Best Youth Sports Grants in Vermont

The New England States Touring (NEST) Grant supports nonprofit organizations in New England to present performances, readings, and screenings by regional and international artists. With three funding tiers—NEST 1, NEST 2, and NEST 3—this initiative aims to enhance community engagement, foster collaborations, and promote diversity in the arts. Eligible organizations can receive up to $10,000 to fund projects that occur between June 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.

The Rural Business Development Grants in New Hampshire aim to support small rural businesses by providing technical assistance and training. While there is no maximum grant amount, applications from the Northeast Kingdom are capped at $200,000, and other regions at $50,000. The funds can be used for various projects including training, market research, and community development. This initiative is crucial for fostering economic growth in rural areas, ensuring sustainable business practices and enhancing local economies.

Higher education institutions and research organizations in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions, including Vermont, can seek US $1,000,000 - US $1,500,000 to build collaborative STEM research and education capacity. With a mission to promote scientific progress nationwide, National Science Foundation supports multi-state teams advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics infrastructure and broadening participation in these fields.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Vermont provide funding to qualified organizations to assist very-low- and low-income families in constructing their own homes through cooperative efforts. Recipients offer technical and supervisory support, helping families complete loan applications and enabling their participation in self-help housing projects. This initiative fosters community development while alleviating housing challenges in rural areas. Eligible applicants include government non-profits, federally-recognized tribes, and private non-profits.

The George W. Mergens Foundation Grant supports educational and experiential opportunities for youth, continuing a legacy of over $12 million in funding. Established in 1994 to honor George Mergens, the foundation focuses on enriching the lives of children and adolescents through health, education, and leadership programs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Vermont, primarily serving youth. The foundation aims to partner with groups addressing significant community needs.

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 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 Working Lands Enterprise Initiative offers competitive grants to support Vermont's forest, farm, and food businesses, alongside producer associations. With $1 million available in FY 2025, applications will open in fall and winter, with awards announced in spring 2025. The Service Provider & Producer Association Grant combines former separate grants into one, offering $10,000-$75,000 for various projects without a match requirement, emphasizing support for Vermont's working landscape.

Vermont Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Overview

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS) awards Specialty Crop Block Grants to the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories. In Vermont, the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) administers these funds to enhance the competitiveness of Vermont and regionally grown specialty crops.

Program Purpose

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by–

• Leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops
• Assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops
• Expanding availability and access to specialty crops
• Addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers
• USDA AMS supports projects that address the needs of U.S. specialty crop growers and strengthen local and regional food systems.

Project Types

USDA encourages projects to address the following issues affecting the specialty crop industry:

• ​Enhancing food safety
• Improving the capacity of all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain to comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act, for example, by developing “Good Agricultural Practices,” “Good Handling Practices,” “Good Manufacturing Practices,” and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for small farmers, packers and processors
• Investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes
• Developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops
• Pest and disease control
• Increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops
• Improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems
• Sustainability

The Vermont Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program (AgCWIP) aims to enhance water quality through grants to local partners. With up to $8 million available for FY2026, proposals should focus on agricultural water quality compliance, pollution reduction, and farm viability. Various project categories range from small grants under $100,000 to larger joint applications up to $4 million. The program emphasizes educational outreach, technical assistance, and sustainable practices to support Vermont's agricultural community.

Vermont 501(c)(3) public charities, academic institutions, and government entities working on environmental advocacy and clean energy policy can access funding through Educational Foundation of America to advance a just transition to net‑zero electricity. Projects may include rural clean-energy access, state and regional carbon reduction strategies, or finance and utility reforms that support deep decarbonization and affordable clean power.

Vermont municipalities and public educational institutions can seek funding for urban and community forestry projects in public spaces and rights-of-way in Vermont. Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation’s Communities Caring for Canopy grants offer US $5,000 - US $10,000 for activities like tree planting, maintenance, inventories, planning, pest preparedness, outreach, staff training, and program development, which may benefit youth sports facilities’ outdoor environments.

Vermont municipalities, public agencies, and community partners developing or restoring public recreational trails can seek support for trail projects statewide. With a mission to enhance outdoor recreation, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation provides Vermont trail initiatives with up to US $50,000 for building, maintaining, and improving motorized and non-motorized public trails, which may benefit youth sports and outdoor programs.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Vermont provides essential funding to develop community facilities in rural areas with populations under 20,000. It supports public services like health care, education, and public safety, ensuring these communities can thrive. Eligible applicants include public bodies and non-profit organizations, with grants covering up to 75% of project costs based on income criteria. Applications are accepted year-round, but early submission is encouraged for timely processing.

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.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

NCRC Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) - Housing Counseling Services

The Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) empowers NCRC network members to level up established service lines.

The Housing Counseling Services series within FEF supports HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in driving homeownership, such as through pre-purchase counseling. In addition, the program builds agency knowledge on heirs’ property challenges to better equip first-time and low-income homebuying households with the know-how to retain intergenerational wealth.

In doing so, FEF-HCS aims to help underserved families begin their homeownership journey, with an additional goal of ensuring foresight into the long-term future of their home purchase.

The FEF-HCS series is funded in partnership with Key Bank and HSBC, and targets communities within the Key Bank and HSBC branch footprints.

Through these partnerships, $2.5 million in Key Bank geographies and $1.5 million in HSBC geographies has been allocated for the subgrants for direct-to-client housing counseling services that will be awarded in three rounds in the FEF-HCS track.

