Grants to Protect the Environment of the Lake Champlain Basin

The Kelsey Trust is a family foundation established in 1988 by Sally Patrick Johnson with the mission of benefiting the people and protecting the environment of the Lake Champlain Basin. Named in honor of Robert Fleming Patrick and Jonathan Kelsey Woods, the Trust has partnered with the Vermont Community Foundation since 1989 to facilitate its grantmaking processes. The foundation places a strong emphasis on supporting organizations located within the Basin and prioritizes collaborative efforts that align with its core objectives. The Trust’s funding is directed toward organizations and projects that serve people or protect the natural environment within the Lake Champlain Basin. Its primary areas of focus include environmental protection, especially of Lake Champlain, its tributaries, the Green Mountains, and the Adirondacks; support for children at risk, including those with educational, emotional, nutritional, and social needs; educational initiatives for non-traditional and underserved students; and health and nutrition programs aimed at promoting well-being and addressing food insecurity. Grant amounts generally range from $5,000 to $10,000 due to the Trust’s limited annual grants budget of approximately $200,000. The Trust does not fund endowment campaigns, individuals, sectarian religious organizations, or projects where it would be the predominant funding source. A significant portion of its funding is pre-committed, but unsolicited proposals are considered through a Letter of Interest (LOI) process. The Trust evaluates applications based on alignment with its priorities, the demonstrable need for the project, the potential for measurable outcomes, sustainability, and the applicant organization's fiscal health and past performance. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3), public agencies, and municipalities in the Champlain Basin. Community groups without 501(c)(3) status may apply if they have a nonprofit fiscal agent. Applicants must adhere to non-discrimination policies. A strong preference is given to entities located within the Basin itself. Application cycles are semi-annual. For spring grants focusing on education and the environment, LOIs are due June 1, with decisions by June 30. Winter grants emphasize children, basic needs, and health, with LOIs due December 1 and decisions in late December or early January. Emergency grants may be considered outside these cycles following direct communication with the Trust. All inquiries, LOIs, and correspondence should be directed to Jane Mulcahy at the Vermont Community Foundation via email at jmulcahy@vermontcf.org or by phone at 802-388-3355 ext. 381. The foundation’s address is 3 Court Street, Middlebury, VT 05753.