Best Grants for Youth Programs in Vermont

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth and families can apply for Agnes M. Lindsay Trust grants of US $1,000 - US $7,500 to support health and welfare, camperships, dental care, homelessness, and food security programs. Youth-focused organizations may use funds for capital needs, program support, and operating costs within the Trust’s New England service area.

Nonprofit and community organizations expanding equity and opportunity for youth in Vermont can receive up to US $2,000 in flexible support for programs and initiatives. Alchemist Foundation supports youth services and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts such as school programs, equity training, and projects that help make Vermont more inclusive for young people ages 16–24.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and adolescents can receive funding for youth education, enrichment, recreation, and health programs. With a mission to enrich the lives of youth, George W. Mergens Foundation provides grants for general operating support, specific projects, and capital needs that promote knowledge, creativity, leadership, and wellbeing for young Vermonters.

Nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored grassroots groups working on community and economic development can seek US $250 - US $2,000 dash grants for short-term projects like events, field trips, consultants, or equipment. Focused on revitalizing Coös County and bordering areas, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation may support Vermont youth programs in Essex County that benefit local people and places.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups in Vermont can seek $500 - $5,000 to support youth and family opportunity, health, engagement, and environmental stewardship projects. Vermont Community Foundation’s Green Mountain Fund prioritizes impactful ideas in Lamoille, Orleans, and neighboring counties, including general operating or program support for youth-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running youth and community programs in Vermont can receive funding to promote education, foster youth development, and meet basic needs. Vermont Mutual Insurance Group supports initiatives that build healthy lives and strong, vibrant communities within its Vermont marketing territory, including academic enrichment, life skills training, housing, homelessness, and hunger services.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, schools, and municipalities can seek up to US $2,000 for local youth, social services, arts, recreation, or community celebrations. With a mission to strengthen community-based programs, Ben & Jerry's Foundation favors projects serving underserved youth and families, addressing basic needs like housing, food, health care, and elder or child care.

Vermont Agency of Education

The Agency of Education implements state and federal laws, policies, and regulations to ensure all Vermont learners have equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities. The Agency accomplishes this mission through the provision of its leadership, support, and oversight of Vermont’s public education system.

State Afterschool Grant - Centers and Programs

The State Afterschool Grant is designated to expand afterschool and summer programs for K-12-aged youth, particularly in underserved areas. This work is accomplished through two distinct application tracks: Program Grants for innovation/expansion and/or small-scale start-ups and Center Grants to support the creation/sustenance of single-site comprehensive centers. These grants support delivery of programming through partnerships involving public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Grants can be used for program implementation, expansion, and sustainability. These funds are intended to promote the delivery of programing to Vermont youth built on research-and evidence-based strategies.

Program Track - State Afterschool Grant

This grant is designed to support the immediate development and expansion of individual programs, either as new stand-alone initiatives or additions to existing centers. 

Size and Scope: Supports evidencebased expansions and smaller pilot programs.

Priorities: Expansion of programing in underserved areas; expansion of programing to students from historically marginalized groups (HMGs); to develop, expand, or improve existing programs.

Grant Period: 3.5 years with annual performance reviews 

Youth and family-serving organizations in Vermont can seek support for STEAM education, youth development, food security, health, and local sustainability projects through the Dealer.com by Cox Automotive Community Partnership Grant. Grants may fund capital campaigns or special projects that benefit the local community, especially in conservation, early childhood education, and empowering families and individuals.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth in Vermont can receive up to US $2,000 for emergency equipment needs, such as replacing essential items lost, broken, or stolen, or purchasing specialized equipment for a child. Vermont Children's Trust Foundation supports primary prevention programs that strengthen families, serve at-risk youth, and reduce negative outcomes through community-based activities.

Nonprofits, schools, and public entities in Vermont can receive up to US $2,000 for transferable equipment supporting primary prevention programs for children and youth. With a mission to strengthen families and reduce risky behaviors, Vermont Children's Trust Foundation provides quarterly equipment grants for community-based programs serving ages 0–18, including at-risk youth.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving socioeconomically disadvantaged youth through immigrant services, workforce development, arts education, or related youth development programs can access funding via the Clowes Fund. New and returning grantees may receive up to US $150,000 in multi-year operating support, with separate introductory and continuation grant pathways.

With a mission to support Vermont youth and families, 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Vermont can seek $20,000 - $270,000 for innovative children’s services, environmental education, and economic opportunity projects. The Canaday Family Charitable Trust favors Vermont-grown, measurable, and sustainable youth programs, including new initiatives and special projects that build skills and advance racial equity.

Vermont Agency of Education

The Agency of Education implements state and federal laws, policies, and regulations to ensure all Vermont learners have equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities. The Agency accomplishes this mission through the provision of its leadership, support, and oversight of Vermont’s public education system.

