LCBP Requests for proposals

Since 1992, the LCBP has awarded more than 1,000 grants to local organizations to support a variety of pollution prevention, habitat restoration, and other projects that improve the quality of Lake Champlain. In that same time, the LCBP and its partner organizations also have funded numerous projects conducted by universities, consultants, research foundations, nonprofit organizations, and others. These projects include scientific research, best management demonstration projects, education and outreach efforts, and other initiatives that are key to implementing Opportunities for Action.

The LCBP currently funds most projects through two general grant categories: Local Implementation Grants and Program Grants.

Local Implementation Grants

Requests for Proposals for Local Implementation Grants are usually released in early fall, with a deadline in late fall and awards announced in early winter. Local grants are awarded in one of several categories: Pollution Prevention and Habitat Conservation, Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention, Education and Outreach, and Organizational Support. The Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership awards local grants through a Request for Pre-proposals process. CVNHP local grants are awarded in the following categories: Local Heritage, Interpretive Theme, Collections, and Internships. Grants for special programs are sometimes awarded as appropriate. Local grants are awarded for up to $50,000, depending on the category.

The LCBP also awards “Enhanced BMP” grants. Like Local Implementation Grants, these awards are available only to non-profit organizations. An RFP for these grants is usually released in late summer. These grants, which support larger-scale projects that reduce water pollution from stormwater runoff, are available in two categories: best management plan construction and project planning and prioritization. Enhanced BMP Grants are awarded for up to $125,000.

Program Grants

Each year, the LCBP funds a number of projects that improve knowledge of the Lake Champlain Basin and inform management of its natural and cultural resources. These projects help to achieve the goals of Opportunities for Action and provide critical information to other research and management partners who are working to improve the health of the lake. The bulk of scientific research and implementation projects, as well as Heritage Program grants, are now identified and funded through a pre-proposal process that begins in the fall. RFPs for additional projects, including education and outreach, are released periodically throughout the year.

The table below contains a tentative schedule of grant release and due dates.

LCBP/CVNHP RFPs

(details for each RFP can be found below)

Local Implementation Grants

The Lake Champlain Basin Program, in cooperation with the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, is pleased to announce the 2019 Local Implementation Grant programs, including the following groups of grants:

Large Education and Outreach Grants

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Education and Outreach Large Grants. The Lake Champlain Basin Program seeks education and outreach proposals for projects that inform students or adults about key Lake Champlain Basin issues identified in the management plan Opportunities for Action. By developing awareness and knowledge about Basin issues, more informed decisions and constructive actions will benefit Lake Champlain. Hands-on stewardship activities for citizens are strongly encouraged. The Program anticipates awarding more than 25 grants totaling more than $300,000 to local organizations, municipalities, and educational institutions. In addition, local watershed groups may apply for $500 mini grants for professional development purposes.

• Education and Outreach Large Grant Awards (up to $50,000 per award)

Download the Request for Proposals

Guidelines

DEADLINE NOTICE:

Proposals must be submitted no later than January 9, 2020.

Small Education and Outreach Grants

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Education and Outreach Small Grants. The Lake Champlain Basin Program seeks education and outreach proposals for projects that inform students or adults about key Lake Champlain Basin issues identified in the management plan Opportunities for Action. By developing awareness and knowledge about Basin issues, more informed decisions and constructive actions will benefit Lake Champlain. Hands-on stewardship activities for citizens are strongly encouraged. The Program anticipates awarding more than 25 grants totaling more than $300,000 to local organizations, municipalities, and educational institutions. In addition, local watershed groups may apply for $500 mini grants for professional development purposes.

• Education and Outreach Small grant Awards (up to $10,000 per award)

Download the Request for Proposals

Guidelines

DEADLINE NOTICE:

Proposals must be submitted no later than January 9, 2020.

Organizational Support Grants

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Organizational Support Grants. Organizational capacity grants are designed to strengthen watershed groups during their development or to assist established watershed organizations in strengthening their organizational capacity.

• Organizational Support Grants Awards (up to $4,000 per award)

Download the Request for Proposals

Guidelines

DEADLINE NOTICE:

Proposals must be submitted no later than January 9, 2020.

Program Grants

Call to Artists – Request for Proposals:

Floating Art Sail

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) invites eligible artists to design a boat sail which will be incorporated into the fleet at the Community Sailing Center located in Burlington, VT in 2020. Artwork will be related to aquatic invasive species to help draw the public’s attention to preventing the spread of invasive species.

Download the the Call to Artists RFP

View a list of recently closed RFPs, or search our publications database to read the technical reports that have resulted from past projects.