The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (“LCBP”), in coordination with the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (“NEIWPCC”), is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for projects that will support increased organizational capacity and long-term effectiveness of watershed organizations working to implement elements of Opportunities for Action: An Evolving Plan for the Future of the Lake Champlain Basin.
Donor Name: Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program
State: Vermont and New York
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 01/05/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The intent of this funding opportunity is to assist watershed organizations with the early stages of their development or to assist established watershed organizations in strengthening their organizational capacity. The goal is to increase an organization’s capacity to achieve their mission, not to develop new programming or education and outreach efforts (this work can be requested in other LCBP grant competitions). All organizations seeking grants in this category must have an organizational mission statement focused on achieving water quality improvements in the Lake Champlain watershed.
This grant opportunity is supported by funds awarded to NEIWPCC by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of the Lake Champlain Basin Program, and in partnership with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. Proposals should offer a scope that supports work in the U.S. or Québec portion of the Lake Champlain Basin.
Activities supported by this funding opportunity might include:
- Purchasing software for improved database or financial management (such as GIS or bookkeeping and accounting software)
- Purchasing office supplies, such as computers and printers
- Strategic planning or other types of board development (excluding fundraising or engaging in development planning)
- Training of staff, Board, or volunteers for:
- Volunteer recruitment or management
- Grant writing
- Membership recruitment and retention
Funding Information
Approximately $250,000 in funding is available to support awarded projects. Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded.
Appropriate Uses of funds
LCBP grant funds cannot be used to produce for-profit products or to cover costs associated with regulatory compliance or direct fundraising efforts. Funds awarded from this RFP may not be used for:
- land purchases
- endowment funds,
- remediation of hazardous waste sites,
- marketing,
- fundraising,
- lobbying, or legislative advocacy of any kind,
- the purchase of food or beverages
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible organizations must be situated and work within the Lake Champlain basin, and include:
- Nonprofit organizations with mission statements addressing water quality or aquatic ecosystem health concerns related Lake Champlain or waterways within the Lake Champlain basin.
- NY Soil and Water and VT Natural Resource Conservation Districts operating within the Lake Champlain basin.
For more information, visit LCBP.
