Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Vermont

Nonprofits and community organizations in Vermont seeking to change systems for residents facing barriers to opportunity can apply for Vermont Community Foundation’s invitation-only Regional and Local Impact grants, awarding US $15,000 - US $25,000 per year. Grants support place-based projects in areas like economic equity, education and training, climate and environment, health and wellbeing, and community leadership.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored groups can receive up to US $5,000 for consultant fees to strengthen organizational capacity and sustainability. With a mission to inspire giving, Vermont Community Foundation provides small Vermont nonprofits with support for strategic planning, financial sustainability, leadership development, DEI work, and merger or transition planning.

Grants from Vermont Community Foundation help Vermont nonprofits cover unexpected, time-sensitive expenses that affect their ability to provide basic human needs like food, shelter, social services, and health. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, public agencies, municipalities, or fiscally sponsored groups can request up to US $5,000 for emergency repairs, essential equipment, staffing gaps, or urgent staff well-being programming.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations can seek McGraw Foundation support for education, human services, health, conservation, and cultural programs, with typical awards of US $2,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, McGraw Foundation provides small grants that may benefit Vermont nonprofits whose work aligns with these priorities.

Vermont agricultural producers and forest landowners seeking to enhance conservation on working lands can receive technical and financial assistance to improve soil, water, and wildlife habitat. Focused on environmental stewardship, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Vermont invites eligible operations into five-year Conservation Stewardship Program contracts that reward existing practices and fund additional conservation activities across entire farms or forests.

Nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations working on community development, basic needs, education, and environmental projects in Vermont’s Essex County can apply for the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund’s Large Grants Program, awarding US $20,000 - US $300,000. Grants from New Hampshire Charitable Foundation help strengthen rural communities, youth leadership, outdoor recreation, and regional resiliency.

Vermont nonprofits, community groups, and similar entities planning hyperlocal, place-based projects can access funding for community-building activities through the Vermont Community Foundation’s Spark Connecting Community grants, with awards of US $500 - US $5,000. Vermont organizations, especially those in Essex, Grand Isle, and Franklin counties with budgets under $500,000, may benefit for grassroots efforts that strengthen social connections and local vitality.

Nonprofit and community organizations working on local development, basic needs, environment, recreation, or youth programs in Vermont and nearby eligible border regions can seek small project support. With a mission to strengthen these communities, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation provides grants up to US $20,000 through the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund - Local Grants Program.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. This US $3,000 award supports actionable, timely research addressing current challenges faced by the water industry and may benefit Vermont-based students whose work aligns with these topics.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Vermont can seek funding for community development, education, workforce preparation, and financial literacy programs. With a mission to improve lives through neighbors, education, and workforce initiatives, KeyBank Foundation provides US $10,000 - US $25,000 grants to support affordable housing, academic success, small business growth, and job readiness efforts.

Nonprofit organizations, public education institutions, and government entities serving Weyerhaeuser communities in Vermont can apply for grants of more than US $1,000 to support local community programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides funding for areas like affordable housing, youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, and workforce development.

Nonprofit organizations supporting women and children through services like homelessness support, education, humanitarian aid, health care, and anti-trafficking programs in Vermont can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000. Funding supports projects that build self-sufficiency, resilience, and sustainable community impact, including adult readiness, child welfare, and disaster relief initiatives.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing health, human services, dental care, camperships, homelessness support, or food security programs can seek US $1,000 - US $7,500 for capital or operating needs. Agnes M. Lindsay Trust supports organizations serving people with special needs, low-income families, children, seniors, and those experiencing homelessness or food insecurity.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and adolescents can seek funding for youth-focused programs, operations, or capital projects through the George W. Mergens Foundation. The foundation supports education and job training, after-school and camp enrichment, recreation and outdoor activities, and health and wellness initiatives, including food security and emotional wellbeing programs for young people and their families.

Lake Champlain–focused research institutions and nonprofit organizations in Vermont can seek funding for clean water and healthy ecosystem projects, including pilot studies and implementation efficacy research. Lake Champlain Basin Program provides Vermont environmental and conservation groups with US $25,000 - US $400,000 to advance water quality, habitat restoration, invasive species control, and related watershed stewardship priorities.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Vermont conducting biomedical research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with awards up to US $375,000 for small-scale projects. Eligible baccalaureate-granting institutions with limited prior NIH support may use funding to expand research opportunities for undergraduates and strengthen their biomedical research environment.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek US $20,000 - US $270,000 for projects serving children and youth, environmental conservation and education, or economic opportunity for families. Grants from Canaday Family Charitable Trust help launch Vermont-grown, project-based initiatives, including experimental efforts and some capital purchases, with clear, measurable goals and strong potential impact.

Environmental and conservation nonprofits in Vermont can receive funding to improve fisheries habitat, water quality, and aquatic ecosystem health in the Memphremagog Basin. Vermont Housing and Conservation Board supports land acquisition, infrastructure, habitat restoration, invasive species control, and aquatic organism passage projects, with priority for efforts that also advance climate resilience, community vitality, and environmental justice.

Early-career medical and health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries can seek NIH support for mentored clinical research and career development. Focused on global health and diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, and mental health conditions, this Emerging Global Leader Award may benefit Vermont nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators or institutions.

Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation Grant

The Perrigo Foundation is committed to empowering individuals and global communities by supporting programs and organizations that promote health, well-being, and education. We aim to prepare students and young adults for the workforce, providing accessible career pathways that inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential. The Foundation is proudly funded by Perrigo Company plc.

Mission Statement

To provide financial support to non-profit organizations that promote our commitment to enhancing the health, well-being and education of individuals and families in the communities in which Perrigo operates. 

Vision Statement

To help improve and positively impact communities by improving access to quality health services, creating educational opportunities, and supporting the needs of the under-served.

Giving Back to Our Communities

Healthcare

We are providing program stability and capacity building for key community agencies, supporting local nonprofits to improve the quality and accessibility of services, and increasing the quality of mental health services, especially for children and families. 

Education

 Education, post-secondary scholarships, and support for first-generation and low-income students primarily focused on a STEM career, advancement for STEM curriculum, and resources in the K-12 classrooms. 

Supporting the Underserved

Community engagement and well-being, ensuring access to basic human necessities such as food, housing, end-of-life support, and necessary social services.

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.

Clean Water Programs

VHCB administers two separate funding programs to support a healthy and clean Lake Memphremagog Basin—the Memphremagog Clean Water Service Provider, funded through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Leahy Memphremagog Clean Water Program, funded through the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Formula Grant Clean Water Projects in the Memphremagog Basin (Basin 17)

Introduction

The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB), in its role as the Clean Water Service (CWSP) Provider for Basin 17, is accepting funding applications for projects that improve water quality in Basin 17, with a focus on projects that lead to a substantial reduction in phosphorus runoff into surface waters. Projects must be in line with the vision set forth by Act 76, the Clean Water Service Delivery Act, and policies and guidance set forth by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to implement the Act.

Nonprofit and school-based programs in Vermont offering high-quality afterschool or summer learning can seek multi-year support for K–12 academic enrichment and youth development. Grants from Vermont Agency of Education provide US $250,000 - US $700,000 to expand tutoring, STEM/STEAM, arts, literacy, social-emotional learning, and other comprehensive out-of-school-time services over five years.

The Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports early career research scientists from low- or middle-income countries (LMIC) by providing research funding and mentored career development for three to five years. This program encourages LMIC scientists in health-related fields to develop projects aligned with their country's health priorities, fostering independent research careers within their institutions. Applications are welcomed from junior faculty members, enhancing global health research and capacity in LMICs.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

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 Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.