Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in partnership with NEIWPCC, seeks proposals for projects that conserve land for clean water and healthy ecosystems in the Lake Champlain Basin.
The intent of this opportunity is to support the acquisition of land or conservation easements. Priority will be given to projects that protect or improve water quality, enhance aquatic, riparian, or shoreline habitat for native species, or provide flood resiliency.
“Protecting land within the Lake Champlain Basin is one of the most effective long-term strategies we have for improving water quality and enhancing habitat,” said Dr. Eric Howe, Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. “This funding opportunity allows us to support partners in permanently conserving vital landscapes that contribute directly to a healthier lake and more resilient communities.”
Up to $4,000,000 is available to support awarded projects. Each applicant may request a minimum of $100,000 up to a maximum of $4,000,000 for an individual proposal. Multiple proposals will be accepted from a single organization. Eligible organizations are entities authorized by the corresponding State law (New York or Vermont) to hold conservation easements or property titles within these jurisdictions. These entities may include land trusts, not-for-profit organizations, or non-federal/non-state government entities.
The awarded grants will support projects that advance the goals of the long-term Lake Champlain management plan Opportunities for Action (plan.lcbp.org). This grant opportunity is supported by funds awarded to Lake Champlain by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Proposals are due at 5:00 PM EST on November 12, 2025. An informational webinar will be offered on Monday, August 11 at 10:00AM (register for this Zoom webinar at this link). Awarded projects are targeted to begin work in April 2026 and must be completed by June 2027. More information, including grant guidelines and applications, is available on the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s website at lcbp.org/grants.
The Lake Champlain Basin Program coordinates and funds efforts that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources. The program works in partnership with federal agencies, state and provincial agencies from New York, Vermont, and Québec, local communities, businesses, and citizen groups. NEIWPCC—a regional commission that helps the states of the Northeast preserve and advance water quality—serves as the primary program administrator of LCBP at the request of the Lake Champlain Steering Committee and administers the program’s personnel, finances, and contracts. NEIWPCC is a program partner of LCBP. For further information, contact the Lake Champlain Basin Program, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT at (802) 372-3213 / (800) 468-5227 or visit https://www.lcbp.org/.
