Waterman Fund Grant Program (alpine conservation and stewardship)

About this program

The Waterman Fund awards grants and sponsorships to support stewardship, education, research, and conservation of alpine areas in northeastern North America, funding projects such as alpine trail rehabilitation, summit steward and education programs, stewardship-focused research, and initiatives promoting the “spirit of wildness,” with encouragement for start-up projects and Canadian applicants. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local, state, or federal agencies; individuals may apply through a nonprofit, agency, or university. Typical awards run $500–$7,000 (trail grants capped at $15,000; education and research grants uncapped), are normally reimbursed (advances considered case-by-case), and require a minimum 25% match (cash, materials, labor, accommodations, or in‑kind). Applications must be submitted as a PDF to grants@watermanfund.org addressing seven specified elements plus CV, land permissions, and two letters of support, limited to 3 pages (11 pt Times New Roman, 1‑inch margins); recurring deadline is Dec 31 with awards mid‑February and required reporting (status report due Sept 30 and final report within 17 months/by Aug 31 of year 2).