Local Conservation Grant Program
Local Conservation Grant Program supports Vermont communities by funding land conservation and historic property restoration to protect locally significant places for lasting public benefit.
Funder: Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
Due Dates: Consult the Board meeting calendar for application deadlines
Funding Amounts: Recreational lands and natural areas: up to $150,000 plus associated costs | Locally important farmland: up to $215,000 | Historic properties: generally up to $100,000 plus associated costs
Summary: Supports conservation of locally significant Vermont lands and historic properties for lasting public benefit.
Key Information: Applicants must provide one-third of total project costs from other sources and demonstrate municipal support.
Description
The Local Conservation Grant Program, administered by the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB), supports places of great significance to individual Vermont communities that may not be competitive with statewide conservation projects. Eligible projects include agricultural and recreational land, town parks and forests, swimming holes, greenways, natural areas, and historic buildings for public use.
The program funds land acquisition and conservation, as well as conservation and restoration of historic properties. It can also support associated project costs, including appraisals, options, and closing costs. Projects must secure lasting benefits to Vermonters through deed restrictions or other appropriate mechanisms that ensure the public investment has a long-term effect.
