Best Orange County Grants for Nonprofits in Vermont

The Cancer Prevention and Control Programs aim to eliminate cancer through collaborative efforts among state, territorial, and tribal organizations. Funded by the CDC, this program supports initiatives such as breast and cervical cancer screening, cancer control planning, and cancer surveillance. By fostering partnerships and community involvement, the program seeks to improve health outcomes and achieve the mission of 'All People Free of Cancer.' This comprehensive approach ensures that resources are effectively coordinated to address the cancer burden in communities.

This funding opportunity from the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH) aims to advance mechanistic research on metal exposure and its effects on human health. Studies should focus on biological processes altered by metals, including their absorption, transport, and immune interactions. Innovative methodologies and human biospecimens are encouraged to explore how metals might impact immune homeostasis and cross biological barriers, providing insights into health risks associated with metal exposure.

The TURTLE Program aims to empower Tribal Entities by fostering a skilled workforce in biomedical research. It supports undergraduate and graduate students in health research, ensuring they complete their degrees and transition into impactful careers. With phased awards, the program emphasizes effective training and mentoring, inviting eligible organizations to apply. Applications will undergo NIH's peer-review process, ensuring only the most meritorious proposals are funded, ultimately enhancing Tribal health research capabilities.

The BJA FY 2026 Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative aims to empower local law enforcement in rural areas to combat violent crime effectively. This funding opportunity provides resources for personnel, technology, and data analytics to enhance crime prevention strategies. Eligible applicants can utilize updated equipment and training to address specific violent crime challenges, ensuring safer communities through innovative approaches and strategic resource allocation. Applications are due by November 6, 2026.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of War Multidisciplinary Research Program aims to fund innovative research teams from U.S. universities. Established in 1985, this initiative addresses complex challenges faced by the Department of War, fostering collaboration across various scientific disciplines. By integrating world-class faculty and graduate students, the program seeks to cultivate a skilled workforce poised to enhance the U.S. defense capabilities and contribute to the advancement of the defense industrial base.

The BJA FY 2026 Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Program aims to enhance school safety by funding initiatives that train staff and students, develop threat assessment teams, and implement technology solutions like anonymous reporting systems. This program supports effective strategies to identify and mitigate risks of school violence, ensuring students have the tools necessary to foster a secure learning environment while adhering to the guidelines set forth by the STOP School Violence Act.

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

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

In partnership with a statewide network of private and non-profit organizations, VHCB funds the development of permanently affordable housing, land conservation initiatives, and the restoration of historic properties.

Locally-Significant Lands

The Local Conservation Grant Program provides grants for the conservation of agricultural and recreational land, town parks and forests, swimming holes, greenways, and historic buildings for public use that may not be competitive with applications for statewide conservation projects but are of great significance to a particular community. Under this program, grants of up to $150,000 plus associated costs are available for the purchase of recreational lands and natural areas, and grants of up to $215,000 are available to conserve locally important farmland. Applications to conserve and restore historic properties will generally not be recommended for more than $100,000 plus associated costs, unless other factors apply. Local Conservation funding may be used for acquisition costs and for associated projects costs such as appraisals, options, or closing costs. Applicants are required to provide one-third of total project costs from other sources, and must demonstrate municipal support from the town where the project is located.

Program beneficiaries range from farmers and forestland owners, to all who enjoy Vermont’s natural, recreational and historic properties.

Feasibility Funding

The Board provides feasibility awards to assist with pre-development costs and feasibility analysis for individual projects. Feasibility funds typically cover the costs of appraisals, energy assessments, marketing studies, options, engineering and environmental studies, or other pre-development costs.

 Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment.

Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program

The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides pasture management technical assistance and financial assistance to Vermont farmers to improve water quality and on-farm livestock exclusion from surface waters statewide.

Program Details

• The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides no-cost pasture management technical assistance from experienced grazing specialists
• PSWF also provides financial assistance that reimburses 90% of the cost to install infrastructure that will improve pasture management, up to the farm’s grant amount: 1) Up to $15,000 grant award per farm. 2) Additional funding is available for exclusion fence only, up to $20,000 total grant award, as approved by PSWF program. 

