Best Bennington County Grants for Nonprofits in Vermont

The Vermont Arts Council's Artists in Schools Grant supports multi-day arts experiences in schools, promoting collaboration between students and Vermont teaching artists. Eligible schools and arts organizations can apply for funding for projects that enhance arts education for preK-12 students. Projects should focus on creativity, equity, and access in the arts, while fostering community connections. Applications are accepted until July 28 for the funding period beginning September 1, 2025.

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The Solidaire Network's Janisha R. Gabriel Movement Protection Fund supports frontline organizers facing security threats while fostering long-term safety. With $7.9 million allocated, the fund aids groups working towards racial, climate, gender, and reproductive justice. Despite a pause on new applications due to high demand, the fund remains committed to resourcing movement partners and addressing the disproportionate targeting of marginalized leaders amidst rising aggression from right-wing forces.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

The VMIG Charitable Giving Fund aims to enhance community quality of life in regions served by Vermont Mutual Insurance Group. This fund supports non-profit organizations focusing on education, youth development, community building, and basic needs such as housing and hunger. Eligible organizations must operate within specific states and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status. The fund reflects a commitment to fostering healthy, vibrant communities through meaningful financial contributions.

The Native Arts & Cultures Foundation's LIFT program offers critical support to early career Native artists through one-year grants of $10,000. This initiative aims to nurture emerging voices and foster community engagement while promoting environmental sustainability. Selected artists will benefit from professional development training and culturally appropriate evaluations to enhance their artistic practices. By providing vital resources, LIFT empowers artists to advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The NRA Foundation's Vermont Grants aim to support charitable initiatives that align with the organization's mission, such as promoting firearm safety and education. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) recognized entities, government bodies, and state-recognized nonprofits. Ineligible organizations consist of labor groups, private businesses, and individuals. The grant focuses on projects that foster community well-being and educational opportunities in the shooting sports, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Vermont support eligible communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. This program, offered by USDA Rural Development, provides funding for projects like constructing waterlines and treatment facilities, with grants up to $1 million. It aims to restore access to clean water following disasters such as floods, droughts, and chemical spills, ensuring rural areas and towns remain resilient.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Can'd Aid: Crush It Crusade Grant empowers nonprofits, local education, and government organizations to enhance recycling efforts. With grants ranging from $3,000 to $8,000, the program supports initiatives that promote recycling at community events, engage volunteers, and foster inclusive outreach. Since 2014, over 125 organizations have benefited from this funding, driving impactful change through community engagement and environmental stewardship.

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program offers $10,000 in startup funding for community-driven groups in small towns to adopt the Community Heart & Soul model. Applications are accepted until 11:59 p.m. EST on the last business day of each month, with funding decisions made the following month. This initiative aims to empower residents to engage in local development and foster community connections.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children’s Mental Health Innovation Awards aim to fund innovative mental healthcare solutions for children in the U.S. This initiative invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities with revenues under $5 million to submit projects. With up to $550,000 in grants, the program focuses on addressing critical mental health issues among youth, fostering equity in access to care, and supporting nonprofits led by young leaders. Awards include up to $100,000 for general and $50,000 for Next Gen projects.

The APA Foundation's Helping Hands Grants provide up to $5,000 to medical schools for projects aimed at improving mental health education and assistance in under-served communities. Initiated in 2005, this program empowers medical students to lead initiatives that promote awareness of mental illness and encourage community service, particularly among minority populations. By partnering with community agencies, these projects foster a deeper interest in psychiatry while addressing critical mental health needs.

The Bar Success Intervention Grant Program, funded by AccessLex Institute, aims to enhance bar exam passage rates for at-risk law students and graduates. With grants ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 for programs lasting 12 to 24 months, the initiative seeks data-driven solutions that are scalable and replicable. Eligible applicants include U.S. nonprofit organizations and law schools. Programs should feature clear goals, measurable objectives, and a robust evaluation plan to ensure effectiveness and sustainability.

Monarch Watch offers a Free Milkweeds Grant for habitat restoration projects aimed at supporting the monarch butterfly population. The program provides free milkweed plugs to schools and educational non-profits that demonstrate clear educational goals, long-term maintenance plans, and adequate space for the plants. With over 730,000 milkweeds distributed since 2015, this initiative plays a vital role in restoring habitats along key migration routes in the eastern and western U.S.

