, and advocacy groups. Grant awards range from $500-$25,000. Fields Pond Foundation
Clean Water Improvement Grants
These two funding sources are specifically tied to clean water improvement, often by planting buffers and conducting restoration activities in and around water resources.
Trees for Streams – Vermont Association of Conservation Districts (VACD)
Clean Water Initiative Program (CWIP) – Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)