Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in Vermont

Vermont 501(c)(3) and other community-focused organizations seeking support for systems-change projects can apply for grants of US $15,000 - US $25,000 to benefit Vermonters facing barriers to opportunity. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation help Vermont nonprofits advance economic equity, education and training, climate and environment, health and wellbeing, and democracy and community leadership through collaborative, community-engaged strategies. Note: this program is invitation-only via the Nonprofit Connection Form.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored groups can receive up to US $5,000 to hire consultants for organizational capacity-building projects. With a mission to inspire giving and strengthen Vermont, Vermont Community Foundation provides support for strategic and financial planning, leadership and board development, DEI work, merger planning, and adapting to federal funding changes.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored groups facing unexpected basic-needs expenses can seek emergency support through the Special and Urgent Needs Grant, with awards up to US $5,000. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation help Vermont human services providers cover unbudgeted crises like critical repairs, essential equipment replacement, short-term staffing, or staff well-being programming.

With a mission to support education, human services, conservation, and health programs, McGraw Foundation provides Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for general operating support, specific projects, and occasional capital needs. Eligible nonprofits must be tax-exempt under IRS rules and typically receive between US $2,000 - US $10,000, with occasional larger awards.

Vermont agricultural and forest producers seeking to enhance conservation on working lands can receive technical and financial assistance to improve soil, water, wildlife habitat, and overall stewardship. Focused on environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Vermont offers five-year CSP contracts that reward existing practices and fund additional conservation activities, which may benefit eligible 501(c)(3) land managers.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations, public agencies, schools, and municipalities can seek large grants for community development, basic needs, education, and environmental projects benefiting Essex County and the broader North Country region. Grants from New Hampshire Charitable Foundation support economic development, community resiliency, and education, with awards from US $20,000 - US $300,000, including multiyear funding.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations and community groups planning hyperlocal, place-based projects that build social connections can access funding through the Vermont Community Foundation; awards range from US $500 - US $5,000. Priority goes to smaller-budget applicants, especially in Essex, Grand Isle, and Franklin counties, for efforts that strengthen community vitality and engagement.

Nonprofit and community organizations working on community and rural development, basic needs, education, environment, recreation, or related projects in Coös County, NH and nearby border communities in Vermont, Maine, and Québec can seek support through the Local Grants Program. With a mission to strengthen these cross-border communities, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation provides awards up to US $20,000.

Vermont graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. This US $3,000 award supports actionable, timely research addressing current challenges in the water industry, which may benefit 501(c)(3) organizations partnering with academic researchers.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, education, or workforce programs can seek funding to support neighbors, students, and job seekers. With a mission to improve lives through thriving futures, KeyBank Foundation provides invited community grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 in states where it has retail operations, including Vermont.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public entities serving Weyerhaeuser communities can seek support for community development, housing, education, environment, and human services projects. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants over US $1,000 across its seven focus areas, including affordable housing, youth development, environmental stewardship, workforce development, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont serving women, children, and vulnerable families can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000 for programs building self-sufficiency and resilience. Funding may support homelessness services, education, job readiness, food security, microfinance, health care, anti-trafficking, disaster relief, and related humanitarian aid initiatives.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Vermont can receive US $1,000 - US $7,500 for health and welfare, dental care, homeless shelters, food pantries, and youth camperships. Agnes M. Lindsay Trust supports capital and operating needs, including equipment and program support, for organizations serving vulnerable children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities in northern New England states.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and adolescents can seek funding for youth-focused programs, operations, or capital projects. George W. Mergens Foundation supports education, STEM, job training, after-school and camp programs, arts, recreation, and health and wellness initiatives that enrich young people’s lives and promote knowledge, creativity, leadership, and wellbeing across Vermont.

Nonprofit research organizations and partners working on clean water, ecosystems, and watershed health in Vermont can seek US $25,000 - US $400,000 for Lake Champlain Basin projects. Lake Champlain Basin Program provides Vermont environmental and conservation groups with funding for research, pilot studies, and planning that advance its Opportunities for Action management plan.

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 that engage undergraduates and strengthen campus research capacity. Eligible institutions must grant baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH funding; 501(c)(3) campuses may benefit.

Vermont 501(c)(3) public charities can seek US $20,000 - US $270,000 to run special projects or new initiatives improving children’s lives, environmental quality, or economic opportunity. Grants from Canaday Family Charitable Trust help Vermont nonprofits deliver measurable, innovative programs in youth services, education, conservation, sustainability, and family economic stability.

Nonprofits and other organizations improving fisheries habitat, water quality, or aquatic ecosystem health in Vermont’s Memphremagog Basin can apply for project and acquisition funding from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board; awards are more than US $300,000. Eligible work includes land acquisition, infrastructure, habitat restoration, invasive species control, and aquatic organism passage projects.

Early-career clinical and public health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can seek NIH support for mentored medical and health research careers. Focused on diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, mental health, and environmental health, the Emerging Global Leader Award provides approximately US $140,000 and may benefit Vermont 501(c)(3)s collaborating with LMIC investigators.

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.

Vermont schools and youth-serving organizations seeking support for comprehensive afterschool and summer learning programs can apply for this multi-year grant. Grants from Vermont Agency of Education help Vermont education and youth programs offer high-quality academic enrichment, tutoring, STEM/STEAM, arts, social-emotional learning, and college and career preparation, with awards ranging from US $250,000 - US $700,000.

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.