Patagonia supports environmental organisations with bold, direct-action agendas and a commitment to long-term change.

We support innovative work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities. We focus on places where we’ve built connections through outdoor recreation and through our network of retail stores, nationally and internationally.

We believe local battles to protect a specific stand of forest, a stretch of river, an indigenous wild species or a community from a polluting refinery build public support and confront larger, more complex issues like climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental justice.

We encourage work that brings underrepresented communities to the forefront of the environmental movement and defends communities whose health and livelihoods are threatened by environmental exploitation.

We support multipronged campaigns that push for greater environmental protections and force the government to abide by its own laws.

We fund work that:

• builds an equitable, inclusive and diverse environmental movement
• confronts systemic bias, discrimination and injustice in environmental policy or outdoor spaces
• is action-oriented
• focuses on root causes
• has a clear strategy
• identifies specific goals and objectives that can be effectively measured to evaluate success
• builds public involvement and civic engagement

Patagonia believes that the most direct path to real change is through building grassroots momentum.

Our funding focuses on organisations that have or can create a strong base of support. Because we’re a privately held company, we have the freedom to fund risk-taking, off-the-beaten-track groups, and that’s where we believe our small grants are most effective.

The Home Depot Foundation's Path to Pro Scholarship aims to support U.S. veterans and train skilled tradespeople. With a commitment of $750 million by 2030, the Foundation has already trained over 44,000 participants. The program collaborates with industry leaders to address the skilled labor gap, offering resources and training in various trades such as carpentry and plumbing. By providing opportunities for high school seniors and graduates, this initiative fosters career development in the home improvement sector.

Shaw's Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that enhance community well-being, focusing on hunger, youth education, and health. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve specific regions like California and Hawaii. An employee sponsor is mandatory for applications in these areas. The grant review process typically takes about eight weeks, and the foundation prioritizes collaborations with local partners to maximize community impact.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Heistand Family Foundation Grant aims to empower children in poverty through impactful programs and partnerships. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance human health, community well-being, and education, focusing on practical applications. Nonprofit organizations and governmental entities are encouraged to apply, particularly those located in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area or western Iowa. This grant supports initiatives that foster job skills and improve the quality of life for disadvantaged children.

The James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation focuses on enriching lives and making a positive impact in local communities. They prioritize funding for tax-exempt organizations that enhance education, health care, and support the under-served. The Foundation seeks to partner with those who demonstrate accountability and effective resource management, aligning with their mission for community enrichment and leadership development.

The NBA Foundation Grants aim to empower Black youth by providing economic opportunities through skills training, mentorship, and career advancement programs. Established by all 30 NBA teams, the foundation focuses on organizations aligned with its mission, specifically those serving Black youth in NBA markets. Applications for 2024 grants are now open, with a review process taking 12-14 weeks. This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable economic and racial justice in communities.

The Biocodex Microbiota Foundation invites early career researchers in the microbiome field from U.S. institutions to apply for the 2024 grant. This initiative focuses on groundbreaking research into gut microbiota's role in human health and disease, particularly in areas like circadian rhythms and metabolic disorders. The grant supports operational costs, allowing for innovative projects aimed at fostering independent research careers in microbiota studies.

The Bicycle Hotel Casino offers sponsorship and donation opportunities to support various worthy causes through a structured Board Review Committee. To qualify, organizations must submit a formal request at least 60 days before their event. This includes a Donation Request Form and a letter detailing the organization's purpose and alignment with the casino’s mission. The casino prioritizes requests from registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, ensuring that each project aligns with their philanthropic goals.

The NASN Research Grants, established by the National Association of School Nurses, aim to promote research on school nursing and the health of school-aged children. These grants support innovative projects led by school nurses who are NASN members. The program emphasizes the importance of quality school nursing practice, encouraging applications that adhere to specified guidelines and focus on future research initiatives. With a rich history of funding impactful studies, NASN continues to advance healthcare delivery in educational settings.

SeedMoney Challenge is a global crowdfunding initiative designed to support public food garden projects. Through a competitive 30-day challenge, participants can win grants ranging from $100 to $1000 based on the funds they raise. This program, operated by the non-profit SeedMoney, aims to empower communities by providing essential resources for food gardening efforts, thereby enhancing local food security and sustainability.