The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) requests proposals for Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (CVNHP) grants that highlight, showcase and interpret the rich history and culture of the region. The two grant categories include:

Corridor of Commerce Interpretive Theme Grants
In September 2017, the World Canals Conference will be held in Syracuse, NY. The CVNHP will partner with the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and New York’s other national heritage areas to highlight interconnected waterways of Vermont, New York and Quebec. The primary purpose of the 2017 Corridor of Commerce Interpretive Theme Grants is to highlight the connections of these waterway with a focus on the commercial, transportation and industrial innovations associated with them. Projects that showcase and interpret the contributions of minority groups and women in these innovations are strongly encouraged. All funded projects should be accessible to the public by July 1, 2017. The LCBP will provide CVNHP grants of up to $5,000 with a total amount available at $37,500.

Local Heritage Grants 
The LCBP will provide CVNHP grants of up to $5,000 for projects that involve active participation from youth and students in the research and discovery of the commercial, transportation and industrial innovations associated with their community, and the creation of new artistic expressions, or interpretation of those topics utilizing fresh perspectives and/or new technology.  A total of $40,000 will be distributed.

Applications for both categories are due on September 22, 2016. Grant applications are available on the CVNHP website at http://www.champlainvalleynhp.org/.  For further information about the program, contact CVNHP Assistant Director Jim Brangan at the Lake Champlain Basin Program office at (802) 372-3213. All grant awards are contingent on the anticipated FY2016 CVNHP funding.

Additional Information

The authorization legislation of the CVNHP, the National Heritage Areas Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-338), states that the heritage area was established to recognize the importance of the historical, cultural, and recreational resources of the Champlain Valley; to preserve, protect, and interpret those resources; to enhance the tourism economy; and to encourage partnerships among state/provincial and local governments and non-profit organizations in New York, Quebec, and Vermont to carry out the purposes of the legislation. For further information regarding the CVNHP, see http://www.champlainvalleynhp.org.