The Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) is seeking applications for its Small Grants for Smart Growth program to provide seed money for community-based initiatives related to smart growth.

Smart growth is an approach to development that can make the communities more livable in all of these areas, by investing in unique villages and downtowns and fighting sprawl, which makes Vermont feel less like Vermont.

Smart growth allows for a variety of housing for people of all ages, transportation choices, unique places for everybody to enjoy, and healthy farms, forests, and natural areas. It prioritizes public participation in making decisions about what the future looks like, so that the land use decisions are inclusive, not exclusive.

Projects might involve advocacy for better land use, by getting involved in the “nuts and bolts” work of municipal planning, regulations, or a permitting process. A project could also be a town or local group effort to promote downtown or village center revitalization and historic preservation; to develop a plan for better sidewalks or paths; to identify ways to support housing choice and affordability; or to plan on conserving land for agriculture or forestry.

Funding Information

Grants are typically $500 to $1,500 per project, and a second year of funding may be an option.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible applicants:
  • Local or multi-town entities, such as a municipality, municipal commission or committee; non-profit organization; or citizens group that is either working with a non-profit or seeking 501(c)(3) status. Applicants must be within the State of Vermont.
• Eligible Activities:
  • Advocacy for better land use
  • Advancing transportation choice
  • Supporting housing choice and affordability
  • Promoting downtown or village center revitalization
  • Conservation and natural resources
  • Public outreach and engagement
• Eligibility hints:
  • Promoting smart growth
  • Transportation
  • Housing
  • Events
• The following activities are ineligible for grant funding:
  • Lobbying or partisan activities
  • Land or building acquisition
  • Capital improvements (signs, way-finding, construction projects, bike racks)
  • Equipment (e.g. computers, printers, vehicles).

For more information, visit Small Grants for Smart Growth.