Best Grants for Education Nonprofits in Vermont

The Alchemist Foundation Grant provides small, unrestricted grants (up to $3,000) to organizations that focus on expanding equity and opportunity for youth in Vermont. Founded by John and Jen Kimmich, it aims to support initiatives that foster educational growth and inclusivity for local youth aged 16-24. Interested organizations are encouraged to reach out via email to align their missions with the Foundation's goals.

The J. Warren & Lois McClure Foundation provides invitation-only grants aimed at enhancing postsecondary education opportunities for young Vermonters. By prioritizing equity and systemic change, the foundation supports initiatives that make education more accessible and affordable. Grants range from $10,000 to over $100,000, focusing on scaling Vermont's Free Degree Promise and diversifying the public educator workforce. Organizations serving Vermont's communities are encouraged to apply for funding aligned with these goals.

The Multi-Year Sustaining Grants by the J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation support small-scale projects in Vermont that promote equity in education and assist students in their postsecondary transitions. Grants range from $1,500 to $5,000 annually for three years, emphasizing sustained partnerships without formal proposals or reports. Eligible organizations must be based in Vermont and comply with 501(c)(3) requirements, ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination in service provision.

The National Life Group Charitable Foundation offers sponsorships to support nonprofits, focusing on strong community connections. The application opens annually on January 1st and is reviewed on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, but nonprofit status is not mandatory. The foundation prioritizes well-planned proposals that address community needs and demonstrate measurable success. With an annual budget of $2.8 million, sponsorships typically support one-time events, promoting the foundation's do-good message.

The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund Dash Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in New Hampshire, particularly Coös County, by supporting nonprofit initiatives focused on health, education, and community development. Grants range from $250 to $2,000 for projects lasting up to one year. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt entities and governmental bodies, promoting sustainable practices and collaboration within the community. This funding opportunity encourages innovative solutions to pressing local needs.

The Rapid Response Grant from Vermont Humanities offers quick funding for humanities-focused community projects, providing up to $1,000 in support. Applications are reviewed monthly, with timely decisions made by the 15th if submitted by the first of the month. This grant aims to engage and strengthen Vermont communities through small, impactful projects that can be completed within three months, fostering a culture of thoughtfulness and a love for reading and learning.

The RALI Grant, offered by the Vermont Community Foundation, is an invitation-only program aimed at fostering regional and local impact through community-driven projects. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $25,000 annually, supporting initiatives that address economic equity, education, climate, health, and community leadership. Successful proposals will demonstrate collaboration, readiness, and measurable impact, ensuring they effectively tackle barriers to opportunity for Vermonters. Interested organizations must complete the Nonprofit Connection Form to be considered.

The Northeast Delta Dental Foundation grants aim to enhance oral health care access and education in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The Foundation supports initiatives that focus on improving awareness of good oral health, preventive care, and accessibility of dental services. Grants typically cover one year and prioritize projects that serve disadvantaged populations. The Foundation encourages applications from 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations that align with its oral health mission.

The VCF: Hills Fund Grant offers financial support ranging from $1,501 to $7,500 for projects that enhance educational opportunities and foster community sustainability in Poultney, Vermont. Eligible applicants include schools, municipal entities, and nonprofit organizations. The Hills Fund prioritizes initiatives that engage local residents and leverage additional community resources. Applications are accepted annually from January 1 to November 1, with a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all participants.

The VCF: Hollows Fund Grant, established by the Vermont Community Foundation, supports educational opportunities and community sustainability in Poultney. Grants range from $250 to $1,500, aimed at schools and nonprofits addressing children's needs and fostering engagement. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and provide ADA-accessible programs. The fund prioritizes collaborative projects that enhance community connections and respond to local challenges, promoting a vibrant and inclusive environment for all residents.

The Vermont Humanities Project Grant supports nonprofit organizations that engage communities in the humanities, fostering a culture of thoughtfulness and a love for learning. By funding community programming and curriculum development, this initiative aims to enhance access to humanities for diverse audiences. Eligible projects include interactive discussions and programs that promote engagement among various groups. Vermont Humanities invites both new and existing projects to apply for funding to enrich the cultural landscape of Vermont.

The Lintilhac Foundation Grant aims to foster a stronger, healthier Vermont by supporting nonprofit organizations in various core areas such as clean energy, water quality, forest health, and sustainable outdoor recreation. With a legacy of over 50 years, the foundation emphasizes the importance of engaging local communities to address climate change, preserve biodiversity, and secure healthy food systems, while upholding democratic values and environmental science. This holistic approach ensures that both human and natural communities thrive together.

The One Hive Foundation Grant focuses on promoting pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture through funding research and nonprofit initiatives. Launched in 2022, the grant supports diverse projects aimed at enhancing environmental data, public education, and scientific collaboration. Targeting verified 501c3 organizations, the foundation emphasizes ecological practices and community engagement in Vermont and beyond, with grants of up to $75,000 available to eligible applicants.

