Best Grants for Special Education in Vermont

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations and public schools supporting special needs education for individuals with autism can seek funding for education technology and related training. With a mission to expand technology access, the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism provides up to US $7,500 for tools like tablets, apps, smartboards, laptops, STEM activities, and staff training.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing a degree in special education, and residing within the Crown Point Community Foundation service area, can apply for the Kathy, Russ and Jim Keller Scholarship. Crown Point Community Foundation supports special needs education by administering this non-renewable award as part of its broader scholarship program. Vermont students may be eligible if they meet the residency requirement.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing education, preferably special education, and planning to attend a four-year college may be eligible for this scholarship, which is open to Ashland County students and may interest those in Vermont researching similar opportunities. The Ashland County Community Foundation supports students with financial need, leadership, community service, and strong school involvement.

Students pursuing post-secondary education in special needs education, journalism, theater arts, or trade programs may be eligible for up to US $1,000, with a preference for special education majors. Quad Cities Community Foundation supports academic scholarship programs; Vermont students fitting these criteria and residency requirements should review full guidelines before applying.

Families of individuals with autism needing help for medical, nutritional, personal, or educational expenses can apply for MyGOAL’s need-based grants, including those in Vermont. This program supports non-reimbursable treatments, supplements, personal needs, and enrichment or socialization activities for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, with a total of $25,000 awarded to 25 families in 2026.

Early-stage U.S. PK-12 public education organizations serving students with learning differences can receive US $150,000 - US $250,000 to pilot innovative special education models and supports, including in Vermont. With a mission to reimagine education, NewSchools Venture Fund backs projects in schools, learning solutions, teaching, and postsecondary readiness for these students.

Students in Vermont pursuing special education or speech, physical, or occupational therapy careers supporting individuals with Down syndrome can seek scholarship funding through the Down Syndrome – Aim High Scholarship. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region uses a universal application so applicants may qualify for this and other higher education awards.

North Decatur High School graduates pursuing degrees in special education, pediatric medicine, or Christian ministry can apply for the Kristin Lee Burry Memorial Scholarship, administered by Decatur County Community Foundation. Students interested in special needs education, including those from Vermont with North Decatur ties, may benefit from this academic scholarship support.

Teachers and students pursuing special education majors or certifications at accredited colleges or universities can apply for the Mack Henderson Special Education Scholarship, awarding US $2,500. Although based in Georgia, applicants from Vermont interested in special needs education and teacher training may be eligible, with selection emphasizing academic achievement and character.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations supporting special needs education, youth with disabilities, or related services may be eligible for funding to provide scholarships, school support, and inclusive programs. The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation also considers projects involving service animals, youth development, conservation, and recreation, with priority for Michigan-based charities but the ability to fund nationally when needed.

Special education teachers pursuing additional licensing or a master’s in special education can receive support for tuition and related educational costs, with awards up to US $2,500. Managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, the WindSwell Foundation scholarship may benefit educators whose work informs special needs education efforts, including in Vermont.

Alma Gibbs Donchian provides Vermont special needs education nonprofits with funding up to US $10,000 for programs addressing learning and reading disabilities, hearing impairments, and related communication disorders. 501(c)(3) organizations, especially those piloting new models or collaborating with partners, may be eligible if they demonstrate strong governance and plans for future funding.

Students pursuing education degrees, especially in special or early childhood education, may be eligible for scholarships supporting special needs education in Vermont and beyond. The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers the Little Red Schoolhouse Scholarship Fund, offering up to US $3,000 for residents of Hampshire or Franklin County to offset college costs for one academic year.

Vermont nonprofits providing special needs education, community safety, health, or environmental programs can seek funding to advance mobility, environmental conservation, and people-focused initiatives. Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund provides US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants nationwide, which may benefit special education organizations engaging volunteers or enhancing educational access and equity.

Students entering a college, university, or business program who need support for special needs education may be eligible for the Ann Wall Scholarship, including those from Vermont. With a mission to build a stronger community, Scranton Area Foundation gives preference to Dalton residents with learning disabilities or special needs active in a church or religious institution.

Graduating high school seniors in northern Chautauqua County who plan to teach children with special needs and demonstrate financial need can apply for the St. Joseph School Scholarship. This Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation award supports future special education teachers and may interest students in Vermont exploring similar special needs education pathways.

Teachers, counselors, and program administrators serving blind students in Vermont and nationwide can apply for the National Federation of the Blind’s Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award; awards More than US $1,000 plus convention travel for exemplary work. This recognition benefits special education professionals focused on vision impairment and inclusive learning.

Vermont students pursuing higher education in special needs education, nursing, or physical therapy can receive scholarship support for tuition through the Benton Community Foundation’s David Bruce Belcher Fund. Applicants must be Benton County high school graduates who plan to help people with developmental disabilities and are training for professional roles in these care fields.

St. Ignace Area Community Foundation: CTE Technical Scholarship

The St. Ignace Community Fund annually awards scholarships assisting students with higher education, technical training, vocational training or retraining based largely on acknowledgement of student responsibility, community service, and civic involvement. These Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors to the various accounts within the St. Ignace Area Community Fund. Some accounts specifically are awarded to recognize higher education in the areas of special education, vocational/technical careers, teaching, law enforcement, and health care.

