Environmental Grant Program

The Rockfall Foundation, continuing the philanthropic legacy of Colonel Clarence S. Wadsworth, is accepting applications for its 2026 Annual Environmental Grant Program. Since 1935, the Foundation has supported environmental education and conservation throughout the Lower Connecticut River Valley. This competitive grant program is designed to preserve and enhance the natural environment of the region while fostering public awareness and respect for natural resources. The Foundation encourages innovative and creative projects that align with its mission of environmental stewardship and education. Funding priorities focus on four key areas: preservation, conservation, restoration, and education. Preservation projects aim to protect ecosystems, species, and natural heritage elements unique to the region. Conservation efforts are intended to reduce reliance on finite natural resources while minimizing harmful ecological impacts. Restoration projects should re-establish the healthy functioning of ecosystems or specific ecosystem components. Education projects are expected to promote a stronger public understanding of environmental and sustainability issues. Eligible projects may fall into one or more of these categories and should demonstrate tangible impacts within the region. Organizations eligible to apply include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, and schools located in one of the designated focus towns: Chester, Clinton, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Middlefield, Middletown, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook. Projects focused on the Connecticut River corridor or Long Island Sound will be considered if they show a direct benefit to one of these towns. Organizations that do not meet the eligibility requirements may partner with an eligible entity as a co-applicant, with a formal letter of agreement confirming joint responsibility. Grant awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with a total funding pool of $34,500 available in 2026. Funding may be applied toward materials, transportation, program and presenter fees, intern stipends, and similar expenses. Operating costs such as food, rent, salaries, and insurance are generally not funded but may be considered for organizations experiencing financial hardship. All grants require a 25% matching contribution, which may be provided in the form of in-kind goods, professional services, or cash. Applicants facing challenges in meeting this requirement are encouraged to contact the Foundation prior to submission. Applications are evaluated on multiple criteria, including innovation, engagement of youth leaders, service to disadvantaged populations, previous project success, alignment with Rockfall’s priorities, scalability, and financial clarity. Successful grantees are required to demonstrate experienced supervision, commit to completing the project within 12 months, and begin no later than July 1, 2026. Awardees must also provide progress documentation, submit a final report with outcomes and photographs, host a site visit, prepare a project exhibit for Rockfall’s annual celebration, and publicly acknowledge the Foundation’s support. The application process requires submission of the 2026 Annual Environmental Grant Application Form along with supporting documents, including a one-page summary of the applicant’s budget. Nonprofits must also provide the first two pages of their most recent IRS Form 990 or comparable financial statements, as well as a current list of board members. If applying as a co-applicant, a letter of agreement and budget summary for the partner organization are required. The deadline for submission is Thursday, November 6, 2025, by noon. An informational session for prospective applicants will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the deKoven House in Middletown. Awards will be announced in mid-February 2026, and funds will be available by April 1, 2026. Inquiries should be directed to Hannah Huddleston, Grants and Communications Coordinator, who may be contacted at 860-347-0340 or via email at grants@rockfallfoundation.org. Applications must be submitted electronically, and late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The Foundation strongly encourages new applicants to attend the information session to better understand the program’s requirements and priorities.