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 DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

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.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in the U.S. offering arts, science, or STEAM programming can apply for Hearst Foundation grants of more than US $100,000 to support programs, capital projects, or limited general operating needs. Vermont organizations providing arts education, museums, performing arts, or youth-focused cultural engagement may be especially competitive if they demonstrate large-scale, sustainable impact.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Organizations serving children and youth in education, health, or family economic stability in Vermont may be eligible for more than US $50,000 in project or scale-up support, as part of the foundation’s broader U.S. funding. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports programs improving outcomes for urban low-income children and families.

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.

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.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vermont environmental education and conservation nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities near a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community can access funding through Georgia-Pacific Foundation for education, environment, community enrichment, and entrepreneurship initiatives. Eligible projects must support communities served by Georgia-Pacific and align with the foundation’s mission, values, and four focus areas of giving.

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.

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.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

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.

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.

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 True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

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.