Best Plant Grants in Vermont

Students enrolled in degree-granting programs conducting plant science or botanical conservation research involving at least one species from the northeastern or mid-Atlantic U.S., including Vermont, can apply for the Bayard Long Award, which generally provides US $2,000. Funding can support field, herbarium, or lab work, including travel, living expenses, supplies, and minor equipment.

Vermont graduate students conducting botanical research on New England flora can access funding through the New England Botanical Society, with awards up to US $3,000. Support covers field, lab, herbarium work, and travel in the region for projects in systematic botany, plant ecology, genetics, plant conservation biology, and related fields.

Researchers proposing botanical field, herbarium, library, or archival studies on plants of northeastern North America, including Vermont, can access funding through grants from New England Botanical Society. Awards up to US $2,000 can cover travel, living expenses, supplies, equipment, and modest stipends for projects that are hard to fund through traditional academic or agency sources.

Nurseries, farms, and other organizations in Vermont and the U.S. portion of the Lake Champlain Basin that can grow or sell native trees and shrubs can seek funding for infrastructure and workforce development. Lake Champlain Basin Program offers up to US $500,000 to expand native plant supply for habitat conservation projects benefiting Lake Champlain.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations restoring diminished native tree species through research, seed orchards, or forest land preservation can access funding via the Oak Hill Fund. This program supports project-specific work and related overhead across the continental U.S., and may benefit botanical conservation and land and habitat conservation efforts involving native trees.

Undergraduate and graduate students conducting botany, plant ecology, or plant-focused research within the Northern California Botanists geographic range can receive US $1,500 research scholarships to support independent study, thesis, or dissertation work. Vermont-based students enrolled full-time at any accredited college or university may be eligible if their projects take place in this defined region.

Students planning natural resources careers in fields like botany, ecology, forestry, hydrology, or soil science who reside in select northeastern Illinois counties can receive scholarship support for full-time study. Focused on environmental and plant-related disciplines, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois program may benefit those pursuing higher education in conservation and botanical fields.

Vermont students in plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture can access funding through the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region if they are third- or fourth-year undergraduates or graduate students. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and reside in specified Capital Region counties to receive this academic scholarship support.

Vermont plant science graduate students enrolled in U.S. PhD programs can access funding through Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ Botany in Action Fellowship to support plant-based research and outreach. Awards of US $6,000 fund research and education activities in the U.S. or abroad, plus travel to Phipps for science communication training and public engagement opportunities.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study landscape architecture, environmental science, environmental engineering, horticulture, botany, forestry, or agriculture can receive tuition assistance for college or post-secondary programs. Grants from Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains help students, including those in Vermont plant-related fields, pursue higher education in environmental and plant sciences.

Undergraduate students from the U.S. and Puerto Rico interested in plant science and botanical conservation can receive full support to attend the 2025 Botany conference through the Botany and Beyond: PLANTS Grants. Focused on mentoring and immersive research exposure, Botanical Society of America offers travel, lodging, meals, and conference registration for selected PLANTS Scholars.

Graduating high school seniors in Vermont planning to study natural resources, fish and wildlife, forest management, or similar conservation fields at a 2- or 4-year college can use this scholarship for higher education costs. With a mission to support conservation-minded students, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation considers financial need and outdoor sports participation.

Individuals studying or preserving native orchids in North America, including work relevant to Vermont botanical conservation, can receive US $500 through the Philip Keenan Award. Focused on orchid research and conservation, the American Orchid Society honors students, amateurs, and professionals for significant contributions to native orchid study or protection.

Graduate students in biology, horticulture, or related fields working on botanical conservation in the U.S. can receive up to US $4,500 for research at a botanical garden. Grants from Garden Club of America support conservation horticulture projects, with preference for work on endangered flora of the Carolinas or the southeastern U.S., benefiting students in Vermont and beyond.