Eligible Practices

• Fence 
• Livestock Pipeline
• Watering Facility 
• Improved Permanent Water Area 
• Stream Crossing 
• Electric Fence Chargers 
• Trails & Walkways

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment.

Farm Agronomic Practices Program

Program Overview

The Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) Program provides Vermont farms with grants to install soil conservation practices. 

Grants are limited to $10,000 per farm operation per calendar year [January 1- December 31]. There is no competitive review process: funding is awarded in the order that applications are received. 

Applying does not guarantee that you will receive funding.

The FAP program also provides farms and service providers with Agronomic Training grants to attend trainings on agricultural water quality regulations and/or the impacts of agricultural practices on water quality. 

Practices that are installed before applying to FAP cannot be reimbursed.

Practice Requirements and Payment Rates

1) Cover Crop

Payment Rate: $55 per acre if planted before Oct 1, or $40 per acre if planted before Oct 10.

Practice Requirements: Cover Crop payment supports annual cropland to be planted to cover crops for erosion protection during the non-growing season. All cover crops must be seeded at highest recommended rate to provide effective soil coverage and minimize nutrient runoff during the non-growing season. “Early” cover crops must be planted prior to October 1 and may be planted using any method. Regular season cover crops must be planted prior to October 10 and must be drilled or incorporated. Cover crops planted after October 10 will not be reimbursed.

2) Crop to Hay Rotation

Payment Rate: $60 per acre. 

Practice Requirements: Crop to Hay payment supports annual crop land to be seeded down into perennial forages for pasture or hay production as part of a crop rotation. This practice does not apply to the establishment of annually planted and harvested food, fiber, or oilseed crops. Fields are only eligible for payment in the year they are seeded down. Nurse crops such as oats, barley, or peas are recommended to quickly establish soil cover and protect the crop during the early stages of establishment. Planting method and seeding rate must be appropriate for the seed type and provide full soil coverage.

3) Rotational Grazing

Payment Rate: $30 per acre. 

Practice Requirements: Rotational grazing payment supports well managed rotational grazing of perennial pastures with ruminant livestock. Livestock must be rotated at least twice per week and excluded from surface water, and at least three inches residual vegetation must be maintained after grazing. Livestock access to surface water at well-managed discrete watering areas and livestock crossings are allowable only when no other available options exist. Grazing plans, grazing maps, and records that indicate livestock are rotated at least twice per week to adequately rested pastures are required. Land planted to annual crops within the past year or land cleared of forest within the last five years are not eligible.

4) No Till Crop Planting

Payment Rate: $15 per acre. 

Practice Requirements: No Till payment supports the planting of annual crops without the use of tillage. A minimum of 30 percent of the soil surface must be covered by uniformly distributed plant residue after planting. There must not be any full-width soil disturbance performed from the time immediately following harvest or termination of one cash crop through harvest or termination of the next cash crop in the rotation, regardless of the depth of the tillage operation. Full-width harrowing, chisel plowing, field cultivating, tandem disking, or vertical tillage is not allowable under this practice. Cover crop planting must be drilled or broadcast, not otherwise incorporated. Manure injection with soil surface closure at time of injection is allowable under this practice.

5) No-Till Pasture and Hayland Renovation

Payment Rate: $30 per acre. 

Practice Requirements: No-Till Pasture and Hayland Renovation payment supports the use of no-till drill equipment and/or frost seeding to improve pastures and/or hayland without the use of tillage. Planting method should provide reasonable expectation of seed to soil contact. Seeding rates must provide full soil coverage and be adequate to accomplish improvement of forage/stands in pasture and hayland. Frost seeding must occur on non-snow-covered ground in March or April and include legumes in seed mix.

6) Manure Injection

Payment Rate: $30 per acre. 

Practice Requirements: Manure Injection payment supports subsurface injection including disk, shank, and grassland manure injection, injected below soil surface with a single implement. Chisel plowing or disk harrowing fields within two weeks of practice installation is not allowable. All injection must follow manure application standards of the Vermont Required Agricultural Practices rule including application of nutrients within agronomic recommendations.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment.

Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) Agronomic Training Grant

Program Overview

The Farm Agronomic Practice (FAP) grant program provides instructional activity grants to support Vermont farmers and service providers to attend events that further their knowledge of agricultural water quality. 

Grants can cover up to 100% of eligible costs to attend the training event.

Eligible Costs

• Registration fees (up to 100%)
• Hotel/Lodging (up to 100%)
• Airfare (up to 100%)
• Mileage (federal reimbursement rate)
• Relief Milking/Farmwork ($30/hr)

All expenses must be documented with receipts/invoices.

All applications and expenses are subject to review by VAAFM to ensure that they meet eligibility requirements and that costs are reasonable.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment.

Community Supported Agriculture Grant

Program Overview

This grant is intended to help Vermont-based early childhood providers increase local food access for children through the purchase of community supported agriculture (CSA) shares. Successful applicants will receive a grant to cover the cost of summer and/or fall community supported agriculture (CSA) share(s). Local food provided in these CSA shares must meet the Vermont local food definition and CSA shares must be from a Vermont farm, or farm/producer collaboratives. 

Applications for this grant will be accepted from non-profit organizations and early childhood education (ECE) programs that can serve as the fiscal agent to provide CSA shares to several ECE providers. To maximize the impact of this grant program, VAAFM is encouraging individual ECE applicants to partner with other ECE providers on a single application, with a lead applicant that is either a non-profit organization or an ECE program. All applicants will need to explain their collaboration and coordination efforts with or among ECE providers.

There is no award minimum or maximum for this grant. Grantees will have up to 10 months to complete projects. Longer project periods may be available, with permission from the grant program manager. Pre-award costs may also be available, with permission from the grant program manager. No matching funds are required for this grant.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment.

Historic Preservation Barn Grants

Established in 1992, the State-funded Barn Preservation Grant program helps individuals, municipalities, and non-profit organizations to rehabilitate the historic agricultural buildings that are a symbol of Vermont’s rural landscape. This is the oldest state-funded agricultural-based grant program in the United States.

Since its inception, the program has provided over $5 million towards the preservation of over 525 historic barns and agricultural outbuildings around the state. Preservation of these buildings not only protects Vermont's agricultural and architectural legacies, but it also generates jobs, supports independent businesses, increase civic participation, and bolsters a community's sense of place while enhancing the experience of visitors.

This is a reimbursement grant program. Grant recipients are responsible for paying for the full amount of the project. The state will then reimburse grant recipients once work is complete and paid for.

Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) is responsible for the conservation and management of Vermont’s forest resources, the operation and maintenance of the State Park system, and the promotion and support of outdoor recreation for Vermonters and our visitors. In addition, FPR is responsible for the acquisition, planning coordination and administration of all Agency of Natural Resources lands. Department employees are stationed throughout Vermont, including offices in Montpelier and at five regional locations.

Advanced Wood Heating Assistance for Working Lands Businesses

This financial assistance program supports working lands businesses to install or upgrade advanced wood heating systems.

The Advanced Wood Heat (AWH) Assistance Program for Working Lands Businesses provides technical and financial assistance for the installation of new advanced wood heating systems and upgrades to existing systems in Vermont farm, food, and forest products business facilities. This program is federally funded through a competitive grant award from the US Forest Service Wood Innovations Program and administered through the Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation’s Forest Economy Program.

All projects are funded on a reimbursement basis.

Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) is responsible for the conservation and management of Vermont’s forest resources, the operation and maintenance of the State Park system, and the promotion and support of outdoor recreation for Vermonters and our visitors. In addition, FPR is responsible for the acquisition, planning coordination and administration of all Agency of Natural Resources lands. Department employees are stationed throughout Vermont, including offices in Montpelier and at five regional locations.

VOREC Community Grant Program

The VOREC Community Grant Program (VCGP) is intended to fund community projects that support and grow local economies by leveraging outdoor recreation. 

The Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) Community Grant Program supports outdoor recreation projects that drive economic growth and enhance community well-being. Funded by one-time allocations by the Vermont General Assembly, we are launching the fifth VCGP grant round this fall. 

In order to maximize the impact of the available funding, the upcoming grant round will focus on project development and promotion. This grant will fund projects that will support local outdoor recreation economies, but need design, scoping, or planning work done to unlock other funding. This program will also help communities and organizations share information about their amazing recreation resources and businesses by supporting marketing, branding, and other promotion. 

The upcoming grant round will be closely tied to the vision, common objectives, and themes of Move Forward Together Vermont. The scoring system will be designed to elevate projects that address equity and climate resilience. Example projects that might score well could include:  

• Contracting a landscape architect to complete a park design for a FEMA buyout property  
• Creating a regional outdoor recreation marketing plan to attract outdoor recreationists to downtown businesses  
• Community-informed planning for both building and sharing information about accessible trails  
• Program development for classes or community events focused on building confidence in the outdoors   
• Creating a town-wide outdoor recreation wayfinding plan and installing signs/kiosks using accessible signage principles  
• Developing a community economic recovery plan focused on supporting local businesses, and outdoor recreation resources following emergencies and natural disasters.   
• Developing a climate risk mitigation plan and preparing permit applications for identified trail improvement projects. 

The FY23 Bellows Falls Intermodal Center Rehabilitation grant aims to restore the passenger station to a state of good repair, enhancing its appeal and functionality as an intermodal transportation hub. This initiative will not only improve transit services but also play a pivotal role in the economic revitalization of the surrounding community. The grant will be administered by the Vermont Agency of Transportation, ensuring effective utilization of funds for community development.

The State Biomonitoring Cooperative Agreement aims to enhance public health laboratories' ability to conduct biomonitoring and assess human exposure to environmental chemicals. This funding opportunity emphasizes community investigations, state-level studies, and emerging chemicals not covered in the National Exposure Report. By improving laboratory capacity and fostering collaboration, the initiative seeks to identify harmful exposures and evaluate intervention effectiveness over a three-year period.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is collaborating with other NIH institutes to enhance rigor and replicability in biomedical and behavioral research. This initiative aims to support projects focused on assessing the impact of improved research practices, developing frameworks for study selection, and measuring the generalizability of findings. Currently, applications are not being solicited, allowing researchers time to prepare collaborative proposals.

American Cancer Society

The mission of the American Cancer Society is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

ACS Research Priority Areas

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has identified these 6 areas to categorize and track the research we fund to help advance our mission. Applicants (except Institutional Research Grants and Professor grants) are asked to select at least 1 of these research areas that aligns with their proposal:

• Etiology (causes of cancer)
• Obesity/Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL)
• Screening and Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Survivorship
• Health Equity Across the Cancer Continuum

Research Scholar Grants

Research Scholar Grants (RSG) provide support for independent, self-directed researchers.

Applicants' institutions must provide space and other resources customary for independent investigators.

Grant proposals are investigator-initiated and may pursue questions across the cancer research continuum, as long as they fit within an American Cancer Society (ACS) priority research area.

These grants typically contribute to the cost of salaries, consumable supplies, and other miscellaneous items required in the research. 

Research Scholar Grants are funded up to $215,000 per year (direct costs), plus 10% allowable indirect costs, with a project period up to four years.

Who We Are

Broad Street Children's Foundation is committed to providing financial support to privately funded children's homes caring for the orphaned, abandoned and broken children right here in the United States.

Grant Seekers

Broad Street Children's Foundation supports self-sustaining children's homes across the United States that actively foster the development of strong, well-rounded children in their care.

Since the start of the Foundation, over $1,000,000.00 in grants have been donated to children's homes across the country. Additionally, through the Bill and Jackie Hazelgrove Scholarship Program, we have been able to assist a number of young people to continue their education and work towards a college or vocational degree.

Today, the Broad Street Children's Foundation is continuing the dream of it's original founders through the second generation. Equally as dedicated to changing the lives of children in need across America and striving to break the cycle of abuse and neglect for other children and their families.

