Best Grants for Museums in Vermont

The Hoehl Family Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals in need. This private foundation emphasizes the importance of access to essential services like housing, education, and healthcare, regardless of socioeconomic status. Eligible applicants can seek funding for various purposes, including general operating support and capacity building. The foundation encourages partial funding requests and values demonstrated community support for financial needs.

The Aquatic Organism Passage Grant, managed by the Lake Champlain Basin Program, aims to restore aquatic organism passage and enhance stream connectivity in the Lake Champlain Basin. With approximately $2.5 million available, the program invites proposals that support the Healthy Ecosystem goals outlined in the Opportunities for Action plan. Projects can include activities like culvert replacements and dam removals, with a focus on improving habitat and ecosystem functions for aquatic life. Applications are due by either September 8 or October 8, 2025.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

Farm to Institution Market Development Grants

The Farm to Institution Market Development Grant (formerly Local Food Market Development Grant) is intended to support market development opportunities for local food producers, with a focus on Vermont institutional markets. Funding is provided to help improve local producer access to, and engagement with, schools, hospitals, colleges, correctional facilities, and other local institutions.

Eligible proposals will increase institutional market opportunity for at least one Vermont farm business and increase the amount of local food purchased and served in Vermont institutions. Competitive proposals will focus on collaboration, developing new sales relationships or deepening existing sales relationships, and values-based procurement for institutions serving meals to Vermont residents. Competitive proposals will demonstrate high likelihood of long-term, sustained partnership between Vermont farms and Vermont institutions. 

Examples of institutional markets:

• Colleges and universities  
• Schools  
• Early childhood education facilities
• Correctional facilities  
• Nursing homes  
• Hospitals and healthcare providers

A total of $30,000 is available through this competitive funding opportunity. The minimum award for this grant program is $10,000 and the maximum award is $30,000. Each successful grantee will have two years from the signing of their grant agreement to expend their grant funds and submit all required deliverables. All applicants must demonstrate 25% of the total grant award in matching funds; the matching funds requirement can be met with cash, in-kind, or a combination of both.

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 Child Health Research Awards Program, funded by the Charles H. Hood Foundation, aims to support young investigators in pediatric research. It provides two-year grants of $200,000 to newly independent faculty, encouraging creativity and the transition to other funding sources. This initiative is pivotal in advancing children's health by fostering innovative research projects in New England, ultimately enhancing the well-being of children and families through early career support and funding opportunities.

The New England Food Vision Prize aims to enhance local food supply chains in New England's educational institutions by awarding up to $1.5 million. The program supports innovative projects that increase the amount of regionally produced food served to K-12 and college students. By fostering collaboration among schools, farmers, and community organizations, the Prize strengthens food systems while prioritizing access for students and communities with limited fresh food options.

The James M. Cox Foundation Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, and health. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in areas where Cox Enterprises operates. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines before Trustee meetings. Preference is given to organizations with a history of local engagement. This foundation embodies the philanthropic spirit of its founder, James M. Cox, by giving back to the community.

Assistive Technology Grant -  Allison Keller Education Technology Program

Realizing the gains that many people with autism have achieved using the iPad, the Allison Keller Education Technology Program was created in honor of Flutie Foundation Board Member Kevin Lane Keller's daughter Allison. The goal of the program is to help fill the financial and technological gap for schools and 501(c)3 organizations that assist individuals with autism.Applications will be considered for any technology tools and/or training that improve learning outcomes or performance. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Tablets & Accessories
• Apps
• Smartboards
• Laptops
• Technology Training
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educational activities & access to STEM studies

The Flutie Foundation is seeking innovative partners who are using technology to address real needs facing the autism community. One program per public school district is eligible to be awarded an Allison Keller Education Technology grant annually.

The Davis Family Foundation, established in Maine, focuses on granting support to educational, medical, and cultural/arts organizations. With over $63.5 million awarded since 1986, the foundation emphasizes innovative projects that make a significant impact on Maine communities. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and align with the foundation's priorities, ensuring projects enhance educational outcomes or address medical issues effectively. The foundation seeks unique projects that engage the community and preserve Maine's cultural heritage.

The Lionheart Charitable Trust Grant aims to protect the environment and support underserved communities in Vermont. Established in 2011, this private family foundation focuses on providing grants for environmental initiatives, education, research, and cultural projects. However, it does not fund political campaigns or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to promoting positive social change and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

The Vermont Arts Council's Arts Project Grant aims to enhance community vibrancy by supporting nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and schools in promoting equal access to the arts. Fundable projects include performances, public art, and creative experiences that foster inclusivity, as well as initiatives addressing issues like recent flooding. Priority is given to projects that expand access to the arts for all Vermonters, particularly those facing barriers due to age, ability, or income. The grant encourages innovative partnerships that strengthen community identity.

