Best Food Grants for Nonprofits in Vermont

Vermont-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $500,000 can seek up to US $15,000 to address racial, economic, social, and environmental disparities in Vermont. Grants from Ben & Jerry's Foundation help Vermont organizations advance equity in areas like food access, housing, education, criminal justice reform, immigrant and workers’ rights, and healthy, affordable food access.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and their families can access funding for early childhood development, food access and hunger, social services, and education programs. Turrell Fund supports high-quality, results-driven initiatives, with special consideration for birth-to-five services, policy and advocacy work, and programs addressing systemic barriers and racial disparities in underserved communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, food access, and community well-being in Vermont and other Vermont Mutual Insurance Group territories can apply for support from the VMIG Charitable Giving Fund. Grants help programs that satisfy basic needs, strengthen communities, promote education, and foster youth in eligible New England and New York locations.

Nonprofits, farmers, researchers, and community partners in Vermont and the broader Northeast can seek US $50,000 - US $250,000 for social science research and education that strengthen farming and food systems. Grants from Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education support projects on food access, marketing, production, climate, and community sustainability that benefit agricultural communities.

Nonprofit Kiwanis divisions and SLP divisions in Vermont can receive funding to run End Hunger New England meal-packing projects providing 10,000 meals per event. Grants from Kiwanis Foundation of New England offer up to US $2,500 when divisions contribute at least $1,500 and involve at least two clubs, with possible second grants if funds remain.

Nonprofit food banks, food hubs, and other food distribution organizations in Vermont and the broader Northeast can receive up to US $50,000 to improve food access infrastructure, such as storage, logistics, and distribution. Farm Credit East supports capital projects that strengthen food access and hunger relief across its multistate territory.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont and the Northeast U.S. working on food access, nutrition, or related community needs can seek up to US $2,500 for local programs. The Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation supports small, under-resourced groups, including those offering youth development, after-school, rehabilitation, arts, science, or emotional support services.

Vermont schools, nonprofits, municipalities, and government agencies working on food access and farm-to-school or campus programs can seek $25,000 - $100,000 to strengthen New England’s institutional food supply chain. Henry P. Kendall Foundation supports projects that increase locally grown food served to K-12 and college students and benefit regional farmers, fishermen, and producers.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations or those with fiscal sponsors working on community-based food justice and access to healthy, affordable food can apply for Wild Geese Foundation support, with a focus on New England and Vermont. Eligible nonprofits may also work intersectionally across youth, climate justice, and reproductive justice alongside food access and sustainable agriculture.

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.

Grants of up to US $5,000 help Vermont nonprofits and public agencies cover unexpected, time-sensitive costs that affect food access, housing, health, and other basic human needs. Organizations in Vermont facing emergencies or unanticipated opportunities—such as critical equipment failure, emergency repairs, or urgent program needs—may be eligible for Vermont Community Foundation’s Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) funding.

Nonprofits and community groups in Vermont seeking support for food access, hunger relief, or related community health projects can apply for the Norwich Lions Club Community Grants Program. Most awards are between US $250 and US $1,000 and fund direct project or program costs, with preference for efforts serving children, the sick, or people with disabilities.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on food access, hunger, or environmental stewardship can access funding through Whole Foods Market’s Store Giving Program. Grants provide biannual financial support for community-based program work near local stores in the U.S., Canada, and the UK, with applications submitted through the Community Engagement Portal.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and other charitable organizations working on food access and hunger in Vermont can seek funding to combat hunger and promote nutritional wellness. Journey for Good Foundation supports North American programs focused on food-related initiatives, nutrition, education, workforce development, and services for veterans and their families that address poverty holistically.

The No Kid Hungry Grant, provided by Share Our Strength, aims to support schools and community groups in ensuring children have access to nutritious meals. Grants are allocated for essential equipment rather than food, addressing the unique needs of programs serving children. With a focus on reducing financial barriers, the initiative prioritizes funding for the School Breakfast Program and summer meals, ultimately striving for equitable access to resources that help combat childhood hunger and promote community engagement.

The Social Impact Fund - Nationwide Grant supports innovative solutions addressing health care access, food security, and economic empowerment. Funded by the American Heart Association, this grant prioritizes community-led projects from organizations with under $10M in revenue. Eligible entities include both for-profit and nonprofit organizations based in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Grants can provide up to $250,000 to initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact, fostering sustainable change in health and wellness.

Nonprofit and for-profit food retailers and food enterprises in Vermont can seek funding to plan or implement projects that expand access to healthy foods in underserved areas. The Reinvestment Fund, through America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative, offers US $20,000 - US $250,000 grants plus technical assistance to strengthen food supply chains, support quality jobs, and revitalize low-income communities.

Focused on food access and hunger, Vermont 501(c)(3) public charities can seek support for programs addressing child hunger and related health needs through the Charles R Wood Foundation. Nonprofits in eligible Vermont counties may apply online year-round for initiatives that improve children’s wellbeing, healthcare access, and community quality of life.

The Nourishing Neighbors Innovation Incubation Fund RFP invites organizations to submit innovative proposals aimed at ending hunger. With flexible funding ranging from $50,000 to $300,000, this initiative encourages diverse ideas, whether small or large-scale. Organizations are required to have a panel of advisors with lived experience and must operate within the U.S. This grant focuses on creating sustainable solutions, ensuring communities can achieve self-sufficiency in food access.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters that are registered nonprofit organizations in select states can apply for the UNICO Foundation’s Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant to purchase food or provide shelter. Vermont organizations may be eligible only if they are domiciled in one of the listed states and serve people in the U.S.

Nonprofits, public schools, tribes, and eligible government entities working on food access and nutrition for children under 18 in Vermont and other U.S. locations can apply for the Food Justice for Kids Prize, with awards up to Up to US $100,000. Grants from Newmans Own Foundation support Indigenous food justice and nutrition education or school food programs.

Nonprofit organizations improving food access, health equity, cancer prevention, or crisis response in Vermont and across the U.S. and Canada can apply for McKesson Foundation grants up to US $25,000. Funding supports programs addressing food insecurity, medicines and meals, preventative healthcare, and related workforce and STEM education efforts for vulnerable and underserved communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont working on food access, hunger, and related social services can apply for William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Social Service Grant; awards More than US $100,000 for program, capital, or general support. U.S.-based nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million and strong, scalable outcomes may be competitive.

The Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation provides grants aimed at combating hunger in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on direct food assistance, food rescue, and nutrition education. Eligible organizations can receive up to $10,000 in funding, with an average grant size of $5,000. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $2 million to support local food programs, ensuring communities have access to essential resources and assistance for those in need.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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.