The Waterman Fund Grant

The Waterman Fund Grant aims to preserve the ecological, cultural, and recreational values of the alpine regions in Northeastern North America. It supports projects such as trail rehabilitation, alpine education, and research to enhance stewardship of these areas. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government agencies, with a requirement for matching funds. The Fund also encourages long-term sponsorships for impactful educational and conservation initiatives, particularly in alpine ecosystems.

Examples of Appropriate Projects
Alpine area trail rehabilitation.Alpine education, including summit steward projects.Projects that blend education efforts with resource protection.Projects that further the ethics described in the Waterman’s writings on the spirit of wildness.Research that strengthens human stewardship and understanding of the alpine zone.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships are available for those individuals or organizations in need for more long-term funding. Applications will be considered for up to three years, and will follow the same application process as grants.
The following are examples of potential sponsorships: funding for an Educational position, a multi-year Trails project, long-term Research monitoring, or a New Program startup. After sponsorship, established programs need to wait two years to reapply for a grant or sponsorship. New programs can reapply.
Sponsorships should prioritize alpine summit ecosystems, though are also available for places that are an extension of alpine zones, including subalpine zones that are defined as containing rare plants above treeline.

Eligibility

501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and local, state, or federal agencies are welcome to applyIndividuals may apply through a nonprofit organization, agency, or universityThe Fund requires a match of at least 25% of the requested amount with cash, materials, labor, accommodations and/or in-kind services.  Higher match amounts could increase the competitiveness of your request.  Labor, skilled and unskilled, shall be appraised by the project sponsor at its market rate and can be used towards the project match.

Ineligibility

The Fund generally does not support long-term or programmatic needs for more than a year or two. Examples of Projects the Fund Would Not SupportMajor trail reconstruction below treelineTrail reconstruction or research projects lacking an educational or outreach componentCampsite rehabilitation or composting toilets