Funding

Click here for a list of current funding opportunities.

While much can be done with volunteers, many larger scale projects benefit from money to help with outreach, project coordination, or hiring a contractor for control work.

For local projects, you could turn to people and businesses within your region that may have connections with private donors or potentially useful organizations. Local businesses may also donate tools, gloves and food for workdays. A local ecologist may contribute to the development of a management plan. 

Here are some other potential funding sources:

  • The USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) offers a number of programs, including the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) and Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), that can help defray the costs of invasive plant control for qualified private landowners.  For more information, talk to a local NRCS specialist or your county forester, or click here. 

  • The USDA lists a number of sources for federal and private grants here.

  • The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds the Pulling it Together! program, which provides money for invasives-related outreach and management activities.

  • The National Invasive Species Council posts grant opportunities here.

  • The Lake Champlain Basin Program and the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife have grants that may be used for invasive plant outreach and management.

  • Local private donors and foundations may help with local projects. For example, the Vermont Community Foundation provides up to $10,000 in unrestricted funding to nonprofits, municipalities or groups with fiscal sponsors for work toward building healthy and vital Vermont communities as part of their Community Fund Grant.

  • Get a commitment from your town to dedicate funding for invasive plant management.