The Bureau of Land Management's Plant Conservation and Restoration Program (PCRP) aims to enhance the native seed supply chain, crucial for restoring resilient public lands. By collaborating with various partners, PCRP seeks to improve rangeland health, restore wildlife habitats, and create job opportunities. In 2026, the focus will be on local seed collections, supporting farmers entering the native seed market, and developing innovative technologies to ensure effective restoration outcomes and ecological resilience.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and eligible housing entities working on equitable and affordable housing innovations in Vermont can apply for Enterprise Community Partners’ national Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge; awards US $2,000,000 for ready-to-scale solutions. Projects improving design and construction, finance, or service delivery for affordable rental or ownership housing may be competitive.

Nonprofits and educational institutions working on food system transformation, farmed animal issues, or related advocacy in Vermont and beyond can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000. Grants may be unrestricted or project-based and can support research, policy, public outreach, and other initiatives that may benefit plant-focused and botanical conservation efforts.

AFL Community Grants aim to empower education, youth, and life advancement through targeted community support. The program is designed for non-profit organizations, focusing on STEM education, youth development, and the LEAP initiative for adult self-sufficiency. With grant applications opening in 2025, AFL Global seeks to make a lasting impact in communities by addressing their greatest needs and fostering growth through education and development initiatives.

Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation

Empowerment through Food Awareness, Access, and Education

We are a private, family-directed, not-for-profit philanthropic organization, established through the estate of Ann B. Zekauskas. We are dedicated to educating students, families, and communities, especially the underserved, on producing, preparing, and eating healthy foods, and to supporting organizations focused on hunger relief and careers in the culinary arts.

We perform our mission through collaborations with and support of approved non-profit organizations within these key areas of giving: nutrition education, food access, and culinary arts training.

Nutrition Education

Ann B. Zekauskas believed that individuals of all ages — especially school-aged children and their families — should be provided with an education to understand how food makes its way from seed to plate —from planting and growing, to harvesting and sourcing, to cooking and serving.

Nutrition education empowers people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make healthy food choices, promoting overall mental well-being and physical wellness.

In carrying out Ann’s legacy, we work with schools, community groups, and other like-minded organizations across the country, supporting their programs that encourage a lifelong practice of healthy eating.

Request a Grant

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on climate and clean energy policy or climate change education can apply for the Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation’s Environment Grant. Funding may support Vermont projects that reduce fossil fuel demand, address oil and gas infrastructure, or deliver scientifically accurate, action-oriented climate education for high school and college students.

U.S. human and social service charities, especially those serving children and people in need, can seek program support that benefits communities in Vermont and beyond. Nailba Charitable Foundation funds nonsectarian programs such as at-risk youth services, emergency food or shelter, disability support, and mental health or substance abuse initiatives that have backing from a NAILBA member agency or corporate partner.

Environmental and conservation nonprofits working on plant, habitat, or ecosystem projects in Vermont can seek funding to support biodiversity on private lands and related restoration work. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help U.S. organizations, with emphasis on the arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000 and occasional larger, multi-year partnerships.

SITKA Ecosystem Grants support projects that enhance ecosystems and promote conservation efforts. These grants encourage both grassroots initiatives and larger organizational projects, aiming to improve habitat restoration, biodiversity, and the hunting experience. With funding ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, applicants must be 18 years or older and have relevant experience. The review process is ongoing, and projects should emphasize collaboration and measurable impacts on environmental goals, benefiting both society and ecosystems.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.

HCLTech Grant Edition II focuses on impactful climate action by investing $5 million over five years to support NGOs in the Americas. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable projects that align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a history of significant contributions in India, HCLTech is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and fostering innovative solutions to address pressing climate challenges. The grant encourages collaboration and aims to transform communities through effective climate action.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.

The Regenerative Agriculture Foundation Grant supports organizations that promote regenerative practices, emphasizing the value of people, plants, animals, and the planet. With a focus on BIPOC-led initiatives, the foundation encourages systemic change in agricultural systems through collaborative funding. Grants are available to U.S.-based organizations that align with RAF's vision and engage in transformative efforts. The competitive grantmaking process is by invitation only, ensuring targeted support for impactful projects.