Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Vermont

Nonprofit organizations in Vermont seeking to build capacity for community-driven, systems-change projects may be eligible for grants supporting economic equity, education and training, climate and environment, health and wellbeing, and community leadership. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation help Vermont nonprofits with collaborative, measurable initiatives, offering US $15,000 - US $25,000 per year by invitation through its RALI program.

Nonprofits, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups in Vermont can receive up to US $5,000 for consultant-led organizational planning and capacity building work. With a mission to strengthen Vermont communities, Vermont Community Foundation provides smaller organizations (under $1 million budgets) support for strategic planning, financial sustainability, leadership development, DEI policies, mergers, and adapting to federal funding changes.

Vermont nonprofits and public agencies addressing basic human needs can receive up to US $5,000 for urgent, unbudgeted needs through this statewide program. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation help Vermont organizations manage emergency repairs, replace failed equipment, cover unexpected staffing or training, and support staff well-being in ways that sustain organizational capacity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations seeking capacity building support for education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to strengthen these fields, McGraw Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with single-year funding for general operating support, projects, and occasionally capital needs.

Vermont agricultural and forest producers seeking to enhance conservation practices can receive technical and financial assistance to improve soil, water, wildlife habitat, and overall land stewardship. Focused on working lands, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Vermont offers five-year Conservation Stewardship Program contracts that reward existing conservation and fund additional activities that may strengthen long-term operational capacity.

Grants from New Hampshire Charitable Foundation help Vermont nonprofits and public agencies fund large community development, education, basic needs, and environmental projects. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, qualified Canadian donees, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored groups serving Coös County’s bordering region, including Essex County, Vermont, can request US $20,000 - US $300,000 for multi-year, systems-change or community-strengthening efforts.

Vermont nonprofits, community groups, municipalities, and similar entities planning grassroots, place-based projects can access funding through the Vermont Community Foundation to build and strengthen community connections. Grants of US $500 - US $5,000 support hyperlocal or regional initiatives that increase social interaction, stewardship, and opportunity, with priority for smaller-budget organizations and projects in Essex, Grand Isle, and Franklin counties.

Nonprofit and community organizations carrying out local projects in parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Québec can seek up to US $20,000 to support a wide range of community, environmental, recreational, and human services initiatives. With a mission to strengthen these border communities, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation provides flexible local grants through the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Vermont nonprofits that partner with or support such students may benefit from the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship offered by the American Water Works Association.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Vermont working on community development, education, workforce readiness, or financial literacy can seek capacity-building support through KeyBank Foundation’s grants, typically awarding US $10,000 - US $25,000. With a mission to improve lives, KeyBank Foundation provides nonprofits with resources to strengthen affordable housing, small business growth, academic success, and employment outcomes.

Nonprofit charities, public education institutions, and government entities serving designated Weyerhaeuser communities in Vermont can seek support for community programs across housing, education, environment, human services, culture, workforce, and inclusion. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides more than US $1,000 for projects that address important local needs and demonstrate broad impact.

Nonprofit organizations in Vermont supporting women, children, and families through self-sufficiency, humanitarian aid, education, or health programs can apply for the Father's Table Foundation’s highly selective capacity-building grants, with awards up to US $750,000. Funding can expand proven programs in areas like homelessness, food security, job readiness, microfinance, child welfare, and disaster relief.

Agencies with 501(c)(3) status in Vermont can seek support for health and human services, including homelessness, food security, disability services, youth and family services, and summer camps. Agnes M. Lindsay Trust provides US $1,000 - US $7,500 for capital and operating needs, including dental/oral health, homeless shelters, and food pantries.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and adolescents can seek funding for youth education, enrichment, recreation, and health and wellness programs. The George W. Mergens Foundation supports organizations based in or serving Vermont youth, offering grants for general operating support, specific projects, and capital needs that enhance young people’s welfare and opportunities.

