Best Grants for Community Centers in Vermont

Community-based organizations in Vermont working to change systems for residents facing barriers to opportunity can access funding for locally driven projects that improve economic equity, education, health, environment, or community leadership. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation provide US $15,000 - US $25,000 per year, by invitation only, and may support community center initiatives with strong collaboration and evaluation plans.

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 planning. With a mission to inspire giving, Vermont Community Foundation provides support for strategic planning, financial sustainability, leadership training, DEI work, and other planning that benefits community-serving organizations, including community centers.

Vermont nonprofits, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups facing unexpected basic human needs expenses can access funding through the Special and Urgent Needs Grant, with awards up to US $5,000. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation help Vermont community-based organizations cover unbudgeted emergencies, critical equipment failures, staff well-being, or timely opportunities that affect their ability to serve residents.

With a mission to support education, conservation, and human services, Vermont 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations can apply for McGraw Foundation’s grants to fund general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs. Awards range from US $2,000 - US $10,000 and may benefit community centers offering education, health, or social service programs.

Vermont agricultural producers and land managers seeking to enhance conservation on working lands can receive technical and financial assistance to improve soil, water, wildlife habitat, and overall resilience. Focused on environmental stewardship, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Vermont invites eligible operations to enroll entire farms or forests in five-year Conservation Stewardship Program contracts that reward existing and new conservation practices.

Nonprofits, public agencies, schools, and municipalities working on community development, gathering spaces, and basic needs in Vermont’s Essex County can apply for US $20,000 - US $300,000 to support large, multi-year projects. Grants from New Hampshire Charitable Foundation help Vermont community centers and related initiatives strengthen resiliency, youth leadership, and local infrastructure within the broader North Country region.

Vermont community centers and grassroots groups can access funding through the Vermont Community Foundation to launch hyperlocal projects that build social connections and community vitality. Grants of US $500 - US $5,000 support place-based activities like public art, trails, learning opportunities, and community events, with priority for smaller-budget organizations and projects in Essex, Grand Isle, and Franklin counties.

Nonprofit and community-focused organizations working on community development, basic needs, education, health, outdoor recreation, or environmental stewardship in Vermont and nearby border regions can seek support for local projects. 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 researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through this scholarship to advance solutions for current water industry challenges. Offered by the American Water Works Association, the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship provides US $3,000 and may benefit students connected with Vermont community-centered programs or facilities.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Vermont can seek funding for community development, affordable housing, education, and workforce readiness programs. With a mission to improve lives through neighbors, education, and workforce initiatives, KeyBank Foundation provides US $10,000 - US $25,000 grants that may benefit community centers focused on economic inclusion, academic success, and job preparation.

Nonprofit charities, schools, and municipalities serving designated Weyerhaeuser communities in Vermont and beyond can seek more than US $1,000 for local projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides support for community centers through affordable housing, education and youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, civic and cultural growth, workforce development, and DEI initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations running programs for women, children, and families in Vermont can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000 to build self-sufficiency and resilience. Community centers offering services like homelessness support, education, employment assistance, food security, health care, or anti-trafficking initiatives may be eligible.

Vermont 501(c)(3) human and social service nonprofits can receive US $1,000 - US $7,500 to support health and welfare, dental care, camp scholarships, homeless shelters, and food security programs. Agnes M. Lindsay Trust provides capital and operating grants that may benefit community centers serving low-income, elderly, youth, and other vulnerable residents.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and adolescents can seek funding for youth education, enrichment, recreation, and health and wellness programs. George W. Mergens Foundation supports local nonprofits with general operating, project, and capital grants, which may benefit community centers offering STEM, arts, after-school, camp, sports, or food security initiatives for young people.

Vermont research institutions, nonprofits, and other organizations focused on water and ecosystem science can seek funding to study clean water and healthy ecosystems in the Lake Champlain Basin, including awards of US $25,000 - US $400,000. Lake Champlain Basin Program supports projects that advance its management plan and may benefit community centers engaged in watershed stewardship efforts.

Undergraduate-focused colleges and universities in Vermont conducting biomedical research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with projects funded up to US $375,000. Eligible baccalaureate institutions with limited prior NIH support may use these small-scale research grants to expand student research opportunities and strengthen their campus research environment, which can benefit campus-based community programs and centers.

Vermont 501(c)(3) public charities seeking project or capital funding for children and youth services, environmental conservation and education, or economic opportunity programs may be eligible for US $20,000 - US $270,000. Grants from Canaday Family Charitable Trust help Vermont organizations, including community centers, launch innovative, measurable initiatives that improve children’s lives, support families, and promote environmental stewardship and racial equity.

Environmental and conservation organizations in Vermont can apply for Vermont Housing and Conservation Board’s Leahy Memphremagog Clean Water Program Project and Acquisition Grants to fund land acquisition and on-the-ground projects improving fisheries habitat, water quality, and aquatic ecosystem health. Community centers engaged in watershed stewardship or related environmental initiatives may be eligible for more than US $300,000 in competitive funding.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to secure protected time for mentored health research. Focused on clinical and biomedical fields, the National Institutes of Health invites investigators whose work may connect with Vermont community-centered health initiatives.

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.

Schools, community centers, and youth-serving organizations in Vermont can access funding for comprehensive, high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. Grants from Vermont Agency of Education provide US $250,000 - US $700,000 over five years to support academic enrichment, youth development, arts, STEM, and social-emotional learning.

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.