Northeast Wilderness Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Variable (project-based funding through Wildlands Partnership)
• Success Rate: Not available (invitation/relationship-based selection)
• Decision Time: Rolling basis when applications open
• Grant Range: Up to $100,000 (existing lands) or $250,000 (new acquisitions)
• Geographic Focus: Northeast US (NY, VT, NH, ME, MA, CT)

Contact Details

• Website: www.newildernesstrust.org
• Phone: 802-224-1000
• Land Protection Director: Caitlin Mather (caitlin@newildernesstrust.org, ext. 112)
• Address: 17 State St Ste 302, Montpelier, VT 05602

Overview

Founded in 2002, Northeast Wilderness Trust is a regional land conservation organization with a mission to conserve forever-wild landscapes for nature and people across the Northeast. With over 100,000 acres protected, the Trust operates primarily as a land trust doing direct conservation work. However, since 2020, they have operated the Wildlands Partnership grant program, providing funding to other LTA-accredited land trusts for wilderness conservation projects. This specialized grant program represents a strategic approach to expand wilderness protection through partnerships rather than traditional grant-making. The organization holds a 4-star Charity Navigator rating with a perfect 100% score.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Wildlands Partnership Program (Launched 2020)

• Existing Fee Lands: Up to $100,000 (for conservation easements on land already owned by partner land trusts)
• New Land Acquisitions: Up to $250,000 (for acquisition of new lands for wilderness protection)
• Application Method: Rolling basis when open (currently closed)
• Additional benefits include technical expertise and access to Wild Carbon program

Priority Areas

• Wilderness conservation in the Northeast (New England and New York)
• Forever-wild conservation easements prohibiting logging, development, and intensive management
• Protection of ecologically significant lands with high conservation value
• Projects that align with regional wilderness conservation goals

What They Don't Fund

• General environmental nonprofits that are not land trusts
• Organizations without LTA accreditation
• Projects outside the Northeast region
• Legal fees
• Projects allowing logging, development, or intensive management
• General operating expenses unrelated to specific conservation projects

Governance and Leadership

The Trust is led by Executive Director Shelby Perry and Land Protection Director Caitlin Mather, who oversees the Wildlands Partnership program. The organization maintains a board of directors focused on wilderness conservation expertise and regional land protection strategy.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications for the Wildlands Partnership are accepted on a rolling basis when the program is open. Currently, applications are CLOSED. Interested LTA-accredited land trusts should contact Caitlin Mather, Land Protection Director, to express interest and be notified when applications reopen.

Getting on Their Radar

• Attend Land Trust Alliance conferences and regional conservation meetings where Northeast Wilderness Trust participates
• Connect directly with Caitlin Mather at 802-224-1000 ext. 112 or caitlin@newildernesstrust.org
• Demonstrate commitment to forever-wild conservation through existing projects
• Participate in regional wilderness conservation networks and initiatives

Decision Timeline

Rolling review process when applications are open. Specific timelines vary based on project complexity and funding availability.

Success Rates

Since 2020, the program has partnered with 6 land trusts across 3 states, protecting over 15,000 acres. Success appears to be based on alignment with wilderness conservation goals and organizational capacity rather than competitive selection.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations can submit multiple projects over time. Contact the Land Protection Director to discuss new opportunities.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's specific requirements and funded projects:

• LTA accreditation is mandatory - no exceptions
• Projects must commit to forever-wild conservation easements with no logging, development, or intensive management
• Demonstrate strong organizational capacity for long-term stewardship
• Show how the project fits into larger regional conservation goals
• Highlight ecological significance and wilderness values of the property
• Be prepared to participate in the Wild Carbon program for additional revenue generation
• Funds can cover staff time and conservation-related expenses but not legal fees

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a highly specialized funder only for LTA-accredited land trusts - verify accreditation before pursuing
• Focus on wilderness values and forever-wild commitment - this is non-negotiable
• Relationship building is crucial - contact Caitlin Mather directly before formal application
• Consider the Wild Carbon program as additional project benefit and revenue stream
• Applications are currently closed - use this time to build relationships and prepare projects
• First phase raised $800,000 with another $800,000 being sought - timing may be favorable for new partnerships
• This is project-based funding, not general operating support

References

• Northeast Wilderness Trust Official Website: https://newildernesstrust.org/ (Accessed February 6, 2026)
• Wildlands Partnership Program Details: https://newildernesstrust.org/wildlands-partnership/ (Accessed February 6, 2026)
• Highstead Foundation Article on Wildlands Partnership Launch: https://highstead.net/insights/northeast-wilderness-trust-launches-wildlands-partnership/ (Accessed February 6, 2026)
• Charity Navigator Profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/010729039 (Accessed February 6, 2026)
• GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/01-0729039 (Accessed February 6, 2026)
• Land Trust Alliance Directory: https://landtrustalliance.org/land-trusts/explore/northeast-wilderness-trust-vt (Accessed February 6, 2026)