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. These awards are available to nonprofit organizations, colleges, universities, and non-federal/non-state government agencies. Local grants are awarded for up to $50,000, depending on the category.
The LCBP also awards “Enhanced BMP” grants. These grants are similar to Local Implementation Grants, except that for-profit entities are eligible to apply. 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 Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership grants, are now identified and funded through a pre-proposal process that begins in the fall. RFPs for additional projects, including education and outreach, also are released periodically throughout the year.
The table below contains a tentative schedule of grant release and due dates.
Current LCBP RFPs
(details for each RFP can be found below)
| Local Implementation Grants | Release Date | Due Date |
| There are no Local Implementation Grants available at this time. | ||
| Program Grants | Release Date | Due Date |
| There are no Program Grants available at this time. | ||
| Other Grants | Release Date | Due Date |
| Educator Mini-grants | ongoing | ongoing |
| Professional Development Mini-grants | on going | ongoing |
Local Implementation Grants
There are no Local Implementation Grants available at this time. Please check back soon.
Program Grants
There are no Program Grants available at this time. Please check back soon.
Other Grants
Educator Mini-Grants
These mini- grants provide educators with funds to buy materials for their classroom that will aid in teaching students about Lake Champlain Watershed issues. The LCBP wants to help you build “your classroom toolkit” for teaching about watersheds. Materials requested can be for indoor or outdoor work, and should last for more than one academic year.
Qualifying recipients: Educators working within the Lake Champlain Basin may apply for Educator Mini-Grants on behalf of their school provided they meet the following criteria:
- Educators must have been a past participant in either the CBEI Watershed for Every Classroom Course (11-day course) OR have submitted student entries in CBEI World Water Day events OR be teaching about the Lake Champlain watershed 2020-2021.
- Only one grant will be awarded per school. The school must be located within the Champlain Watershed.
How the funds can be used:
- Funds can be used to purchase products which enhance student learning about watersheds and water quality in the Lake Champlain basin, including the streams and rivers that flow to the Lake, or to strengthen the educational materials in the classroom that will help students learn about watershed issues.
- Examples include, but are not limited to: resource guides for field work, boots and waders for stream work, bug collection nets, field lenses, macroinvertebrate tray sorters, binoculars, microscopes, or classroom posters relevant to water quality work.
- Please note: These funds cannot be used for food, transportation, or entrance fees.
Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through December 30, 2020, although available funds likely will be disbursed quickly; apply sooner rather than later. Awards will be announced shortly after applications, ideally within 10 business days.
Funding: Educators may be awarded a grant of up to $1,000. Applicants may apply for less than $1,000, but one application is permitted per school in this grant opportunity.
Review: Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the LCBP on a rolling basis.
Download the Educator Mini-Grants: Instructions, Application & Reimbursement Form
Watershed Association Professional Development Mini-Grants
These mini-grants provide professional development funds for the staff and volunteers of qualified watershed organizations in the Lake Champlain Basin, to cover expenses such as travel, meals, registration and accommodations at meetings, conferences, workshops and other venues designed to enhance the organizations’ capacity to operate. Qualifying Organizations: Watershed types of organization within the Lake Champlain Basin may apply for Watershed Association Professional Development Mini-grants. Up to $500/year is available per organization subject to availability of funds. Please read the attached instructions for more details about qualifying.
View a list of recently closed RFPs, or search our publications database to read the technical reports that have resulted from past projects.