Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Vermont

Nonprofit organizations in Vermont working on systems-change projects across economic equity, education and training, climate and environment, health and wellbeing, or democracy and community leadership may be eligible for this invitation-only program. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation help place-based initiatives with strong collaboration, community engagement, and measurable impact, offering US $15,000 - US $25,000 per year for one or two years.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups can seek consultant-fee support for strategic and financial planning, leadership development, and DEI work. With a mission to strengthen Vermont communities, Vermont Community Foundation provides up to US $5,000 to help smaller organizations build long-term effectiveness and sustainability.

Nonprofits and public agencies in Vermont facing unexpected, time-sensitive expenses for basic human needs services can seek operating support through this program, with awards up to Up to US $5,000. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation help cover emergency repairs, essential equipment replacement, unanticipated service needs, and staff or volunteer well-being programming that protect mission delivery.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations in the greater Chicago area can seek operating, program, or occasional capital support for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural initiatives. With a mission to strengthen community-focused programs, McGraw Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit nonprofits offering operating programs similar to those run by Vermont organizations.

Vermont agricultural and forest producers seeking support to enhance conservation on working lands can apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program, which offers annual payments for maintaining and improving stewardship practices. Focused on environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Vermont works one-on-one with applicants to develop five-year contracts that improve soil, water, wildlife habitat, and overall operation resilience.

Tax-exempt nonprofits, public agencies, schools, and municipalities working on community development, basic needs, and education in Vermont’s Essex County can apply for $20,000 - $300,000 to support large, multi-year projects. Grants from New Hampshire Charitable Foundation help Vermont organizations strengthen rural communities, expand youth development, enhance natural resources, and improve access to housing, health care, and local food.

Vermont nonprofits, community groups, and similar entities planning hyperlocal, place-based projects can access funding for community-building activities through the Vermont Community Foundation’s Spark Connecting Community grants. Awards of US $500 - US $5,000 support grassroots efforts that strengthen social connections, with priority for smaller-budget organizations and projects in Essex, Grand Isle, and Franklin counties.

Nonprofit and community organizations carrying out local projects in Coös County, NH, nearby parts of Maine and Vermont, and the MRC de Coaticook in Québec can seek support for community, economic, environmental, or health initiatives. With a mission to strengthen this cross-border region, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation provides grants up to US $20,000 for diverse local needs.

Vermont graduate students conducting research on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. This US $3,000 award supports timely, actionable research addressing current challenges faced by the water industry, which may benefit nonprofits focused on clean drinking water and public health initiatives.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Vermont can seek operating and program support for community development, education, and workforce initiatives. With a mission to prepare individuals for thriving futures, KeyBank Foundation provides grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 for efforts like affordable housing, financial literacy, small business growth, and job readiness in its retail banking states.

Nonprofit charities, public education institutions, and government entities serving designated Weyerhaeuser communities in Vermont can seek support for community programs across housing, youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, culture, workforce development, and inclusion. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides operating and program funding of more than US $1,000 within its service areas.

Nonprofit organizations supporting women and children through services like homelessness assistance, education, food security, health care, or anti-trafficking programs in Vermont can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000 for projects. Funding supports building self-sufficiency, expanding proven programs, and, in some cases, meeting immediate humanitarian or disaster-related needs.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing health, human services, homeless shelters, food pantries, dental care, or youth camperships can seek US $1,000 - US $7,500 in capital or operating support from the Agnes M. Lindsay Trust. Organizations focused on serving low-income, rural, or vulnerable populations may be especially competitive for these grants.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and adolescents can receive funding for general operating, project, or capital expenses that enrich youth. George W. Mergens Foundation supports education, enrichment, recreation, and health and wellness programs, including STEM, literacy, after-school activities, camps, sports, outdoor programs, and initiatives addressing food insecurity and emotional wellbeing.

