The Deerfield River Enhancement Fund supports watershed conservation, development of low impact recreational and educational facilities, and planning, design, maintenance and monitoring of such facilities in the Deerfield River Watershed. Projects must provide clear public benefits and contribute to the goals of enhancing low impact recreational, environmental education, or environmental protection opportunities directly related to the Deerfield River Watershed. Funds may be used for outdoor educational programs, including curriculum development and travel for students, interpretive materials and signs.

Projects must be located within the Deerfield River Basin or in towns with some portion falling within the basin. In the latter case, projects must be directly tied to the basin, e.g. a trail spur originating outside the basin that connects with a trail network within the basin.

Eligible grant recipients include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and units of local and regional government within Vermont and Massachusetts. Projects must be located within the Deerfield River Basin or in towns with some portion falling within the basin. In the latter case, projects must be directly tied to the basin, e.g. a trail spur originating outside the basin that connects with a trail network within the basin.

All applicants to programs at the Vermont Community Foundation must meet the guidelines outlined in the General Applicant Guidelines and Requirements found on our For Nonprofits page.

The Vermont Community Foundation anticipates awarding approximately $60,000 through this grant round.

Applications for any amount up to $60,000 are encouraged. The advisory committee may choose to award one large-scale project or multiple smaller projects.

The final award amount is subject to change, and grant staff will contact applicants if budget adjustments are necessary prior to award.

Deerfield River Enhancement Fund grants can be used as matching funds for other grant awards.  While matching funds are not required, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate at least a 50% match in their proposals whenever possible.

Although not a requirement, the advisory committee strongly encourages overhead expenses to be limited to 15% of the total project budget.

Grant activities must take place after June 1, 2027 to be eligible for funding.

Projects should be completed within one year unless the nature of the project requires a longer period of time. Under no circumstances should the project take longer than three years.

The Deerfield River Enhancement Fund runs a competitive process every 4 years.

Applications will be accepted between November 10, 2026 and January 19th, 2027.  Applications must be received by 5PM on Tuesday, January 19th  in order to be considered.

Notifications and awards will be sent to applicants in spring or summer of 2027.

All applications must be submitted electronically. Visit the Resources for Grantseekers section on our For Nonprofits page to learn how and to register for a new account. Or, access your existing account.

To help you prepare, preview a sample of the application. Please note that this is a PDF sample and not the actual application. To view and begin working on the application, login to the Online Grants Manager (OGM).

With questions about the Deerfield River Enhancement Fund, please contact Emma Johnson, Grants Coordinator.

• Email: ejohnson@vermontcf.org
• Phone: 802-828-7902