State Afterschool Grant - Centers and Programs

The State Afterschool Grant is designated to expand afterschool and summer programs for K-12-aged youth, particularly in underserved areas. This work is accomplished through two distinct application tracks: Program Grants for innovation/expansion and/or small-scale start-ups and Center Grants to support the creation/sustenance of single-site comprehensive centers. These grants support delivery of programming through partnerships involving public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Grants can be used for program implementation, expansion, and sustainability. These funds are intended to promote the delivery of programing to Vermont youth built on research-and evidence-based strategies.

Center Track - State Afterschool Grant

This grant is designed to support the development and expansion of Afterschool and Summer Centers, as new stand-alone initiatives. For building capacity and readiness to start one comprehensive center within one year.

Size and Scope: Supports single-site, multi-program centers in the start-up phase.

Priorities: Expansion of programing in underserved areas; expansion of programing to HMGs . To develop a single-site comprehensivecenter or transition from single-site or single-program to comprehensive center.

Partnerships between School/ Community/ Partners: Required

Grant Period: 3 years with annual performance reviews 

Private nonprofits, schools, and public entities in Vermont can receive Vermont Children's Trust Foundation support for primary prevention programs serving children and youth ages 0–18. Funding up to US $15,000 backs community-based efforts that strengthen families, build youth resilience, reduce high-risk behaviors, and promote racial equity while helping children and young people achieve their potential.

Focused on youth development, nonprofits in Vermont’s Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties can access funding via Allen Hilles Fund to support children and youth ages 3–24. Grants of US $4,000 - US $10,000 back learning, leadership, and related services, with priority for organizations under $2 million in annual operating budget.

LGBTQ+ community groups and queer- or trans-led organizations in Vermont can receive funding for youth-focused programs, events, and projects that support LGBTQ+ empowerment, health, and safety. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation’s Samara Fund typically range from $750 to $1,000 and may cover general operating support, specific projects, emergent needs, and sponsorship of queer events.

Youth-serving nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored projects in Vermont can receive up to US $12,000 for arts-based initiatives that build social connection and wellbeing. Focused on community arts and participation, Vermont Community Foundation supports projects like participatory murals, residencies, workshops, and free public events that engage diverse, often marginalized residents as co-creators.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations, public agencies, and municipalities with project-specific work in arts, education, historic preservation, or social services can access funding up to US $25,000 through the Vermont Community Foundation’s Walter Cerf Community Fund. Youth-serving programs in Addison County or Brandon, especially those reaching underserved populations and fostering collaboration, may be strong candidates.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups can seek $500 - $5,000 for youth-focused projects, programs, or general operations in arts, education, historic preservation, or social services. Vermont Community Foundation’s Walter Cerf Community Fund prioritizes organizations in Addison County or Brandon and those serving underserved populations, including youth, statewide.

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.

Vermont schools, districts, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits partnering with schools can secure funding for multi-day artist residencies and arts-integrated youth programming in Vermont. Vermont Arts Council supports projects that bring teaching artists into preK–12 settings for classroom, schoolwide, or after-school activities, covering artist time and limited materials, and prioritizing Vermont-based artists and those on its Teaching Artist Rosters.

Schools, municipal entities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Poultney-area youth and families in Vermont can seek funding for educational and enriching activities from the Vermont Community Foundation. Grants of US $250 - US $1,500 support field trips, afterschool and classroom programs, special library events, and other youth-focused projects that build community connection and engagement.

Vermont youth-serving organizations offering programs for teens in grades 6–12 can access funding through Vermont Community Foundation for spaces, activities, and opportunities that help youth gather, connect, and feel belonging in Bennington County communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, grassroots groups, and fiscally sponsored community groups, with awards from US $500 - US $10,000 for events, programs, or capital projects.

Vermont youth-serving nonprofits and schools can seek US $2,500 - US $10,000 to support education, youth services, arts access, and basic needs programs for low-income youth from the Adelard and Valeda Roy Foundation. The funder also backs environmental education, land conservation, health and welfare, and cultural initiatives benefiting underserved communities across Northern New England.

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 Department for Children and Families

DCF's mission is to foster the healthy development, safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency of Vermonters. We provide benefits, services, and supports to some 200,000 Vermonters every year, including children, youth, families, older Vermonters, and people with disabilities.

Room for Me Grant

Introduction

Vermont Afterschool is proud to continue its partnership with the Vermont Department for Children and Families' Child Development Division (CDD) with the Room for Me Grant. This initiative supports expanded access to high quality child care and out of school time opportunities for school aged youth ages 5-12.

Funded by the Vermont Department for Children and Families’ Child Development Division, the Room For Me Grant:

• Expands and maintains the amount of child care capacity throughout the state of Vermont;
• Increases school-age slots in year-round child care programs;
• Increases the number of programs that accept Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) thereby expanding opportunities for Vermont children and youth; and
• Supports the child care needs of Vermont families, especially in underserved communities.

Priority points will be awarded to programs/ organizations that serve youth in the following Vermont counties: Essex, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, and Addison. Additional priority will also be given to programs that did not receive Room for Me funding during the last grant cycle.