2025 Environmental Grant Program

The Rockfall Foundation offers the Annual Environmental Grants Program, a competitive funding opportunity supporting environmental education and conservation efforts in the Lower Connecticut River Valley. Established in 1935 by Colonel Clarence S. Wadsworth, the Foundation continues his philanthropic legacy by promoting environmental awareness and stewardship. The program aims to preserve and enhance the region’s natural environment while increasing public knowledge and respect for its resources. The Annual Environmental Grants Program supports projects that focus on conservation, preservation, restoration, and environmental education. Eligible applicants include certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and schools located in specific towns within Middlesex County and adjacent areas. Prospective applicants not meeting eligibility requirements may partner with an eligible entity, providing a letter of agreement outlining shared compliance responsibilities. Projects may cover a range of activities including environmental education across all age groups, responsible environmental planning, watershed preservation, pollution management, open space acquisition, and environmental justice. Funding is typically awarded in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, with a total grant pool of $31,200 for 2024. The grant may cover materials, transportation, program or presenter fees, intern stipends, and similar expenses. Certain costs such as food, overhead expenses, and salaries are generally excluded but may be considered for organizations under financial hardship. Grants are intended for a 12-month period beginning no later than July 1, 2025, and require a minimum 25% match in cash or in-kind contributions. Applications are assessed based on innovation, youth engagement, environmental justice impact, demonstrated progress of past or current projects, feasibility, alignment with priority areas, scalability, sustainability without future Rockfall funding, budget clarity, and confirmed matching sources. Required documentation includes the completed application form, organizational budget summaries, IRS 990 filings or equivalent financial statements, and a board of directors list. Co-applicants must also submit a partnership letter and financial documents. The 2025 grant cycle is now closed. The application process for the 2026 cycle will begin in August 2025. A pre-application information session will be held in person on September 11, 2024, at the deKoven House in Middletown, CT. Final applications for the next cycle are due by noon on November 7. Awards are announced in mid-February, with funds available by April 1. Grantees must agree to provide a final report, public recognition of the Foundation’s support, a project exhibit at the Foundation’s annual meeting, and facilitate a project site visit. For questions, applicants may contact Pete Weiss, Associate Director, at 860-347-0340 or via email at grants@rockfallfoundation.org. Additional resources, including application and publicity guidelines, are available on the Foundation’s website. A list of previous recipients can also be found online for reference.