Best Affordable Housing Grants for Nonprofits in Vermont

Vermont nonprofits focused on children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary support of community-based programs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations working in areas such as youth services, child welfare, or children’s health, and should demonstrate measurable outcomes, community collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs, including those addressing housing stability in Vermont, may be eligible for support. Creag Foundation supports creative approaches to societal issues and considers proposals from organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and are pursuing new or under-addressed solutions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on youth welfare, housing stability, and basic needs in Vermont can seek funding to support programs serving children and young people. With a mission to enrich and protect youth, Dan Paul Foundation provides grants up to US $15,000 for initiatives in child advocacy, homelessness, poverty, education, and related services worldwide.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Vermont tackling urgent social or environmental problems can seek up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Focused on scalable solutions for underserved communities, this support may benefit organizations whose affordable housing work is post-pilot, data-driven, and poised to reach at least 10,000 people.

Vermont nonprofits and NGOs using technology to address crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment for primarily economically underserved communities can access funding through the Cisco Systems Foundation. Global Impact Cash Grants, up to US $100,000, may support innovative, tech-enabled programs that indirectly advance housing stability through economic opportunity, education, or crisis relief.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies in Vermont can seek funding for safety, education, and community development projects, including equitable and affordable housing. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help strengthen neighborhoods through affordable housing construction or repair, sustainable housing and transportation, financial literacy, and related community revitalization initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations working on health, education, or community services in Vermont can access funding through the Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support programs like food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, and STEM education. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on equitable, stable living conditions and related community support may be eligible.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public entities supporting education, health, or family economic stability for low-income urban children in Vermont and other eligible areas can seek project or scale-up funding of more than US $50,000. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports work that improves outcomes for children and families living in urban poverty.

Nonprofit charities in Vermont working on humanitarian, social development, education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects may be eligible for global philanthropic support. Grants from La Roche help accredited organizations undertake innovative, sustainable initiatives that can engage Roche expertise and employees, including programs that intersect with housing stability or related community services.

Municipalities, nonprofits, community organizations, and working lands businesses in rural Vermont (communities of 5,000 or less) can apply for Vermont Housing and Conservation Board’s Rural Economic Development Initiative, awarding US $1,000 - US $6,000 for grant writing, planning, feasibility studies, and fundraising strategies. Affordable housing and community development projects may be especially well positioned for this capacity-building support.

With a mission to support marginalized communities, nonprofits in Vermont working on health, education, or disaster relief can seek funding for programs serving vulnerable populations. The Semnani Family Foundation supports efforts such as healthcare access, homelessness services, child welfare, and humanitarian aid, so housing and shelter providers with related services may be eligible.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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.

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 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.

VHCB Farmland Conservation Program

The Vermont Farmland Conservation Program is focused on retaining the state’s quality agricultural land base in strong farming regions of the state.

VHCB funds the acquisition of development rights on farms as well as a portion of the associated project costs. Eligible applicants for this funding are nonprofit conservation organizations, municipalities, and qualified state agencies. Goals of the VHCB Farmland Conservation Program include perpetually protecting farmland, maintaining land in active agricultural use, and to assure that conserved farmland is accessible and affordable to future generations of farmers.

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.

VHCB Farmland Conservation Program

The Vermont Farmland Conservation Program is focused on retaining the state’s quality agricultural land base in strong farming regions of the state. 

Eligible applicants for this funding are nonprofit conservation organizations, municipalities, and qualified state agencies. 

Funding Sugarbush Projects

Maple sugaring is part of Vermont’s heritage. It’s also an important and rapidly growing part of Vermont’s agricultural economy. Sugarbushes also contribute to Vermont’s scenic landscape. The 2018 Farm Bill removed the forested acreage limit for working sugarbush conservation using USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) funds. This has enabled VHCB to conserve more sugarbushes as farm projects. 

Types of Projects, in General

VHCB will consider funding the purchase of conservation easements on working sugarbushes provided that (1) the applicant for VHCB funds is an eligible applicant, (2) the minimum eligibility criteria are met (see Appendix 2 of attached PDF document), and (3) a VHCB-approved easement coholder (approved stewardship partner) has stated at the time of application that it is willing to participate.

VHCB expects sugarbush projects to meet all the requirements for NRCS funding. Should a landowner not be eligible for NRCS funding, VHCB in its discretion, may consider funding the project using state funds only, subject to the availability of such funds within funding targets set by the VHCB Board.

Projects that are not active sugarbushes, but that are managed for timber or other uses, should apply as a natural area or outdoor recreation project, or under VHCB Guidelines for Privately Owned Managed Forestland Projects, even if sugar maples are a predominant species. 

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing hunger, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, or community vitality can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants to support basic needs and neighborhood strength. Vermont housing and homelessness organizations, including those offering supportive housing, shelters, or homeownership assistance, may be eligible if they align with these focus areas and demonstrate strong outcomes and financial stability.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) housing and conservation organizations, Vermont municipalities, and certain state agencies in Vermont can receive up to US $20,000 to retire farmland that harms water quality through fee acquisition or conservation easements. Vermont Housing and Conservation Board support may complement affordable housing efforts that also protect agricultural, forest, recreational, and natural lands.

Vermont nonprofits, municipalities, and eligible state agencies developing affordable housing or conservation projects can access funding through Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, with awards up to US $33,750. Organizational Development Grants support planning and related costs for projects that create permanently affordable housing and protect agricultural, forest, recreational, natural, or historic lands benefiting Vermonters long-term.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) housing and conservation organizations, Vermont municipalities, and certain state agencies in Vermont can seek project-specific capacity funding for complex affordable housing or land conservation projects. Vermont Housing and Conservation Board awards up to US $50,000 for pre-development costs like appraisals, engineering, title work, and environmental or historic analyses, and may cover related staff and community engagement expenses.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Vermont can apply for unrestricted operating or program funding supporting environmental, human services, or related community work. Lawrence Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants nationally, which may benefit organizations whose affordable housing efforts intersect with these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on youth development, housing support, food security, or environmental stewardship in Vermont and across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Singapore can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000. Grants may benefit nonprofits providing affordable, stable housing and related family services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community hardships such as poverty relief, family services, or related needs in Vermont and the broader Southern region can apply for single-year program support; the Robinson Foundation provides funding for efforts with clear, tangible impact. Organizations must be at least three years old and cannot seek capital project support.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can apply for flexible project support; this national opportunity may benefit Vermont groups addressing housing-related community and environmental needs. The Dudley T Dougherty Foundation emphasizes respect for people, the environment, and positive change in an evolving world.

Vermont nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities working in education, environment, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment can access funding through Georgia-Pacific Foundation to support communities near its facilities. Programs that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability may be eligible, including initiatives that intersect with equitable and affordable housing needs.