About Us

Driving Positive Change in Noble County!

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

As a group of invested community members, we identify local current and emerging issues and stimulate resources to address those needs, helping our region prepare for the future. We then leverage gifts and bequests from generous donors like you to drive positive change through grants in such areas as arts and culture, education, health and human services, civic affairs and other charitable areas of interest.

Our Mission

To improve the quality of life in Noble County by serving as catalyst for positive change, enabling donors to carry out charitable intent, and making grants.

Donor Story – Joest, Brian H. Memorial Fund

Brian Henry Joest was born in Lagrange, Indiana in 1957. He grew up on the Atwood family farm that was settled by his ancestors in the mid-1800s. Now a historical Hoosier Homestead, the Atwood Farm provided him with all the outdoor activities possible for a farm boy in northern Indiana. Brian’s love of nature and the outdoors continued throughout his life. After high school, he attended Glen Oaks Community College and then Purdue University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics

For decades, Brian went on annual backcountry camping and canoeing trips across the US and Canada. He paddled some of the most beautiful rivers in North America. He took a road trip to remote northern Alaska. He camped out on an active volcano in Guatemala. He explored most of the US National Parks. In his later years, his travels were less rustic but still adventurous as he and his wife, Cindy, checked off many items on his bucket list. They traveled to Paris, Rome, Florence, the Amalfi Coast of Italy, Ireland, and all around the US and Canada.

Brian began his professional career with management positions at Many Glacier Hotel at Glacier National Park in Montana; the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan; the Mountain View Grand Resort in New Hampshire; and Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado. He also worked for Marriott Corporation where he opened new hotels across the Midwest.

Upon the birth of his first child, Brian moved his young family back to Lagrange County so his children could grow up on the Atwood Farm near their family. Brian worked for Life Care Center of Lagrange, was a substitute teacher for the Lakeland School District, and worked for fifteen years for East Noble School Corporation, most recently as an Instructional Assistant for high school students with special needs.

Brian enjoyed doing things for other people and took so much joy in their happiness. His career choices reflected his servant’s heart. He loved working in the hospitality industry and being able to make someone else’s vacation more memorable. He helped the patients and their families at Life Care Center. He spent years making a difference for students in our local schools.

Brian experienced first-hand the unique challenges faced by the families of individuals with special needs. He was a father, stepfather, and step-grandfather to children with different disabilities. He understood the difficulties of navigating support systems and knew there are gaps in these systems that result in unmet needs. At the end of his life, while he was fighting cancer, Brian dreamed of being able to return to the classroom to help special needs students. This was not to be. In 2022, his family created this fund in his honor with the intent of continuing his dream to help improve the lives of individuals with special needs.

Vermont nonprofits providing special needs education or related youth and women’s services can seek $4,000 - $10,000 for programs that build pathways to economic independence. Focused on children, youth, and women, Allen Hilles Fund invites organizations in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties to propose direct services or advocacy, with priority for budgets under $2 million.

Anne K. Petry Scholarship Fund

Established by Summit Education Partnership Foundation to provide scholarships for Akron Public Schools students studying special education.

Amount:

• $1,000

Number of awards:

• 1

Renewal:

• No

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) offers training programs through the National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER) to enhance special education research. For FY 2027, the focus is on Methods Training, particularly on analyzing large datasets related to learners with disabilities. This initiative supports early career researchers and current education researchers in developing rigorous methodologies to address significant educational challenges, aiming to inform policy and practice in special education.

McCormick & Company, Inc. actively supports charitable contributions through its Charitable Donations Committee (CDC), which prioritizes donations to non-profit organizations that enhance education, health, environment, and culture. The CDC focuses on organizations that benefit communities where McCormick employees live and work, ensuring a positive impact. Eligible groups must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination. However, donations are not made to individuals, political organizations, or entities that conflict with corporate values.

The McGraw Foundation offers annual grants to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, focusing on education, conservation, and human services. Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with larger grants available for particularly impactful projects. While supporting diverse initiatives, the Foundation does not fund individuals or specific events. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations to qualify for funding. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches and partnerships in grant applications.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship

Advancing the science and practice of supporting children to thrive

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is a global initiative supporting researchers working to deepen our understanding of how children thrive. Spanning disciplines from education and psychology to public health, data science, and humanitarian studies, the fellowship brings together early- and mid-career scholars whose work has the potential to generate evidence that matters for children’s lives.

Fellows receive three years of flexible support to pursue rigorous, practically relevant research, and join a cohort of peers working across the fellowship’s themes. In addition to funding research, the program fosters a community of scholars engaged in meaningful exchange with one another and with research, policy, and practice audiences.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is developed in partnership with the LEGO Foundation, and administered by SSRC as part of its commitment to supporting scholars whose work bridges research and real-world impact.

Research themes

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship welcomes research proposals that advance understanding of children’s thriving through one of the following three themes: the youngest children in crisis and conflict settings; inclusion and wellbeing of neurodivergent children; and children’s learning and development in an AI-enabled world. Applicants may explore the role of play where it is relevant to the research question. The consideration of play is optional and not a condition of eligibility.