Best Grants for the Arts in Vermont

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 Community Action Team Grant Program, funded by the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, provides small grants, typically under $2,000, to local non-profits and community programs in Vermont. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed monthly. The program prioritizes support for underserved populations, addressing basic needs, and fostering community involvement. Ineligible organizations include those outside Vermont or focused on individual scholarships. For more details, visit their FAQs.

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 Vermont Arts Council's Animating Infrastructure Grant supports communities in integrating public art into infrastructure projects. This initiative encourages collaboration between artists and local communities to enhance pride and identity through site-specific art installations. The program aims to improve livability in Vermont by utilizing various infrastructure elements, fostering connections, and creating vibrant spaces. Grants are available for both public art design and implementation, providing funding up to $15,000 for selected projects.

The Arts & Social Cohesion Grant, funded by the Vermont Community Foundation, aims to enhance community belonging through diverse artistic projects. Grants up to $10,000 will support initiatives like mural projects, artist residencies, and public performances that foster collaboration and engagement. The program prioritizes projects that connect marginalized voices and create inclusive environments, encouraging social interaction and community cohesion. This grant is designed for nonprofits and community groups focused on impactful artistic endeavors.

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 Turrell Fund Grant focuses on supporting organizations that serve children and families, particularly in Vermont and New Jersey. Emphasizing early childhood development, K-12 education, and access to arts and social services, the fund aims to address systemic barriers and promote equity. Priority is given to initiatives that foster systemic change and advocate for policy improvements, ensuring every child has access to quality education and resources necessary for a strong start in life.

The New England States Touring (NEST) Grant supports nonprofit organizations in New England to present performances, readings, and screenings by regional and international artists. With three funding tiers—NEST 1, NEST 2, and NEST 3—this initiative aims to enhance community engagement, foster collaborations, and promote diversity in the arts. Eligible organizations can receive up to $10,000 to fund projects that occur between June 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.

The Windham Foundation Grants Program offers financial support to organizations enhancing the quality of life in Vermont. Grants, averaging $2,500 to $5,000, focus on agriculture, arts, community development, and wellness initiatives. Eligible applicants include non-profits and public entities located in Vermont, with a preference for collaborative projects. The Foundation encourages applications that demonstrate financial stability and a clear impact on community resilience, while limiting funding to no more than 50% of the total project cost.

The Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations in arts, education, health, and environmental sectors, especially in underserved communities in Massachusetts and Northern New England. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with an emphasis on projects that address food security, housing, and cultural access for disadvantaged populations. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its current funding priorities, particularly benefiting low-income youth, Indigenous communities, and immigrants.

The WGPF: Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program celebrates and promotes local folklore, legends, and folklife as vital aspects of cultural heritage. Targeted at 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities across 14 US states, it aims to enhance cultural tourism by commemorating community stories. Successful applications typically focus on folktales, historical legends, and community traditions, while excluding purely literary works or personal folklore that lacks broader community significance.

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 Vermont Arts Council offers Creative Aging Grants to support non-profits in providing skill-based arts instruction for older adults aged 60 and above. Grants of up to $6,000 can be used for projects that foster social engagement and community building through the arts. Priority is given to projects led by Vermont artists that align with the Council's creative aging approach. This initiative aims to enhance emotional well-being and strengthen social bonds among older adults.

The VCF Special and Urgent Needs Grant (SUN) supports Vermont nonprofits facing unexpected expenses that hinder their mission. Grants, typically up to $5,000, are available for emergencies or unanticipated opportunities. Eligible organizations must serve Vermont residents and basic human needs. The program prioritizes those with budgets under $500,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until November 14, 2025, with decisions made within 20 business days. Reopening is scheduled for February 2026.

The Clowes Fund focuses on supporting socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals in New England, particularly in Vermont. The fund prioritizes immigrant services, workforce development, and arts education. It is crucial for applicants to be aware that only organizations meeting specific eligibility criteria will be considered for funding. The application process is competitive, and transparency is emphasized, as fewer than 10% of introductory applications lead to grants. For more details, visit their official site.

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 Lucy Downing Nisbet Charitable Fund, established in 2002, supports educational, health, human services, and arts programming for underserved populations in Vermont. It prioritizes organizations focused on healthcare, domestic violence awareness, and environmental conservation. Eligible applicants must have a Vermont office, while grants are not made for deficit financing or capital projects. Special consideration is given to local organizations serving Morrisville, VT, and those addressing critical health and community issues.

The Dealer.com Community Partnership Grant supports initiatives that create meaningful community impact, aligned with Cox's values. Focus areas include STEAM education, youth development, local sustainability, food security, and health and wellness. Grants are available for capital campaigns and special projects, with a priority on organizations with budgets under $3 million located in Vermont. Applications for 2026 sponsorships are now open, promoting a commitment to building stronger communities.

The David, Helen and Marian Woodward Fund (Watertown) provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in New York and New England. Established in 1974 by Marian Woodward Ottley, the fund aims to fulfill her vision of improving the world for future generations. The fund prioritizes arts, education, health, and human services, with a historical preference for Connecticut organizations. It also considers the religious affiliations of applicants, reflecting Mrs. Ottley's charitable legacy.

The Vermont Community Foundation's Spark Connecting Community Grant supports grassroots projects that enhance social capital and community connections in Vermont. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, it prioritizes initiatives from under-represented counties, fostering collaboration among local champions. The program seeks innovative projects that promote civic engagement, health, and resilience, while encouraging first-time grant seekers and organizations with smaller budgets to apply for funding.

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 Community Foundation, established in 1986, aims to inspire giving and unite resources to effect change in Vermont. The Concert Artists Fund specifically supports classical music performances in Chittenden County, offering grants of up to $20,000 over two years. Organizations must be tax-exempt and serve Vermont's community. The fund prioritizes artistic quality and accessibility while ensuring activities are free from discrimination. This initiative fosters collaboration, enhancing the cultural landscape of the region.

The Claremont Savings Bank Foundation Grant supports local non-profits enhancing community quality of life and economic vitality. Since 2003, it has awarded over $2.7 million in grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) approved and serve the Bank's CRA area, with a focus on civic, arts, social services, health, and affordable housing. The Foundation prioritizes community-impact projects, while excluding individuals, political, or religious organizations.

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 Vermont Arts Council's Cultural Facilities Grant supports nonprofit organizations and municipalities in enhancing or expanding cultural facilities that are at least 10 years old and located in Vermont. Eligible projects include improvements to infrastructure, accessibility features, and energy efficiency upgrades, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $30,000. A 1:1 cash match is required, and funding is contingent upon project completion and reporting. Contact the grant manager to ensure eligibility before applying.