Advanced Wood Heat Assistance Program for Schools

The Advanced Wood Heat Assistance Program for Schools is administered by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation through its Forest Economy Program. This initiative is supported by federal funding from the U.S. Forest Service Wood Innovations Program and is designed to promote the adoption of efficient, modern wood heating technologies in educational facilities across Vermont. The program reflects a broader state and federal effort to strengthen the forest-based economy while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving energy efficiency in public infrastructure. The primary purpose of this grant program is to provide both technical and financial assistance to Vermont schools seeking to install new advanced wood heating systems or upgrade existing systems. These systems are intended to improve heating efficiency, reduce emissions, and support the use of locally sourced wood fuel. By targeting schools, the program also creates opportunities for educational engagement and demonstration of renewable energy technologies within local communities. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, with a maximum award of $25,000 per project. The grant requires a 50 percent cost share, meaning applicants must provide matching funds equal to the grant amount requested. Eligible expenses include equipment costs and installation costs associated with advanced wood heating systems. Applicants are required to submit detailed cost estimates or quotes as part of their application to demonstrate the total project cost and ensure compliance with the cost-share requirement. Eligibility is limited to Vermont schools or eligible entities acting on behalf of schools, such as supervisory unions. Applicants must undergo a structured pre-application process before being invited to submit a full application. This process includes an initial intake call with program staff and a site visit conducted by mechanical engineers to assess the feasibility of the project, estimate potential cost savings, and evaluate efficiency improvements. Projects must also be reviewed and approved by the U.S. Forest Service Wood Energy Technical Team before advancing to the full application stage. The application process requires submission of a completed application form along with several mandatory compliance documents. These include a Vermont FPR State Risk Assessment Questionnaire to evaluate financial management practices, a physically signed W-9 form dated within the past 12 months, and a current Certificate of Insurance demonstrating required coverage. Applications must be submitted via email as a single package with all required documentation and supporting materials, including equipment specifications and installation cost estimates. While the program is currently accepting applications, there is no explicitly stated deadline, suggesting a rolling or ongoing application window contingent on project readiness and approval through the pre-application process. Applicants are encouraged to initiate contact with the program coordinator to begin the intake process. Successful applicants may also be asked to participate in outreach activities, such as hosting educational tours to showcase their wood heating systems. For additional information or to initiate the application process, applicants should contact Molly Willard, who serves as the program point of contact. She can be reached via email at molly.willard@vermont.gov or by phone at 802-261-1681. The program emphasizes careful planning, documentation, and coordination with technical experts to ensure that funded projects deliver measurable energy and economic benefits.

Ensure project is well-developed before intake call; secure accurate cost estimates and be prepared for technical review and site visit; submit all required compliance documents in a single email package