Best Environmental Education Grants in Vermont

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Vermont community organizations working on basic needs, safety, education, equity, or environmental stewardship can receive up to US $500 in support for local programs. Green Mountain Power provides Vermont environmental education and community groups with funding that may bolster environmental learning, community health, after-school initiatives, and first responder or resilience projects within its electric service area.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations focused on environmental education, environmental justice, or related food and farm initiatives in Vermont can apply for grants up to US $35,000. Grants from Harris and Frances Block Foundation help small grassroots groups advance just and sustainable communities through programs like environmental education, food justice, farm and garden projects, and farmworker rights.

Nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored grassroots groups doing short-term community development projects in Coös County and bordering Vermont communities can seek rapid Dash Grants, awarding US $250 - US $2,000. Focused on revitalizing communities, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation supports efforts that benefit Coös County residents and landscapes, which may include environmental education-related activities.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural Vermont can access funding to develop essential community facilities and related equipment. USDA: Rural Development supports projects such as community centers, libraries, telemedicine or distance learning infrastructure, and local food systems, which may benefit organizations providing environmental education and sustainability-focused programming.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports initiatives helping vulnerable children and families build better futures, and organizations must complete an eligibility questionnaire before submitting a letter of inquiry.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Organizations in Vermont working with farms on water quality, conservation, and related education can apply for Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets grants. Focused on agricultural water quality and pollution reduction, the program offers US $100,000 - US $4,000,000 for outreach, technical assistance, and capacity-building that may support environmental education efforts.

Nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and local or regional governments in Vermont and nearby Massachusetts counties can seek funding for environmental preservation and stewardship projects in the Deerfield River Basin. Vermont Community Foundation’s Deerfield River Enhancement Fund offers up to US $14,000 for initiatives like environmental education, volunteer monitoring, trail work, workshops, and improving public access.

Grants from Lintilhac Foundation help Vermont environmental and civic nonprofits fund projects in clean energy, water quality, forest health, conservation, food systems, democracy, and environmental science. Vermont organizations may request one-year project or general operating support, typically between US $5,000 - US $30,000, and programs with environmental education components may be eligible.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

With a mission to improve life for Vermont children, families, and the environment, Canaday Family Charitable Trust provides Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations with project and capital funding for environmental education, conservation, and youth services, awarding US $20,000 - US $270,000. Vermont-focused, innovative programs with clear, measurable impact and strong sustainability values may be especially competitive.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $1 million and overhead below 25% can receive US $1,000 - US $10,000 for environmental, educational, humanitarian, animal welfare, arts, or child-focused programs, including work in Vermont. Hansen Family Foundation provides flexible project or program support that promotes life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness worldwide.

Environmental and conservation organizations in Vermont can seek capacity-building support to strengthen education, research, and coordination around water quality and aquatic habitat in the Memphremagog Watershed. With a mission to invest in resilient communities, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board provides competitive grants over US $300,000 to close organizational funding gaps and foster U.S.–Canadian watershed collaboration.

Vermont environmental education organizations and public agencies can access funding for research and youth-focused educational projects on the southern portion of Lake Champlain. The Vermont Community Foundation’s South Lake Champlain Fund offers US $1,000 - US $7,500 for programs in nearby Vermont and New York counties that explore ecology, cultural heritage, and environmental health, especially those engaging local experts and volunteers.

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.

Grassroots community groups, nonprofits, and similar entities in Vermont can seek funding for hyperlocal projects that build social connections, such as environmental education trails, outdoor learning, or community events. Focused on community vitality, the Vermont Community Foundation’s Spark Connecting Community program offers US $500 - US $5,000, prioritizing smaller-budget organizations and projects in Essex, Grand Isle, and Franklin counties.

Vermont municipalities, nonprofits, schools, and public institutions can receive up to US $35,000 to build organizational capacity for clean water and watershed work, including education and community engagement. Watersheds United Vermont supports activities like outreach, staff development, and administrative improvements that help partners deliver more, and more complex, clean water projects and related environmental education efforts.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $500,000 can apply for Ben & Jerry's Foundation’s Equity and Justice grants, awarding up to US $15,000 for programs addressing racial, economic, social, or environmental disparities. Organizations advancing environmental education through equity in housing, food access, education, health, or criminal justice reform may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations providing environmental education or land conservation in Vermont and Northern New England can apply for Adelard and Valeda Roy Foundation grants. The foundation typically awards US $2,500 - US $10,000 for projects such as environmental education, climate change work, and conservation, especially those serving immigrants, refugees, Indigenous communities, low-income youth, and the elderly.