Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Vermont

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Grassroots nonprofit organizations in Vermont working on environmental education, environmental justice, or food and farm initiatives may be eligible for grants up to US $35,000. Grants from Harris and Frances Block Foundation help small and emerging groups advance food justice, farm and garden programs, farmworkers’ rights, and other efforts that foster just and sustainable communities.

Large, well-established U.S. 501(c)(3) cultural institutions serving Vermont and beyond can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for arts and science programs. Grants of more than US $100,000 support program, capital, and limited general or endowment needs, with emphasis on arts education, artist development, and STEAM-focused science initiatives.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits and equivalent charities working in health, education, or community services can seek funding for programs such as food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and preventative health. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support to U.S.-based organizations, with grant requests reviewed twice yearly in March and September.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other eligible organizations working on education, health, or family economic stability projects in Vermont can seek more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds initiatives serving urban low-income children and youth in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

Grassroots organizations, nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and coalitions in Coos County and nearby Vermont communities can receive rapid Dash Grants for short-term community and economic development projects. Focused on community revitalization, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation funds one-year efforts like events, field trips, consulting support, or equipment purchases with awards from US $250 - US $2,000.

Grassroots and other nonprofit organizations working on health, education, or humanitarian relief in Vermont and worldwide can seek project support from the Semnani Family Foundation. With a mission to empower marginalized communities, Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for health care access, disaster relief, women and children’s health, literacy, and related human and social services programs.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community development, basic needs, workforce training, arts, or environmental programs can apply for sponsorship funding from Bank of America Charitable Foundation. Grants may benefit grassroots organizations advancing economic mobility, preserving neighborhoods, addressing hunger and shelter, or promoting diversity and inclusion as part of the funder’s national U.S. sponsorship program.

Grassroots social justice and environmental justice groups in Vermont can seek urgent funding for unforeseen crises or organizing opportunities through Haymarket People's Fund. Focused on community-based organizing, this program offers up to US $5,000 for charitable or educational activities, prioritizing people of color-led efforts and organizations with budgets under $400,000.

Vermont grassroots organizations, community groups, schools, and municipalities running youth programs in Bennington County can access funding through Vermont Community Foundation to support teenagers in grades 6–12. Grants of US $500 - US $10,000 back youth-led or youth-focused events, gathering spaces, inclusive activities, and opportunities for youth facing hardships in Bennington, North Bennington, Pownal, Shaftsbury, and Woodford.

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.

Vermont grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations can access funding to tell impact stories about their work in preservation, education, or wellness. Through the Storytelling Grant, the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation offers more than US $50,000 to help eligible groups create compelling narratives that highlight community change and conservation efforts.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Vermont

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Vermont grassroots and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and eligible local government entities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, environmental, and community enrichment initiatives that serve Georgia-Pacific communities. Vermont organizations must be within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community and may contact a local GP facility to explore support opportunities from Georgia-Pacific Foundation.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Vermont supporting basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety may be eligible for funding if located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. The TJX Foundation prioritizes programs helping vulnerable families and children access resources and opportunities to build better futures.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Vermont can apply for US $5,000 - US $10,000 in unrestricted operating or program funding supporting environmental, human services, disaster relief, and related work. The Lawrence Foundation accepts applications from U.S.-headquartered groups, including grassroots organizations, with no geographic restrictions on where programs operate.

Nonprofit community organizations in Vermont can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support museums, arts and cultural programs, education, health facilities, environmental and wildlife efforts, and community services. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports IRS-qualified U.S. nonprofits, including grassroots groups where relatively small grants can make a significant impact.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s Community Grants, including organizations in Vermont. Funding supports hunger relief, shelters and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, community development, and arts access, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteers.

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.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Grassroots organizations and community groups in Vermont can receive US $500 - US $5,000 to launch hyperlocal projects that build social connections and community vitality. Focused on community-building, Vermont Community Foundation’s Spark Connecting Community program prioritizes small-budget groups, under-represented counties, and efforts that increase access to opportunity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship.

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.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Grassroots and smaller human and social service organizations working in Vermont and other eligible countries can seek grants to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. With a mission to support focused interventions for those facing poverty, disability, social alienation, or disasters, Gupta Family Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $250,000 to qualifying 501(c)(3)s and similar entities.