Funding Support

Awardee agencies will receive subgrants to support their housing counseling services to clients.

Knowledge Building

Awardee agencies will attend a training session on heirs’ property challenges and best practices, hosted by NCRC National Training Academy. Bolstering counselor knowledge on this topic will ensure that your agency is not only serving clients in their personal wealth-building journey now, but also helping them preserve that wealth in generations to come.

The Arts & Social Cohesion Grant, funded by the Vermont Community Foundation, aims to enhance community belonging through diverse artistic projects. Grants up to $10,000 will support initiatives like mural projects, artist residencies, and public performances that foster collaboration and engagement. The program prioritizes projects that connect marginalized voices and create inclusive environments, encouraging social interaction and community cohesion. This grant is designed for nonprofits and community groups focused on impactful artistic endeavors.

The Agnes M. Lindsay Trust Grants provide essential financial support to nonprofit organizations in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, focusing on Health and Welfare, Dental Health, Camperships, Education, and Homeless Shelters. With a history of over 81 years, the Trust aims to assist those in need, especially in underserved populations. While they are currently not accepting unsolicited requests from colleges and universities, they continue to support initiatives that enhance community welfare and educational opportunities.

TC Energy’s Build Strong program supports vital organizations in communities near its operations. By providing grants, scholarships, and in-kind support, the program aims to enhance safety, education, environmental protection, and community well-being. Eligible applicants include non-profits and community groups addressing local needs. Ineligible activities include operational expenses and for-profit endeavors. The program prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable community impact, fostering a collaborative relationship between TC Energy and local stakeholders.

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 Citizens Grants: Financial Empowerment program supports nonprofits focused on creating measurable impacts in financial education for low to moderate income individuals and small businesses. This grant emphasizes partnerships with established 501(c)(3) organizations and encourages collaborative efforts that demonstrate alignment with funding priorities. By investing in financial literacy, Citizens aims to enhance fiscal health in underserved communities across select geographic areas.

The Citizens Charitable Foundation offers grants focused on Workforce Development and Financial Empowerment. Organizations applying must be IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in specific states. The foundation seeks to partner with high-impact nonprofits to create measurable community impact through innovative programs. Funding is directed towards job training, career education, and coaching initiatives, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and volunteerism.

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

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.

Leahy Memphremagog Clean Water Program

The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) has grants available on a competitive basis for aquatic habitat improvement work in the Memphremagog Basin. These grants are designed to improve fisheries habitat, enhance water quality and aquatic ecosystem health, and support capacity among organizations supporting watershed health in the Memphremagog Watershed. 

Goals of this Grant Program

We have received funding from the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission to fund capacity building, land acquisition, and on-the-ground projects and infrastructure that have a positive impact on fisheries habitat, water quality, and aquatic ecosystem health. The priority behind this grant is to help fill gaps that exist in fisheries habitat and surface water quality improvement work in the region and fund proposals for which other sources would be impractical, insufficient, and/or unsuitable.

Capacity Grants

Awards will be used to close organizational and programmatic funding gaps that currently exist in the Memphremagog Watershed. Funding can be used to increase the capacity and coordination of partners working in the region to support public education and research and improve water quality and watershed functions. Funding may also be used to support capacity funded by a previous VHCB grant under this program. Another priority for funding is supporting collaboration between U.S. and Canadian organizations, and we encourage projects that propose to enhance these collaborations.

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.

Leahy Memphremagog Clean Water Program

The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) has grants available on a competitive basis for aquatic habitat improvement work in the Memphremagog Basin. These grants are designed to improve fisheries habitat, enhance water quality and aquatic ecosystem health, and support capacity among organizations supporting watershed health in the Memphremagog Watershed. 

Goals of this Grant Program

We have received funding from the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission to fund capacity building, land acquisition, and on-the-ground projects and infrastructure that have a positive impact on fisheries habitat, water quality, and aquatic ecosystem health. The priority behind this grant is to help fill gaps that exist in fisheries habitat and surface water quality improvement work in the region and fund proposals for which other sources would be impractical, insufficient, and/or unsuitable.

Project and Acquisition Grants

Existing state clean water investments in the Memphremagog watershed focus on phosphorus reduction, which, although important to watershed health, is not the only priority for the community of clean water stakeholders. This program will complement existing grant programs and invest in projects that improve fisheries habitat and water quality, and enhance aquatic ecosystem health. Examples of eligible projects include (but are not limited to) land acquisitions, infrastructure, surface water habitat restoration, aquatic and riparian invasive species control, and aquatic organism passage improvement projects. Projects which include co-benefits for climate resilience, community vitality, and environmental justice goals will be favorably viewed.

The Rural Industry Development Program (RIDP) facilitates business growth in Vermont by providing grant funding for the purchase, demolition, and renovation of industrial properties. This initiative aims to alleviate the scarcity of available industrial space and reduce permitting delays, enhancing the state's competitive edge. With a cost-sharing model, the program ensures that applicants secure additional funding while promoting local development and expansion efforts.

The Municipal Planning Grant (MPG) program in Vermont supports local municipalities in their planning and revitalization efforts. Administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development, it offers funding between $2,500 and $45,000, depending on the applicant type. Since its inception in 1998, the MPG has allocated over $15 million to enhance community growth and development, thereby improving the quality of life across the state.