Best Grants for Museums in Vermont

The Vermont Watershed Grant Program, established in 1998, aims to protect and restore Vermont's water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and streams. It funds projects that enhance surface water quality and support habitat improvement. Eligible projects include conservation efforts, educational initiatives, and recreational enhancements, focusing on monitoring water quality and protecting fish and wildlife habitats. Grants are available for towns, nonprofits, and community groups engaged in specific watershed-related projects.

The Vermont Forest Legacy Program aims to protect crucial forestlands from conversion to non-forest uses. Established in 1992, it empowers private landowners to maintain ownership while ensuring the preservation of wildlife habitats, natural areas, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Through voluntary participation, landowners can receive funding for conservation easements or fee-simple acquisitions, with up to 75% of costs covered. This initiative is supported by partnerships with local non-profit organizations, enhancing public awareness and engagement in land protection efforts.

The David, Helen and Marian Woodward Fund (Watertown) provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in New York and New England. Established in 1974 by Marian Woodward Ottley, the fund aims to fulfill her vision of improving the world for future generations. The fund prioritizes arts, education, health, and human services, with a historical preference for Connecticut organizations. It also considers the religious affiliations of applicants, reflecting Mrs. Ottley's charitable legacy.

About City Market, Onion River Co-op

City Market, Onion River Co-op, is a community-owned food cooperative with two locations in beautiful Burlington, Vermont. We offer a large selection of local, organic, and conventional foods, and thousands of Vermont-made products.

The Co-op is dedicated to supporting the local economy and strengthening the local food system. We work with over 400 independent Vermont farmers, producers, and Vermont-owned businesses to feature the widest selection of local products we can. We regularly stock over 3,000 Local or Made in Vermont products, and Local and Made in Vermont products account for 40% of our sales. As a Member-owned cooperative, we are accountable to our Members.

Seedling Grants

What Are Seedling Grants?

Through our Co-op Seedling Grant program, City Market grants funding to projects from Vermont non-profit organizations whose work strengthens our local food system. This program is currently funded through our Rally for Change program.

Seedling Grant History

During profitable years, City Market Members receive patronage checks based on their spending as a form of profit-sharing. According to City Market’s By-Laws, any Patronage Refunds that are not cashed within 90 days are donated to organizations supporting our local food system, as directed by our Board. In 2014, City Market created a new program to offer grants through our uncashed Patronage Refund checks – our Seedling Grant Program! Since 2018, this program has been funded through Rally for Change as the Co-op works toward a return to profitability after our South End expansion.

The Lionheart Charitable Trust Grant aims to protect the environment and support underserved communities in Vermont. Established in 2011, this private family foundation focuses on providing grants for environmental initiatives, education, research, and cultural projects. However, it does not fund political campaigns or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to promoting positive social change and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

The Aquatic Organism Passage Grant, managed by the Lake Champlain Basin Program, aims to restore aquatic organism passage and enhance stream connectivity in the Lake Champlain Basin. With approximately $2.5 million available, the program invites proposals that support the Healthy Ecosystem goals outlined in the Opportunities for Action plan. Projects can include activities like culvert replacements and dam removals, with a focus on improving habitat and ecosystem functions for aquatic life. Applications are due by either September 8 or October 8, 2025.

The Lawson’s Finest Taproom was designed as a community gathering space to enjoy the best of local beer, food, people and music. In lieu of tips in our Taproom, we invite our guests to donate to the Sunshine Fund to benefit local nonprofits. Our staff receive generous wages and total compensation packages that don’t require tips to supplement their income, making hospitality included in your guest experience. The Sunshine Fund allows us to harness the generosity of guest donations with the goal of advancing thriving local communities.

The Sunshine Fund is the heart of the Lawson’s Finest Social Impact Program to assist local organizations that support the people and environment of the Mad River Valley, Washington County and the state of Vermont.

The Sunshine Awards prioritize funding for nonprofit organizations located in the Mad River Valley, Washington County, and across Vermont that focus on strengthening healthy communities, improving food and economic security, protecting natural resources, and promoting sustainable recreation. 

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants program aims to enhance the economic viability of agricultural producers through targeted risk management education. Funded by the University of Delaware, this initiative offers grants of up to $75,000 for projects addressing production, marketing, financial, legal, or human risks. The grants are expected to support 12-15 new projects over an 18-month duration, from April 2026 to September 2027, subject to funding availability and application quality.

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.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants: Exploratory Projects aim to enhance agricultural producers' economic viability through innovative risk management education. Funded by the University of Delaware, these grants offer up to $10,000 for projects that address emerging risk topics or support producer workshops. With an 18-month duration from April 2026 to September 2027, this initiative encourages the development of new educational approaches to better serve the needs of farmers and ranchers.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants focus on underutilization of crop insurance projects to enhance agricultural producers' economic viability. This initiative, backed by the Northeast ERME Center and others, provides funding to deliver education in various risk management areas. Grants up to $100,000 are available for projects running from April 2026 to September 2027, with plans to support 7-10 new projects based on quality applications and funding availability.

The Dealer.com Community Partnership Grant supports initiatives that create meaningful community impact, aligned with Cox's values. Focus areas include STEAM education, youth development, local sustainability, food security, and health and wellness. Grants are available for capital campaigns and special projects, with a priority on organizations with budgets under $3 million located in Vermont. Applications for 2026 sponsorships are now open, promoting a commitment to building stronger communities.