The Stratton Foundation Grant aims to improve the health and welfare of children and families in southern Vermont by funding sustainable programs that address poverty challenges. It focuses on four key areas: food and hunger, health and dental care, basic necessities, and education. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations serving vulnerable communities, with no fixed amounts but varying reporting requirements based on the grant size. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate sustainability and effective management.

The Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, established in 1973, focuses on educational support for underserved populations in New England. It offers scholarships for employees of the Balfour Company and their families, as well as funding for organizations that provide educational services in Attleboro and surrounding areas. The Foundation prioritizes programs aimed at college readiness and success, particularly for first-generation and low-income students, and encourages multi-year funding requests to enhance nonprofit sustainability.

The Deerfield River Enhancement Fund Grant, managed by the Vermont Community Foundation, supports environmental projects within the Deerfield River Basin. With a funding pool of approximately $14,000, eligible applicants include nonprofits and educational institutions in Vermont and Massachusetts. Projects can range from educational workshops to public access improvements, fostering community engagement and sustainability. The next grant cycle opens in November 2026, offering a valuable opportunity for organizations focused on preserving the watershed.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) offers Education and Outreach Large Implementation Grants to enhance community engagement and protect the Basin's resources. These grants fund diverse projects focused on water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and educational outreach initiatives. Since 1992, over 1,500 grants have been awarded, fostering partnerships among local organizations, universities, and communities to promote stewardship of the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Lake Champlain Basin.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) offers the Organizational Support Grant to enhance the capacity of local organizations dedicated to improving water quality, wildlife, and cultural resources in the Lake Champlain Basin. With over 1,000 grants awarded since 1992, the LCBP fosters partnerships among diverse communities and stakeholders, enabling them to implement critical pollution prevention and habitat restoration initiatives. This grant aims to support these efforts for a healthier and more engaged community, ensuring the preservation of this vital natural resource.

Granite United Way's Community Response Grants provide essential short-term funding to nonprofits in New Hampshire and Windsor County, Vermont. Aiming to strengthen community well-being, these grants address pressing needs like homelessness and education gaps. By supporting general operations and service continuity, GUW empowers organizations to respond rapidly to emerging challenges. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, fostering resilience and positive change within local communities. Together, we can create lasting impacts and uplift those in need.

The Vermont Watershed Grant Program, established in 1998, aims to protect and restore Vermont's water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and streams. It funds projects that enhance surface water quality and support habitat improvement. Eligible projects include conservation efforts, educational initiatives, and recreational enhancements, focusing on monitoring water quality and protecting fish and wildlife habitats. Grants are available for towns, nonprofits, and community groups engaged in specific watershed-related projects.

The National Life Group Charitable Foundation provides grants to nonprofits primarily in Vermont and Texas, focusing on proven programs that address issues like childhood hunger and family support. With an annual budget of $2 million, the foundation seeks proposals with a clear plan, community backing, and measurable success. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while ineligible projects include endowments, scholarships, and those that discriminate based on race, gender, or other factors.

The Vermont Arts Council is offering one-year Arts Operating Grants for FY2026 to support arts organizations in providing high-quality programming that enriches local communities. These grants aim to bolster the creative economy by ensuring operational sustainability for organizations committed to accessibility and inclusion. Eligible applicants include nonprofit arts organizations and municipal agencies in Vermont. This initiative underscores the Council's dedication to fostering a vibrant arts scene that benefits all Vermonters.

The Kelsey Trust, established in 1988, supports organizations that benefit the people and protect the environment of the Lake Champlain Basin. With a preference for local initiatives, the Trust collaborates with the Vermont Community Foundation for grantmaking. The Spring Grants focus on education and environmental projects, with a Letter of Interest deadline of June 1st and grant decisions announced by June 30th. Organizations eligible must be tax-exempt or public agencies in Vermont or New York.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Walter Cerf Community Fund provides large grants of up to $25,000 to support charitable needs in Vermont, with a focus on arts, education, historic preservation, and social services. Organizations serving Addison County or Brandon are eligible, promoting collaboration and support for underserved populations. Established in 2001 in memory of Walter Cerf, the fund aims to inspire giving and address community needs. Applications are welcomed from tax-exempt organizations, with specific project requirements for funding consideration.

The Walter Cerf Community Fund, established by the Vermont Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Walter Cerf by providing grants to organizations that improve the lives of Vermonters. This fund supports projects in the arts, education, historic preservation, and social services, with a focus on underserved populations. Grants range from $500 to $25,000, prioritizing programs that foster community collaboration and address local needs, especially in Addison County and Brandon.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Vermont provide essential funding for small rural businesses by offering technical assistance and training. The program has no maximum grant amount, but requests are prioritized based on size, with limits of $100,000 for certain counties and $30,000 for others. It aims to foster economic growth in rural areas by supporting projects that enhance business capacity and community development while ensuring the funds benefit designated rural regions.