Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Vermont

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving low-income or vulnerable people can apply for Agnes M. Lindsay Trust grants of US $1,000 - US $7,500 for health and welfare, dental care, food security, camperships, or homeless shelters. Funding supports capital needs and some operating or program costs for human and social service organizations.

Vermont nonprofits and other community organizations hosting one-time events can seek sponsorship support for arts, education, health, youth, hunger, and social service activities. Grants from National Life Group Charitable Foundation help Vermont groups that demonstrate strong planning, community backing, and clear success metrics, with awards up to US $5,000 and visibility for the funder’s “do good” message.

Nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups in Vermont can receive US $500 - US $5,000 to support community, youth, environment, and sustainability projects. Vermont Community Foundation’s Green Mountain Fund backs work in Lamoille, Orleans, and neighboring counties, including programs for low-income families, food security, climate goals, and children’s health and wellness.

The RALI Grant, offered by the Vermont Community Foundation, is an invitation-only program aimed at fostering regional and local impact through community-driven projects. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $25,000 annually, supporting initiatives that address economic equity, education, climate, health, and community leadership. Successful proposals will demonstrate collaboration, readiness, and measurable impact, ensuring they effectively tackle barriers to opportunity for Vermonters. Interested organizations must complete the Nonprofit Connection Form to be considered.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in areas like education, human services, youth, environment, arts, or economic development can apply for Peoples Bank Foundation support. Focus is on programs within the bank’s footprint that benefit low- to moderate-income individuals and families, with one direct application per organization each year.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and families in southern Vermont can apply for Stratton Mountain & Valley Community Benefit Foundation grants up to US $5,000 to support programs addressing poverty. Funding may support food and hunger relief, health and dental access, basic necessities, and education and economic opportunity initiatives in eligible service area towns.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

With a mission to expand higher-education opportunities, the Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation provides Vermont educational nonprofits and public entities with funding for college readiness, access, and completion programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, Tribal governments, and religious organizations serving underserved New England students may request program, general operating, small capital, or research support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and research institutions in Vermont working on pollinator health, sustainable agriculture, or related public education can apply for One Hive Foundation grants up to US $75,000. Funding supports research, advocacy, public education, policy projects, capacity building, and next-generation farmer and beekeeper programs, with eligibility extending across the U.S. and Canada.

Vermont and Lake Champlain Basin 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups can seek winter grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 for children and family services, basic human needs, and health. With a mission to strengthen Vermont communities, Vermont Community Foundation partners with the Kelsey Trust to support organizations serving the Basin, with preference for those located there.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and local or regional governments running environmental and outdoor recreation projects in Vermont’s Deerfield River Basin can access funding through the Vermont Community Foundation. Grants up to US $14,000 support habitat restoration, freshwater conservation, trail work, education, and stewardship projects in eligible Vermont and neighboring Massachusetts counties.

The Lintilhac Foundation Grant aims to foster a stronger, healthier Vermont by supporting nonprofit organizations in various core areas such as clean energy, water quality, forest health, and sustainable outdoor recreation. With a legacy of over 50 years, the foundation emphasizes the importance of engaging local communities to address climate change, preserve biodiversity, and secure healthy food systems, while upholding democratic values and environmental science. This holistic approach ensures that both human and natural communities thrive together.

Vermont education-focused organizations planning large environmental education and outreach projects can access funding through Lake Champlain Basin Program, with awards from US $15,000 - US $50,000. Eligible projects should advance stewardship of Lake Champlain’s natural resources and cultural heritage across the basin’s communities in New York, Vermont, and Québec.

With a mission to improve oral health, Northeast Delta Dental Foundation provides Vermont nonprofits and public or academic institutions with funding up to US $2,000 for oral health education, preventive care programs, clinic equipment and supplies, workforce development, and research. Vermont 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) organizations focused on dental health access and quality may be competitive applicants.

Vermont nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status serving children and families through early childhood, health, or community programs can access funding through Couch Family Foundation. Grants support general operations, projects, capital needs, and event sponsorships for organizations in the Upper Valley region of Vermont that promote child and family well-being, resiliency, and vibrant, equitable communities.

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.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits with proven programs serving children, families, and community needs can seek funding for ongoing work in areas like childhood hunger, health and human services, education, environment, arts, and recreation. National Life Group Charitable Foundation focuses most support on central and northern Vermont, offering up to US $5,000 per grant.

Nonprofit organizations, municipalities, schools, and fiscally sponsored projects in Vermont can seek funding for community-based arts projects that build social connection and wellbeing, with awards up to US $12,000. Focused on arts and community engagement, Vermont Community Foundation supports participatory murals, residencies, public art, performances, workshops, and similar creative activities that reach diverse and marginalized Vermonters.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups in Vermont’s Lake Champlain Basin can seek $5,000 - $10,000 for education and environmental projects. Vermont Community Foundation’s Kelsey Trust Spring Grants support programs serving people and protecting the natural environment, with a strong preference for organizations located within the Basin.

Nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups serving Vermont border communities and New Hampshire can request up to US $10,000 for operating support or specific projects addressing clear organizational or community needs. New Hampshire Charitable Foundation reviews applications on a rolling basis and aligns proposals with available philanthropic funds for timely, one-year support.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups can seek up to US $5,000 for small, community-based projects serving Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties. Vermont Community Foundation’s Northeast Kingdom Fund backs locally led efforts where modest grants can launch new ideas or meet clear community needs in the region.

Vermont schools, municipal entities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Poultney and nearby communities can access funding through the Vermont Community Foundation to support educational, family, health, environmental, and community engagement projects. Grants of US $1,501 - US $7,500 can fund existing services, seed new initiatives, or expand outreach that strengthens sustainable, connected local communities.

Nonprofits, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored groups in Vermont can receive up to US $5,000 to hire consultants for organizational capacity building, planning, and leadership development. With a mission to strengthen communities, Vermont Community Foundation provides smaller-budget organizations with support for strategic planning, financial sustainability, DEI work, merger planning, and adapting to federal funding changes.

Vermont nonprofits and public agencies serving basic human needs can access funding for urgent, unbudgeted expenses through the Special and Urgent Needs Grant, with awards up to US $5,000. Organizations in Vermont facing sudden equipment failure, facility emergencies, crisis-related staffing, or time-sensitive opportunities may be eligible for rapid support from Vermont Community Foundation.