Clean Water Workforce Capacity Development Grant

The Clean Water Workforce Capacity Development Grant is administered by Watersheds United Vermont (WUV) through a block grant issued by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). This grant initiative is designed to build and enhance the capacity of clean water organizations and partners across the state of Vermont. The program aims to address persistent gaps in organizational infrastructure and operational readiness, particularly in under-resourced entities. It supports efforts that enable organizations to either initiate or scale their participation in clean water projects or assist others in doing so. The purpose of the grant is to strengthen the network of clean water organizations in Vermont by promoting strategic capacity development in three key areas: community engagement and outreach, administrative and financial infrastructure, and workforce development. Eligible activities include communications planning, volunteer coordination, financial and human resources management, legal compliance, onboarding systems, and professional development. The intent is to catalyze lasting institutional improvements that support the delivery of high-quality clean water projects across Vermont. Grant funding may be used for a range of capacity-building activities, provided they align with one or more of the following objectives: increasing community engagement and representation, streamlining financial and administrative processes, and fostering a pipeline for a diverse and skilled clean water workforce. To ensure alignment with these goals, applicants must submit a Capacity Work Plan detailing proposed activities, expected outputs, relevant performance metrics, associated capacity goals, and anticipated impacts. Outputs must fall into one of several approved categories such as improved systems, increased FTEs, new materials produced, or community members served. Applicants must be based in Vermont and involved in clean water work. There are no predefined eligibility categories like local governments or educational institutions; rather, organizations must be able to demonstrate how their work supports Vermont's clean water goals. The grant places particular emphasis on inclusivity, equitable resource distribution, and support for organizations historically underrepresented in environmental work. Matching funds are not required, and the program encourages innovative approaches that expand an organization's reach, efficiency, or workforce capabilities. Applications are due by October 3, 2025. While there is no stated pre-application requirement, applicants are encouraged to review the detailed instructions in the Capacity Work Plan and associated guidance documents to ensure compliance with submission requirements. All applications must include measurable outputs and align with specified capacity goals and impact types. The expected award notification date is November 2025. Information sessions and support materials are made available to help guide applicants through the process. Interested applicants can contact Watersheds United Vermont for further assistance at info@watershedsunitedvt.org. The program anticipates a future funding round in Spring 2026. Based on this pattern and the current cycle, the program can be classified as recurring annually. Entities considering applying in future cycles should monitor for updated release dates and revised guidance documents.

Applicants must align activities with one or more of the three capacity objectives and associated output/performance metrics and capacity goals