The mission of the funder, while not explicitly detailed, centers around the restoration, protection, and enhancement of the Connecticut River watershed upstream of the confluence of the White River and Connecticut River. This involves caring for the river, wetlands, and shore lands within this specified area, which is influenced by the broader goal of environmental preservation and restoration, particularly in relation to the impacts of hydroelectric dams.
The Wellborn Ecology Fund supports a broad range of initiatives to implement place-based ecology education across the Upper Valley. Its grants support projects where students engage in activities such as tracking wildlife, studying vernal pools and stream ecology, as well as measuring climate. The initiative places a strong emphasis on professional development for teachers through the Wellborn Institute and supports farm-to-school projects to educate kids about local farms, food production, and nutrition. Additionally, it funds "The Outside Story," a weekly essay series featured in Northern Woodlands magazine and newspapers, aimed at spreading environmental education to a broader audience. Since 2001, the fund has awarded over $5.5 million to more than 125 organizations and programs promoting environmental knowledge and preservation.