Lake Champlain Basin environmental and research organizations in Vermont can seek funding for clean water and healthy ecosystem research projects, including pilot studies and implementation efficacy work. Lake Champlain Basin Program provides Vermont nonprofits and partners with US $25,000 - US $400,000 to advance water quality, habitat restoration, invasive species control, and broader freshwater conservation goals.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Vermont conducting biomedical research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with projects funded up to US $375,000. Eligible colleges must grant baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH funding; projects may span areas like public health, neuroscience, genetics, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related biomedical fields.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project, capital, or program-specific support for children, youth, environmental conservation, or economic opportunity can apply for grants of US $20,000 - US $270,000. Grants from Canaday Family Charitable Trust help Vermont organizations launch innovative, measurable initiatives that improve children’s lives, advance environmental stewardship, and reduce economic and racial inequality statewide.

Environmental and conservation nonprofits in Vermont can receive more than US $300,000 to implement land acquisition and on-the-ground projects that improve fisheries habitat, water quality, and aquatic ecosystem health in the Memphremagog Basin. Vermont Housing and Conservation Board supports work such as habitat restoration, invasive species control, infrastructure, and aquatic organism passage improvements.

Early-career clinical and public health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries can seek NIH support for mentored health research careers. Focused on global health and diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, and mental health conditions, this Emerging Global Leader Award may benefit Vermont-based nonprofits collaborating with LMIC investigators or institutions.

Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation Grant

The Perrigo Foundation is committed to empowering individuals and global communities by supporting programs and organizations that promote health, well-being, and education. We aim to prepare students and young adults for the workforce, providing accessible career pathways that inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential. The Foundation is proudly funded by Perrigo Company plc.

Mission Statement

To provide financial support to non-profit organizations that promote our commitment to enhancing the health, well-being and education of individuals and families in the communities in which Perrigo operates. 

Vision Statement

To help improve and positively impact communities by improving access to quality health services, creating educational opportunities, and supporting the needs of the under-served.

Giving Back to Our Communities

Healthcare

We are providing program stability and capacity building for key community agencies, supporting local nonprofits to improve the quality and accessibility of services, and increasing the quality of mental health services, especially for children and families. 

Education

 Education, post-secondary scholarships, and support for first-generation and low-income students primarily focused on a STEM career, advancement for STEM curriculum, and resources in the K-12 classrooms. 

Supporting the Underserved

Community engagement and well-being, ensuring access to basic human necessities such as food, housing, end-of-life support, and necessary social services.

About VHCB

Our Mission: VHCB invests in the construction of affordable housing and conservation strategies that work together to ensure equity, resilience, and vitality for Vermont communities in perpetuity.

Clean Water Programs

VHCB administers two separate funding programs to support a healthy and clean Lake Memphremagog Basin—the Memphremagog Clean Water Service Provider, funded through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Leahy Memphremagog Clean Water Program, funded through the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Formula Grant Clean Water Projects in the Memphremagog Basin (Basin 17)

Introduction

The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB), in its role as the Clean Water Service (CWSP) Provider for Basin 17, is accepting funding applications for projects that improve water quality in Basin 17, with a focus on projects that lead to a substantial reduction in phosphorus runoff into surface waters. Projects must be in line with the vision set forth by Act 76, the Clean Water Service Delivery Act, and policies and guidance set forth by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to implement the Act.

Schools, districts, and youth-serving education organizations in Vermont can apply for multi-year support to deliver high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs. Grants from Vermont Agency of Education help expand academic enrichment, STEM, arts, literacy, and social-emotional learning opportunities, with awards ranging from US $250,000 - US $700,000 over five years.

The Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports early career research scientists from low- or middle-income countries (LMIC) by providing research funding and mentored career development for three to five years. This program encourages LMIC scientists in health-related fields to develop projects aligned with their country's health priorities, fostering independent research careers within their institutions. Applications are welcomed from junior faculty members, enhancing global health research and capacity in LMICs.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

The Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations in arts, education, health, and environmental sectors, especially in underserved communities in Massachusetts and Northern New England. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with an emphasis on projects that address food security, housing, and cultural access for disadvantaged populations. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its current funding priorities, particularly benefiting low-income youth, Indigenous communities, and immigrants.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.