Best Grants for Performing Arts in Vermont

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Vermont may be eligible for support, including performing arts groups addressing social issues. Creag Foundation supports creative, smaller or evolving organizations that are developing new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed societal challenges.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, and welfare can apply for up to US $15,000 to run enrichment, advocacy, and basic-needs programs, including in Vermont. With a mission to enrich children’s lives, Dan Paul Foundation provides funding for initiatives like early childhood development, scholarships, homelessness, refugee enrichment, and environmental responsibility.

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.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Vermont can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like disaster preparedness, fire prevention, affordable housing, job training, and K–12 or higher education, which may include arts-related educational components.

Performing arts and cultural institutions in Vermont with U.S.-based 501(c)(3) status and audited expenses of at least $2 million can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for culture-focused programs. Support may include program, capital, limited general operating, or endowment funding for arts education, artist development, museums, and major performing arts organizations; awards are typically more than US $100,000.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million that run proven social service programs can seek more than US $100,000 to expand direct services, capital projects, or general operations. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes scalable efforts in economic independence, family strengthening, housing, food access, reentry, and youth development, which may benefit Vermont organizations with related performing arts outreach or education components.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community-focused programs can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorships, which fund initiatives rather than ticketed benefits. The program supports basic needs, workforce development, community development, arts and culture, environmental efforts, and diversity and inclusion, and may benefit performing arts organizations that strengthen local economic and social life.

Vermont schools, districts, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can secure funding for multi-day artist residencies that integrate arts into classroom, schoolwide, or after-school learning in Vermont. Vermont Arts Council supports projects connecting students with teaching artists in areas like dance, music, theater, circus, and visual arts, covering instruction, planning time, and limited materials.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts and culture organizations, including performing arts groups in Vermont, can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support programs that reflect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Hansen Family Foundation funds U.S.-based organizations with budgets under $1 million and overhead below 25%, with grants available domestically and internationally.

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.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. TJX Foundation supports these community services, and performing arts groups may be eligible if their programs advance these priorities for vulnerable children and families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Vermont seeking support for environmental or human services work can apply for unrestricted grants from Lawrence Foundation, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Performing arts organizations that fit these priorities may be eligible for general operating or program support, with reasonable indirect costs allowed.

Performing arts nonprofits in Vermont seeking support for cultural programs, museums, or community-based arts initiatives can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 in grants from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, including schools, hospitals, and youth or senior programs with arts components, may be eligible for project or program funding.

New England 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, tribal governments, and public agencies can receive up to US $15,000 to present touring performing, literary, or media artists, including projects in Vermont. Focused on performing arts touring, the New England Foundation for the Arts supports public performances, readings, screenings, and community engagement through its NEST 1, 2, and 3 grants.

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.

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.

Nonprofits, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored groups presenting classical music performances in Chittenden County can apply for funding; awards are up to US $20,000 over two years. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation help Vermont performing arts organizations support public classical concerts reaching broad and underserved audiences within the grant period.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with youth, family, food security, or environmental programs in Vermont and across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Singapore can apply for US $30,000 - US $350,000 to expand community impact. Chick Fil A Foundation provides these True Inspiration Awards, which may benefit performing arts groups whose work advances youth development or community services.

Nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and schools in Vermont can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 to present performances, festivals, public art, and other community arts projects that expand access to the arts. With a mission to add vibrancy to Vermont communities, Vermont Arts Council supports creative placemaking, accessibility, and projects responding to recent flooding impacts.

Nonprofit organizations, municipalities, schools, and fiscally sponsored projects in Vermont can receive up to US $12,000 for community-based arts initiatives that build social connection and wellbeing. Focused on arts and social cohesion, Vermont Community Foundation supports participatory performing, visual, and public art projects that engage diverse residents, especially marginalized groups, as co-creators and active participants.

Vermont nonprofit organizations and municipalities that own in-state cultural facilities at least 10 years old can seek funding to enhance buildings for public arts and cultural activities. Grants from Vermont Arts Council help Vermont performing arts and cultural institutions improve accessibility, safety, energy efficiency, and stage or exhibit infrastructure, with awards ranging from US $1,000 - US $30,000.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can receive national recognition and support through the Community Partnership Award, which may benefit Vermont performing arts groups collaborating with other sectors. Mutual of America Foundation honors six partnerships annually for measurable social impact and innovative, cooperative approaches to significant issues.

Nonprofit organizations addressing disadvantage, poverty, disability, or humanitarian needs in Vermont and other eligible countries can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 to help people become more self-reliant. With a mission to support focused interventions for disadvantaged people, Gupta Family Foundation prioritizes smaller, non-sectarian organizations where at least 90% of funds reach beneficiaries.