The Deerfield River Enhancement Fund is for the purpose of supporting 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. The review committee encourages applicants to consider projects that support marginalized populations and promote environmental justice.

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 Fund will award grants ranging between $2,000 and $10,000.

The Deerfield River Enhancement Fund runs a competitive process every 4 years. We anticipate opening the next cycle in November 2026 with awards being distributed in spring/summer 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 Jane Mulcahy.

• Email: jmulcahy@vermontcf.org
• Phone: 802-388-3355 ext. 381