Best Grants for First Responders in Vermont

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs for children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary support of community-based services. Organizations serving first responders’ families or community health and safety may be eligible if their work fits these priorities and operates where Costco does business.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or community safety programs in Vermont can seek support for new approaches to social problems. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations developing creative solutions, including those enhancing public safety or first responder–related services, through an invitation-only process that begins with a letter of inquiry.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, and welfare can seek funding for direct-service programs worldwide, including Vermont. With a mission to enrich children’s lives, Dan Paul Foundation provides grants up to US $15,000 for initiatives such as child advocacy, homelessness services, poverty relief, environmental education, and refugee enrichment that engage and benefit young people.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Vermont tackling urgent social or environmental problems can apply for support that combines capacity-building, community, and up to US $300,000 over three years. Focused on scalable solutions for underserved populations, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation seeks ventures ready to move beyond pilot toward significant growth.

Vermont first responder and public safety nonprofits using technology to address crisis response, education, or economic empowerment can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Eligible NPOs/NGOs must primarily serve economically underserved communities and propose innovative, tech-enabled programs that improve reach and efficiency of critical services.

Green Mountain Power provides Vermont first responders and community safety organizations with grants up to US $500 to support safety, resilience, and community well-being initiatives. Eligible groups within GMP’s service area may also receive funding for basic needs, community health, education, and environmental stewardship projects that benefit local residents.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Vermont and across the U.S. that provide arts, science, or STEAM education and artist development programs for broad audiences may be eligible for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, which typically awards more than US $100,000. Grants can support programs, capital projects, and, in limited cases, general or endowment needs.

Vermont 501(c)(3) and equivalent charitable organizations can seek funding for health, education, or community initiatives that expand equitable care and education. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support for programs such as healthcare access for underserved populations, food pantries, STEM education, and preventative health efforts, which may benefit first responder–related community services.

Nonprofit and social enterprise programs improving education, health, or family economic stability for urban low‑income children in Vermont and across the U.S. can access funding from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; awards are more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling efforts in eligible locations including the U.S., India, and South Africa.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services in Vermont and other eligible countries can seek support for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable communities. With a mission to empower the disaffected, Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for health care access, disaster relief, women and children’s health, social services, and related initiatives.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust, provided all grant funds are used within the U.S. Eligible tax-exempt nonprofits may benefit when first responder or public safety initiatives fit these broad charitable priorities.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, basic needs, or cultural programming can receive sponsorship support for events and initiatives that advance economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Charitable Foundation backs efforts like preserving neighborhoods, workforce education, hunger and shelter services, arts and culture, environmental projects, and diversity and inclusion, which may include first responder–related community programs.

Grassroots social change organizations in Vermont and across New England can receive up to US $5,000 to respond quickly to unforeseen crises, political events, or organizing opportunities. Focused on social and environmental justice, Haymarket People's Fund prioritizes people of color-led groups with budgets under $400,000, which may include community-based first responder advocacy or support efforts.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding, including those serving first responders in Vermont, may be eligible for this funding. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides support for charitable initiatives that respect people, the environment, and life, helping organizations drive positive change in their communities.

Vermont first responder and public safety agencies located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community and operating in eligible counties may be eligible for community enrichment, education, environment, or entrepreneurship projects. Vermont first responder organizations can access funding through Georgia-Pacific Foundation to support programs that improve long-term well-being and sustainability in GP communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont that support basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence services and are located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office may be eligible for program funding. The TJX Foundation invites aligned nonprofits to complete an eligibility questionnaire and, if qualified, submit a letter of inquiry for consideration.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Vermont seeking support for environmental or human services programs can apply for unrestricted funding from the Lawrence Foundation, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. The foundation supports program or operating needs, which may include disaster-related work that benefits first responder and public safety efforts.

Nonprofit organizations in Vermont seeking support for community programs, education, arts, health facilities, or environmental and wildlife activities can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 in grants from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation. First responder agencies with qualifying nonprofit status and community-focused initiatives may be eligible.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing hunger, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, community development, or cultural enrichment can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s Community Grants to support programmatic work. Vermont organizations serving low-income residents, including first responder–adjacent efforts that stabilize housing, food access, or employment, may be eligible if they show strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont can receive support for education, health care, social services, civic and cultural, or environmental projects through the Dr Scholl Foundation, with awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. First responder agencies partnered with eligible nonprofits on community or safety initiatives may be competitive.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit organizations working on youth development, family services, housing, hunger, or environmental stewardship in Vermont and beyond can receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 for community-impact programs. Chick Fil A Foundation provides support to 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. and equivalent charities in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, which may include first responder–adjacent initiatives serving local communities.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can receive recognition and support through the Community Partnership Award. Mutual of America Foundation honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners; Vermont first responder agencies working within such cross-sector partnerships may be eligible.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.