Lake Champlain Basin Program Offers $2.8 Million in Grants for Clean Water, Aquatic Organism Passage, and Public Access Improvement

Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), a NEIWPCC program partner, is making approximately $2.8 million available to support projects that improve water quality, reconnect streams for fish and wildlife, and expand public access to waterways within the basin. 

Grant Program	Funding Available	Award Amount
Clean Water – Small Implementation Grants	~$865,000	Up to $50,000
Clean Water – Large Implementation Grants		$50,001 to $200,000
Clean Water – Planning Grants		Up to $100,000
Aquatic Organism Passage Restoration	~$1.5 million	Up to $400,000
Public Waterfront Access Improvement	~$420,000	Up to $100,000

 
The intent of the clean water grant program is to improve water quality through the planning or implementation of projects that will reduce pollution in Lake Champlain and its tributaries.  

Aquatic organism passage restoration projects will restore stream connectivity, adding high-quality habitat for aquatic species and enhancing the ecosystem function of river systems in the basin. 

Projects supported through the public waterfront access improvement grant category will enhance the enjoyment and understanding of the Lake Champlain basin by measurably improving the public’s ability to access waterfront areas. 

“These grant opportunities reflect the many ways people work to improve the Lake Champlain basin,” said Interim NEIWPCC Division Director of Lake Champlain Programs Jim Brangan. “Whether advancing water quality, restoring streams for fish and wildlife, or creating improved access to the water, each program invests in a healthier watershed and stronger communities.” 

Awarded projects in all categories will advance the goals of the long-term Lake Champlain management plan Opportunities for Action (plan.lcbp.org).  

These grant opportunities are supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through awards to NEIWPCC on behalf of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Funding for Aquatic Organism Passage Restoration is provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

Informational webinars will be offered in mid-August. Proposals for all categories are due on September 29, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. and applicants will be notified of funding decisions in winter 2026. 

Additional funding opportunities are forthcoming and will be announced once available. 

More information, including webinar registration, grant guidelines, and applications, is available on the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s website at lcbp.org/grants.   

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The Patrick Leahy 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, quality management 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/.