Best Financial Assistance Grants in Vermont

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing health, human services, dental care, homeless shelters, food pantries, or youth camperships can apply for Agnes M. Lindsay Trust grants, with awards of US $1,000 - US $7,500. Funding supports capital needs and some operating or program costs for organizations serving low-income and vulnerable populations.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for Alma Gibbs Donchian Foundation grants, awarding up to US $10,000 for programs serving middle-income seniors, special needs and disability education, hearing impairments, and community preservation. Organizations promoting core values and collaborative, sustainable initiatives may be especially competitive for this financial assistance funding.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can seek funding for health, education, development, and welfare programs, including basic needs, homelessness, and environmental education, in Vermont and beyond. With a mission to enrich young lives, Dan Paul Foundation provides up to US $15,000 for initiatives like early childhood development, child advocacy, and refugee enrichment.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in health, education, or community services in Vermont can seek funding for programs such as food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and preventative health initiatives. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support for these efforts, reviewing requests twice yearly in March and September.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Nonprofits providing health, education, or humanitarian aid can seek support for marginalized communities in Vermont and worldwide. With a mission to empower vulnerable populations, Semnani Family Foundation provides organizations with funding for healthcare access, disaster relief, women and children’s services, literacy, and related human and social services across the U.S. and other countries.

Vermont agricultural landowners seeking financial assistance to retire cropland and install vegetative buffers can apply for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, funded by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets. This voluntary program provides upfront incentive payments, annual rental payments, and up to 90–100% cost-share for fencing, water systems, stream crossings, and buffer establishment.

Agricultural producers in Vermont seeking help with conservation, water management, or risk-reducing farm improvements can apply for Agricultural Management Assistance funding, with awards up to Up to US $50,000. With a mission to support sustainable agriculture, USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Vermont provides cost-share assistance for practices like irrigation upgrades, windbreaks, erosion control, and organic transition.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Service providers and producer associations supporting Vermont farm, forest, and food businesses can apply for financial assistance through the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative, with awards from US $10,000 - US $100,000. Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets funding can support technical assistance, market development, business planning, workforce development, and producer association capacity-building projects across the state.

Nonprofit organizations in Vermont seeking support for community programs, education, arts, health facilities, or environmental and wildlife activities can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 in financial assistance. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds IRS-qualified U.S. nonprofits where relatively small grants can make a significant impact.

Vermont agricultural producers, ranchers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. Focused on environmental conservation, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Vermont supports projects that improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

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.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations and public schools serving individuals with autism can receive up to US $7,500 for education technology tools and training. The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism funds tablets, apps, smartboards, laptops, STEM activities, and related technology that improve learning outcomes, with one program per public school district eligible each year.

Assistive Technology Grant -  Allison Keller Education Technology Program

Realizing the gains that many people with autism have achieved using the iPad, the Allison Keller Education Technology Program was created in honor of Flutie Foundation Board Member Kevin Lane Keller's daughter Allison. The goal of the program is to help fill the financial and technological gap for schools and 501(c)3 organizations that assist individuals with autism.Applications will be considered for any technology tools and/or training that improve learning outcomes or performance. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Tablets & Accessories
• Apps
• Smartboards
• Laptops
• Technology Training
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educational activities & access to STEM studies

The Flutie Foundation is seeking innovative partners who are using technology to address real needs facing the autism community. One program per public school district is eligible to be awarded an Allison Keller Education Technology grant annually.

Focused on economic independence, nonprofits in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom serving children, youth, and women can access funding via Allen Hilles Fund for education, youth development, and social services programs. Grants of US $4,000 - US $10,000 may support direct services, advocacy, and systems change, with priority for organizations under $2 million in annual budgets.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $1 million seeking program support for children, education, animals, environment, humanitarian aid, or arts and culture can apply for Hansen Family Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000. Vermont organizations meeting these criteria and offering financial assistance or related services may be considered.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Vermont municipalities, nonprofits, public institutions, and other eligible entities can receive up to US $35,000 to build organizational capacity for clean water and watershed projects. Watersheds United Vermont supports activities like community engagement, administrative and financial systems, and professional development to help partners do more, more complex, or more effective clean water work.

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.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofits in Vermont can receive funding for planning and education projects that preserve battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures. National Trust for Historic Preservation supports activities like preservation planning, feasibility studies, capacity building, and innovative public education to advance battlefield preservation efforts. Awards range from US $2,500 - US $10,000.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Vermont farmers and custom manure applicators seeking capital equipment to improve manure management and water quality in Vermont can access funding through the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets. Grants up to US $50,000 support new or innovative equipment that reduces runoff, odors, greenhouse gas emissions, and overall manure application costs.

Private landowners in Vermont seeking financial assistance to conserve forestland through conservation easements or fee-simple acquisition may be eligible; funding can cover up to 75% of acquisition and related transaction costs. Grants from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation help protect important forest habitats, wetlands, recreation corridors, and other high-value land within designated Forest Legacy Areas.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups can receive up to US $5,000 for consultant-led capacity-building projects. With a mission to strengthen Vermont communities, Vermont Community Foundation provides funding for strategic and financial planning, leadership and board development, DEI work, merger planning, and adapting to federal funding changes for organizations under $1 million in annual budget.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Vermont and New Hampshire can obtain USDA Rural Development support for water and waste infrastructure projects. Funding can cover acquisition, construction, or improvement of drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and storm water systems, plus related legal, engineering, land, and start-up costs.