Environmental research organizations and partners in Vermont can receive US $25,000 - US $400,000 to study clean water, healthy ecosystems, and related implementation or pilot projects in the Lake Champlain Basin. Lake Champlain Basin Program funding may help nonprofits strengthen capacity around water quality, habitat restoration, pollution, and invasive species management.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Vermont and other eligible U.S. locations can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with grants up to US $375,000 for small-scale biomedical research projects. Funding supports undergraduate research experiences and strengthens the institution’s research environment, which may advance long-term capacity building for teaching and research programs.

Grants from Canaday Family Charitable Trust help Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits run special projects for children and youth, environmental conservation and education, and economic opportunity for families, with awards from US $20,000 - US $270,000. Vermont-based organizations may seek project, experimental, or capital funding that advances measurable impact, sustainability, and racial equity.

Environmental and conservation nonprofits in Vermont can access project and acquisition funding with the Leahy Memphremagog Clean Water Program to improve fisheries habitat, water quality, and aquatic ecosystem health. Vermont Housing and Conservation Board offers more than US $300,000 for land acquisition, infrastructure, habitat restoration, invasive species control, and related watershed projects in the Memphremagog Basin.

Early-career research scientists in low- or middle-income countries conducting clinical trials in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and other health fields can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which provides approximately US $140,000. Focused on research career development, the National Institutes of Health supports intensive, mentored training that may strengthen international partners of Vermont nonprofits.

Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation Grant

The Perrigo Foundation is committed to empowering individuals and global communities by supporting programs and organizations that promote health, well-being, and education. We aim to prepare students and young adults for the workforce, providing accessible career pathways that inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential. The Foundation is proudly funded by Perrigo Company plc.

Mission Statement

To provide financial support to non-profit organizations that promote our commitment to enhancing the health, well-being and education of individuals and families in the communities in which Perrigo operates. 

Vision Statement

To help improve and positively impact communities by improving access to quality health services, creating educational opportunities, and supporting the needs of the under-served.

Giving Back to Our Communities

Healthcare

We are providing program stability and capacity building for key community agencies, supporting local nonprofits to improve the quality and accessibility of services, and increasing the quality of mental health services, especially for children and families. 

Education

 Education, post-secondary scholarships, and support for first-generation and low-income students primarily focused on a STEM career, advancement for STEM curriculum, and resources in the K-12 classrooms. 

Supporting the Underserved

Community engagement and well-being, ensuring access to basic human necessities such as food, housing, end-of-life support, and necessary social services.

Nonprofit and school-based programs providing high-quality afterschool or summer learning in Vermont can apply for Vermont Agency of Education’s Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC grants, awarding US $250,000 - US $700,000 over five years. Grants from Vermont Agency of Education help expand academic enrichment, youth development, arts, STEM, and social-emotional learning opportunities for K–12 students.

About VHCB

Our Mission: VHCB invests in the construction of affordable housing and conservation strategies that work together to ensure equity, resilience, and vitality for Vermont communities in perpetuity.

Clean Water Programs

VHCB administers two separate funding programs to support a healthy and clean Lake Memphremagog Basin—the Memphremagog Clean Water Service Provider, funded through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Leahy Memphremagog Clean Water Program, funded through the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Formula Grant Clean Water Projects in the Memphremagog Basin (Basin 17)

Introduction

The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB), in its role as the Clean Water Service (CWSP) Provider for Basin 17, is accepting funding applications for projects that improve water quality in Basin 17, with a focus on projects that lead to a substantial reduction in phosphorus runoff into surface waters. Projects must be in line with the vision set forth by Act 76, the Clean Water Service Delivery Act, and policies and guidance set forth by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to implement the Act.

The Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports early career research scientists from low- or middle-income countries (LMIC) by providing research funding and mentored career development for three to five years. This program encourages LMIC scientists in health-related fields to develop projects aligned with their country's health priorities, fostering independent research careers within their institutions. Applications are welcomed from junior faculty members, enhancing global health research and capacity in LMICs.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

The Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations in arts, education, health, and environmental sectors, especially in underserved communities in Massachusetts and Northern New England. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with an emphasis on projects that address food security, housing, and cultural access for disadvantaged populations. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its current funding priorities, particularly benefiting low-income youth, Indigenous communities, and immigrants.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.