The Lucy Downing Nisbet Charitable Fund, established in 2002, supports educational, health, human services, and arts programming for underserved populations in Vermont. It prioritizes organizations focused on healthcare, domestic violence awareness, and environmental conservation. Eligible applicants must have a Vermont office, while grants are not made for deficit financing or capital projects. Special consideration is given to local organizations serving Morrisville, VT, and those addressing critical health and community issues.

The Vermont Community Foundation's Spark Connecting Community Grant supports grassroots projects that enhance social capital and community connections in Vermont. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, it prioritizes initiatives from under-represented counties, fostering collaboration among local champions. The program seeks innovative projects that promote civic engagement, health, and resilience, while encouraging first-time grant seekers and organizations with smaller budgets to apply for funding.

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

The Vermont Women's Fund Grant, established in 1994, aims to improve the lives of women and girls in Vermont by providing grants up to $15,000. As a part of the Vermont Community Foundation, it focuses on addressing economic, educational, and social needs through strategic partnerships and targeted philanthropic efforts. The Fund is guided by a council of women, ensuring that the grantmaking process is inclusive and impactful, thereby fostering a significant difference in the community.

The NESOT Paper of the Year Award, presented by the Northeast Society of Toxicology, recognizes outstanding publications in toxicology by graduate students or postdoctoral fellows. Eligible applicants must be NESOT members affiliated with institutions in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Papers must be published or in press in peer-reviewed journals between December 1, 2024, and November 30, 2025. The award includes a certificate and a $1,000 honorarium.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Vermont provides essential funding for the development of clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and stormwater drainage in eligible rural areas. This program specifically targets households and businesses that struggle to secure commercial credit, aiming to enhance public health and environmental quality. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes, ensuring that vital services are accessible to all. Projects funded must demonstrate financial sustainability.

The Multi-Year Sustaining Grants by the J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation support small-scale projects in Vermont that promote equity in education and assist students in their postsecondary transitions. Grants range from $1,500 to $5,000 annually for three years, emphasizing sustained partnerships without formal proposals or reports. Eligible organizations must be based in Vermont and comply with 501(c)(3) requirements, ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination in service provision.

The Vermont Children's Trust Foundation offers quarterly Equipment Grants to nonprofit organizations serving children aged 0-18 in Vermont. These grants, up to $2,000, focus on primary prevention programs aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency and promoting positive family functioning. Eligible applicants include private nonprofits and public entities, while ineligible applicants include individuals and for-profit organizations. The foundation emphasizes programs that promote racial equity and effective youth services in the community.

The Vermont Children's Trust Foundation offers Emergency Equipment Grants up to $2,000 for non-profit organizations serving children in Vermont. These grants address emergency situations like essential equipment loss due to disasters or theft, and the need for specialized equipment for children. The foundation prioritizes programs that promote positive family functioning and address societal issues affecting children and youth. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, ensuring timely support for urgent needs.

Hazard Mitigation Funding Programs

FEMA Hazard Mitigation projects for Vermont towns and other eligible applicants for projects that reduce the risk of flooding or other hazards can include the following eligible project types:

• Buyouts
• Structural Elevations & Mitigation Reconstruction
• Natural resource projects such as floodplain restorations or dam removals
• Infrastructure projects such as upsizing bridges or culverts
• Floodproofing of municipal or commercial buildings
• Road relocation, elevation, or soil stabilization

Hazard Mitigation Information & Support

Hazard Mitigation is sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and their property from hazards.

Hazard mitigation funds are available to municipalities and other organizations to help reduce or eliminate loss of life and property by taking measures to reduce the impacts of future disasters.

The Vermont Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation Team supports state agencies, non-profits, Regional Planning Commissions and municipalities in applying for and implementing projects under Hazard Mitigation grant programs. We also support Regional Planning Commissions, municipalities, special districts, and other governmental entities in conducting natural hazard mitigation planning, and developing FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plans.

2026 Hazard Mitigation Funding Opportunities

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program for states and local communities to support mitigation activities. The funding available for FY2024/2025 is $2,000,000 federal share set-aside for Vermont. Funding can be used for project scoping, building code enhancements, and project implementation. Applications under BRIC are submitted through FEMA GO. 

The TD Charitable Foundation's Capacity Building Fund empowers nonprofit organizations by providing grants aimed at enhancing their operational capabilities. Established in 2002, this initiative focuses on funding projects that promote job training, arts, and housing assistance, particularly for historically underserved communities. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the foundation seeks to support organizations that align with its TD Ready Commitment drivers, ensuring impactful and sustainable community development.

The Wolf Kahn Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on visual arts, enhancing education and artist careers through exhibitions and residencies. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, prioritizing projects that promote social justice and environmental awareness. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific regions, while school-based programs and certain other entities are excluded. This initiative honors Wolf Kahn's legacy by fostering artistic collaboration and public engagement.

The WGPF: Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program celebrates and promotes local folklore, legends, and folklife as vital aspects of cultural heritage. Targeted at 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities across 14 US states, it aims to enhance cultural tourism by commemorating community stories. Successful applications typically focus on folktales, historical legends, and community traditions, while excluding purely literary works or personal folklore that lacks broader community significance.

The Vermont Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21C) Grant offers up to $650,000 annually over five years to enhance afterschool and summer learning programs. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support for students, fostering educational opportunities and community engagement. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for funding to implement high-quality educational activities that address local needs and improve student outcomes.

The New England Food Vision Prize aims to enhance local food supply chains in New England's educational institutions by awarding up to $1.5 million. The program supports innovative projects that increase the amount of regionally produced food served to K-12 and college students. By fostering collaboration among schools, farmers, and community organizations, the Prize strengthens food systems while prioritizing access for students and communities with limited fresh food options.