The Peru Gazette

Peru Gazette File Photo

Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in partnership with NEIWPCC, seeks to fund projects that improve public understanding of and engagement with watershed issues in the Lake Champlain Basin.

This opportunity is intended to support efforts that increase awareness of challenges facing the Basin’s water quality and ecosystems, and that foster informed decision-making and stewardship.

Grants are available in two categories:

• Small Education and Outreach Projects: Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded, with a total of approximately $180,000 in available funding. One proposal may be submitted per eligible organization.
• Large Education and Outreach Projects: Grants between $15,000 – $50,000 will be awarded, with a total of approximately $400,000 in available funding. Up to two proposals may be submitted per eligible organization.

“Public understanding and engagement are critical to the work of managing and restoring our watershed” said Dr. Eric Howe, NEIWPCC Program Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. “Awarded projects will build on past and current projects and programs that collectively help to build an informed and involved public.”

The awarded projects will advance the goals of the long-term Lake Champlain management plan Opportunities for Action (plan.lcbp.org). This grant opportunity is supported by funds awarded to Lake Champlain by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and in partnership with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Proposals for small projects are due at 5:00 PM EST on December 15, 2025, and projects are targeted to begin work in June 2026. Proposals for large projects are due at 5:00 PM EST on January 5, 2026 and are targeted to begin work in January 2027. An informational webinar will be offered on November 19, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. (register for the Zoom meeting here).

For further information, contact the Lake Champlain Basin Program, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT at (802) 372-3213 / (800) 468-5227 or visitwww.lcbp.org.