Watershed Association Professional Development Mini-grants
The Watershed Association Professional Development Mini-grants from the Lake Champlain Basin Program fund land or easement acquisitions to protect water quality and ecosystems in the Lake Champlain Basin.
Funder: Lake Champlain Basin Program
Due Dates: December 9, 2026 (Full proposal)
Funding Amounts: $100,000–$3,000,000 per proposal; ~$3.4 million total available; no match required
Summary: Supports acquisition of land or conservation easements in the U.S. Lake Champlain Basin to advance clean water and healthy ecosystem goals.
Key Information: Only land trusts, not-for-profits, or government entities legally authorized to hold conservation interests in NY or VT are eligible.
Description
This opportunity funds the acquisition of land or conservation easements within the U.S. portion of the Lake Champlain Basin, with the primary purpose of advancing clean water and healthy ecosystem goals as outlined in the Lake Champlain Basin Program's Opportunities for Action plan. Projects must result in permanent conservation, prioritizing water quality protection, habitat enhancement, or flood resiliency. Secondary benefits such as public recreation access are considered co-benefits but not required. Eligible costs include purchase price, legal and closing costs, surveys, stewardship planning, and related staffing. All activities and benefits must occur within the U.S. portion of the Lake Champlain Basin.