About

Originally conceived by Dr Bruce Mesara in 1990 as a means to carry on his philanthropic efforts beyond his lifetime, the Mesara Family Foundation was re-envisioned by his two children Amy and Douglas in 2014, and received their 501(c)(3) status from the IRS in 2015. Amy and Douglas sought out the assistance of their cousins to build upon the charitable principals on their parents, aunts and uncles.

The foundation is headquartered in Kalamazoo Michigan.

Mission

The mission of the Mesara Family Foundation is to honor the philanthropic principles of the Mesara and Pauch families by supporting carefully selected organizations that share similar values. Our focus is to provide support toward education, conservation and other causes of special family interest where our funding will make a genuine difference.

About VHFA

Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) was established in 1974 to finance and promote affordable, safe and decent housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income Vermonters. Each U.S. state has a housing finance agency.

Since its inception, Vermont HFA has helped 31,000 primarily first-time home buyers and their families purchase homes. VHFA provides financing, development and management support, subsidy administration, and tax credits for approximately 9,600 affordable apartments statewide.   

First-Generation Homebuyer Assistance

First-generation homebuyers may be entitled to VHFA grants, which can be used to pay down payments and closing costs. 

These first-time home buyer programs Vermont will remain available until they are used up on a first-come-first-served basis. The funds can be combined with the loan received from the ASSIST program.

$15,000 grant for down payment and closing costs

May be combined with VHFA ASSIST and down payment assistance from other sources

Borrowers and non-borrowing spouses must have NEVER owned a home before and have less than $20,000 combined liquid assets

At least one person taking title must EITHER: have been placed in foster care at some point in their life, OR have parents or legal guardians who never owned or lost their home to foreclosure and have not owned again

Available exclusively with VHFA MOVE, MOVE MCC, or ADVANTAGE. Borrowers and non-borrowing spouses must meet eligibility requirements for selected VHFA Program. Other credit and property eligibility requirements apply. To pre-qualify and apply contact a VHFA Participating Lender!

The BJA FY 2026 Capital Case Litigation Initiative aims to enhance legal representation in state capital cases. By providing essential funding, this initiative supports both prosecutors and defense attorneys to ensure equitable legal processes for indigent defendants. The U.S. Department of Justice emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens' rights. Applications are due by November 5, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET, marking a critical opportunity for improvement in capital case litigation.

The BJA FY 2026 Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program aims to enhance justice by strengthening the capacity of entities that review wrongful convictions. By supporting partnerships among criminal justice and victims' services, the program seeks to effectively manage post-conviction claims of innocence and prevent future errors. This initiative will help identify actual perpetrators and ensure justice for victims, contributing to public safety and the integrity of the legal system.

The BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)—Formula Grants Program aims to support states and local governments in enhancing their DNA analysis capabilities. By providing funding for existing crime laboratories, this initiative seeks to increase the processing capacity for DNA samples, thereby reducing the backlog in forensic DNA analysis and ensuring timely entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Applications are due by November 5, 2026.

The BJA FY 2026 Adult Treatment Court Program aims to enhance Adult Treatment Court operations, focusing on preventing overdoses and reducing substance use among high-risk adults in the criminal justice system. The program integrates judicial supervision, substance use disorder treatment, and recovery support services to improve outcomes for participants. This funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice highlights the commitment to public safety and addressing critical issues like the opioid crisis.

The BJA FY 2026 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) aims to enhance the capacity of grantees through dedicated training. It addresses critical operational issues related to overdose responses, targeting illicit opioids and stimulants. The program underscores the U.S. Department of Justice's commitment to public safety, law enforcement support, and the fight against substance misuse. Applications are due by November 9, 2026.

The BJA FY 2026 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA program aims to enhance public safety and justice by supporting prosecutors in the investigation and prosecution of violent cold case crimes with developed DNA profiles. This funding opportunity, provided by the US DOJ's OJP Bureau of Justice Assistance, facilitates crucial investigative and forensic activities to increase successful prosecutions and provide resolution for victims and their families. Full applications are due by November 5, 2026.