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 Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The Rural Industry Development Program (RIDP) facilitates business growth in Vermont by providing grant funding for the purchase, demolition, and renovation of industrial properties. This initiative aims to alleviate the scarcity of available industrial space and reduce permitting delays, enhancing the state's competitive edge. With a cost-sharing model, the program ensures that applicants secure additional funding while promoting local development and expansion efforts.

The Municipal Planning Grant (MPG) program in Vermont supports local municipalities in their planning and revitalization efforts. Administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development, it offers funding between $2,500 and $45,000, depending on the applicant type. Since its inception in 1998, the MPG has allocated over $15 million to enhance community growth and development, thereby improving the quality of life across the state.

The Early Childhood Arts Partnership Grants aim to enhance preschool education by integrating arts into early childhood programs. By fostering partnerships between education providers, arts organizations, and teaching artists, the initiative seeks to address equity challenges for underrepresented communities. Grants of up to $6,000 will support creative programming from January to August 2025, ensuring children experience culturally relevant arts education, thereby preparing them for academic success.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

The Wild Geese Foundation supports organizations focused on human rights, food justice, youth empowerment, and climate resilience. With a commitment to marginalized communities, they prioritize reproductive justice and sustainable agriculture in New England. Grants are available to 501(c)3 organizations, excluding those with budgets over $5 million or involved in international projects. Their mission emphasizes the importance of fostering environments where youth can thrive, ensuring a just and equitable society for all.

The NE-AIPG Angelo Tagliacozzo Memorial Geological Scholarship (ATMGS) supports junior and senior undergraduate geology students in the NE Section, honoring Angelo Tagliacozzo's legacy. Established in 1986, the scholarship aims to encourage young geologists to pursue careers in geological sciences. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited programs, on track for required credit hours, and can only receive the scholarship once. This initiative fosters early engagement with AIPG, emphasizing professional affiliation and support for the next generation of geologists.

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.

Project Feasibility Fund

The Board provides feasibility awards to assist with pre-development costs and feasibility analysis for individual projects. Feasibility funds typically cover the costs of appraisals, energy assessments, marketing studies, options, engineering and environmental studies, or other pre-development costs.

The purpose of this fund is to provide applicants with a source of funding to cover predevelopment project costs as described below in order to answer the question “is the project feasible?”. Evaluation of feasibility fund requests is done by VHCB staff.

Amount of Award

Conservation applicants may request up to $10,000 as a grant for a single project to cover feasibility related expenses. Housing applicants may request up to $20,000 as a grant for a single project to cover feasibility related expenses and up to $25,000 for scattered site projects containing more than two separate sites. Funds can only be used to compensate contracted services and shall not be used to compensate applicants for staff time.

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.

Water Quality Grants

The Farm & Forest Viability Program provides competitive, reimbursement-based grants of up to $50,000 to help Vermont farm businesses in water quality capital improvements. This program is funded by the State of Vermont Clean Water Budget, and there is approximately $750,000 in available funds in FY26.

Overview & Eligibility

Any Vermont farm with a gross farm income of $15,000 or more that is required to comply with Vermont’s Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs) is eligible for this award. We will consider applications from non-farm entities playing an integral role in water quality management on farms, such as custom operators or non-profits. Please contact staff to ensure your entity is eligible prior to applying.

Key Bank Philanthropic Support - Community Sponsorships aims to enhance community welfare by providing financial backing to nonprofit organizations. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, these sponsorships focus on fundraising events and operational support for initiatives that foster economic inclusion and community growth. Applications are accepted from January to October, with decisions typically made within 90 days, ensuring timely support for impactful local projects.

The VAFM: Capital Equipment Assistance Program offers financial assistance to Vermont-based farmers and custom manure applicators. This program aims to support the acquisition of innovative equipment that reduces agricultural waste runoff, enhances water quality, minimizes odors from manure, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. By providing this support, the program helps farmers decrease their costs while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

The Vermont Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a voluntary initiative aimed at enhancing water quality by converting agricultural land into vegetative buffers. It offers financial assistance through state and federal funding, covering up to 90% of implementation costs for necessary infrastructure. Landowners receive upfront and annual payments for maintaining these buffers over 15 to 30-year contracts, thus incentivizing sustainable agricultural practices and protecting essential waterways.

KeyBank's Community Grants support tax-exempt organizations that align with the Foundation's funding priorities, focusing on improving community well-being. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, eligible organizations must have an operating budget of at least $100,000 and a minimum of three years in operation. The application process is invitation-only, requiring interested organizations to submit an Expression of Interest for review, typically receiving feedback within 90 days.