Best Travel and Tourism Grants in Vermont

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on ecotourism, conservation, or ecosystem restoration in Vermont can seek funding to advance biodiversity and nature-based solutions. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help U.S. projects, with emphasis on private land conservation, low-tech watershed restoration, restorative economies, and conservation policy, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000.

The NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement aims to enhance cultural heritage tourism through collaboration with Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. By providing technical assistance and capacity-building support, this initiative seeks to increase visitation and enrich tourism activities while respecting native traditions and values. The selected recipient will coordinate with federal agencies to ensure effective implementation, with funding available for an initial year and potential continuation for up to five years based on performance.

Students pursuing tourism or hospitality-related majors at accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools can receive scholarship support, including those interested in Vermont’s travel and tourism sector. Bucks County Foundation provides this funding for Bucks County residents preparing for careers that strengthen the tourism and hospitality industry.

The Columbus Foundation provides Vermont tourism and hospitality students with scholarships supporting aviation and hospitality studies. Eligible applicants must be full-time students at a U.S. institution, majoring in aviation or hospitality with at least a 3.5 GPA and the ability to work and reside in the U.S. Awards are US $25,000 each.

American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate juniors and seniors studying gaming, tourism, financial, or hospitality fields, and graduate students in business or gaming/hospitality-related programs in the U.S., can receive need-based support from Native Forward Scholars Fund. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund help Vermont tourism and hospitality students with $2,500 - US $5,000 per academic year.

The FY26 Bureau of Land Management Invasive and Noxious Plant Management program focuses on preventing and controlling invasive species that threaten public lands and native plant communities. These invasive plants impose significant economic burdens and disrupt ecosystems. The program aims to enhance detection, rapid response, and education on invasive species, while also promoting rehabilitation efforts and biological control to protect valuable resources on public lands.

Vermont nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services can access funding through Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support programs and services. Projects such as food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives may be eligible, including tourism-related efforts that strengthen community well-being.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Southern U.S. with programs in areas like poverty relief, education, disaster relief, animal welfare, or conservation may be eligible for support that strengthens communities. Grants from Robinson Foundation help mission-driven groups expand services, assist children and families, and protect nature and wildlife, which may benefit ecotourism and tourism-related efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont seeking support for community development, basic needs, or cultural initiatives can apply for sponsorship funding that strengthens local economic and social vitality. Focused on housing, jobs, hunger, arts, environment, and inclusion, Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s regional sponsorships may benefit tourism and ecotourism efforts that enhance community life.

Vermont 501(c)(3) wildlife conservation nonprofits seeking support to tell impactful stories can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant. Awards of more than US $50,000 help organizations within its preservation, education, or wellness pillars share their real-world impact, which may include ecotourism or nature-based tourism initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for the Community Partnership Award, which recognizes collaborations addressing significant social issues. With a mission to honor impactful partnerships, Mutual of America Foundation provides national recognition that may benefit Vermont organizations working in tourism, ecotourism, or related community development.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont working on basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven programs can seek support for operating or program costs through Ameriprise Financial. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. nonprofits with grants that prioritize hunger relief, housing and shelters, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and neighborhood revitalization, especially where employees actively volunteer.

Vermont nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies can access funding for safety, education, and community development projects through State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants. Programs improving auto or home safety, disaster preparedness or recovery, neighborhood revitalization, workforce readiness, or financial literacy may be eligible, including initiatives that strengthen local tourism economies.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont that provide basic needs or economic mobility programs for youth and families can apply for Nordstrom Community Grants, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $20,000. Grants from Nordstrom help local groups offering food, shelter, clothing, workforce development, mentorship, or scholarships in communities near Nordstrom store locations.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in charitable, scientific, medical, or educational fields can seek support for programs that significantly benefit their communities. Sidney Stern Memorial Trust supports projects with broad impact and strong management; Vermont tourism and ecotourism nonprofits may be eligible if their work fits these categories and funds are used in the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont supporting children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for program funding that strengthens community well-being. Costco Foundation supports these efforts by funding monetary requests only, prioritizing evidence-based programs with measurable outcomes, demonstrated community need, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support in areas where its warehouses operate.

Non-sectarian nonprofits helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont, may access funding for human and social services, poverty alleviation, disability support, or disaster relief. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help smaller organizations in eligible countries worldwide with US $5,000 - US $250,000 for focused interventions.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.