Vermonters have an opportunity to protect and restore watersheds through the Vermont Watershed Grants program. Half of the proceeds derived from the sale of the Vermont Conservation License Plate go towards funding the Vermont Watershed Grants program.  The program in turn then distributes grants for local and regional water-related projects in Vermont.

Grant funds are available for water-related projects that:

Protect or restore fish and wildlife habitats;

Protect or restore water quality, and shorelines;

 

Reduce phosphorus loading and/or sedimentation as part of Clean & Clear objectives;

Enhance recreational use and enjoyment;

Identify and protect historic and cultural resources;

Educate people about watershed resources; or

Monitor fish and wildlife populations and/or water quality.

Who May Apply

Municipalities, local or regional governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and citizen groups are eligible to receive Watershed Grants for work on public or private lands. Individuals and state and federal agencies are not eligible to receive funds directly, but may be partners of a project.

• 1998-2006 List of Funded Watershed Grant Projects (pdf, 250 KB).

Funding Categories

Watershed Grant:  Awards made up to $6,000, the maximum grant amount. Grants are intended for complete projects or for discreet, identifiable portions of larger projects.

Application Information

Grant awards are made on an annual cycle, with applications due in the fall of the year and funding decisions made the following mid-winter. The 2009 Project Year grant applications are now available.  The application deadline is Friday, November 14, 2008.   Persons interested in applying should consult and use the 2009 program year forms shown below.

• Vermont Watershed Grants Application Guide (2009 project year) (pdf, 198 KB)
• Watershed Grant Application (2009 project year) (pdf, 95 KB)
• Watershed Grant Application - Word Version (2009 project year) (doc, 57 KB)
• Vermont Watershed Grants Administration Guide (2009 project year) (pdf, 179 KB)
• Sample & example grant agreement (for applicants selected to be awarded grant funds) (pdf, 36 KB)

A copy of the Grant Application Guide, the Administrative Guide or the Grant Application may also be requested by contacting the Water Qualty Division.

Updated: October 2008