Vermont · State Grant

Vermont Watershed Grant Program

Funding

Up to $5,000 (education); up to $10,000 (implementation)

Grade Focus

K-12 and community

Application Due

Feb 4, 2026 (closed — next cycle TBD)

Level of Gov't

State — Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC)

Eligibility

Vermont K-12 schools, nonprofits, and community organizations running watershed education or environmental improvement programs. Two tracks: education grants (up to $5K) and implementation grants (up to $10K).

Program Goals

The Vermont Watershed Grant funds programs that protect and improve Vermont's watersheds through education and hands-on environmental work. Environmental monitoring, water quality data collection, and student stewardship programs are core fits.

Read the Grant

Application and Distribution

Applications submitted through VT DEC. The February 4, 2026 cycle is closed. Monitor dec.vermont.gov/watershed/grants for the next cycle announcement, typically released in fall or winter.

Cycle Notes

Annual competitive cycle. The February 2026 deadline has passed. Monitor dec.vermont.gov for the next cycle, typically announced in fall.

Grant Award Amount

Two award tracks: education grants up to $5,000 and implementation grants up to $10,000. Implementation grants require a concrete environmental improvement component.

Allowable Purchases

Forward Education Products for This Grant

These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.

Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
Smart Solar Energy Kit — build and program a working solar panel to measure real-time power generation and explore renewable energy
Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two grant tracks?

An education track (up to $5,000) for programs that educate about watersheds, and an implementation track (up to $10,000) for projects that actively improve watershed health.

When is the next cycle?

The February 2026 cycle is closed. Monitor dec.vermont.gov/watershed/grants for the next announcement.

Which Vermont watersheds are eligible?

Programs anywhere in Vermont connected to a watershed are eligible. Lake Champlain and Connecticut River watershed programs are common.

Can a school garden or monitoring project qualify?

Yes — school-based environmental monitoring, water quality data collection, and outdoor science connected to watershed health are all eligible.

How can Forward Education help?

Our Climate Action Kit uses micro:bit sensors for real environmental data collection — a direct fit for watershed monitoring and education grant requirements.

Grant Support