Best Grants for Children in Vermont

Nonprofit organizations serving young children and families in Vermont can seek grants to strengthen early childhood programs, support families, or advance systems change, with awards ranging from US $15,000 - US $100,000. With a mission to improve early childhood outcomes, A. D. Henderson Foundation prioritizes effective, trusted organizations with strong governance and aligned missions.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and youth through health, welfare, camperships, education access, homeless shelters, or food security can apply for Agnes M. Lindsay Trust support, with awards of US $1,000 - US $7,500. Funding may cover capital needs, equipment, or operating support for child- and family-focused programs.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and adolescents can seek funding for youth education, enrichment, recreation, and health programs. With a mission to enrich the lives of youth, George W. Mergens Foundation provides support for general operations, projects, and capital needs that promote knowledge, creativity, leadership, and wellbeing for young Vermonters.

Vermont youth- and family-serving nonprofits, schools, and municipal entities in Lamoille, Orleans, and neighboring counties can seek US $500 - US $5,000 for programs that increase opportunity, health, wellness, and community connection. Vermont Community Foundation’s Green Mountain Fund also supports environmental stewardship, sustainability, climate goals, and local food and farming initiatives benefiting children and families.

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 and Lake Champlain Basin 501(c)(3) organizations, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups can seek funding for children, families, and basic human needs through the Kelsey Trust Winter Grants. With a mission to strengthen Vermont communities, Vermont Community Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support health, food, fuel, shelter, and related youth services.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and families in southern Vermont can apply for Stratton Mountain & Valley Community Benefit Foundation grants up to US $5,000 to support basic needs, education, hunger, and health programs. Organizations working with youth across Vermont on food access, safety, shelter, and health services may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)/(c)(4), governmental, and academic organizations in Vermont can seek funding for oral health education, preventive care, clinics, research, and workforce development, especially for children and other underserved groups. With a mission to improve oral health access and quality, Northeast Delta Dental Foundation provides up to US $2,000, typically for one-year projects.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth in Vermont can receive up to US $2,000 for emergency equipment needs through Vermont Children's Trust Foundation. Funding supports primary prevention programs for ages 0–18 that strengthen families, serve at-risk youth, and reduce risks like delinquency, substance abuse, and child abuse in community-based settings.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and public entities in Vermont serving children and youth can receive up to US $2,000 for transferable equipment that supports primary prevention programs. With a mission to strengthen children and families, Vermont Children's Trust Foundation provides quarterly equipment grants for community-based efforts reducing delinquency, substance abuse, child abuse, and related risks.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations serving socioeconomically disadvantaged youth through immigrant services, workforce development, arts education, or K–12 support can access funding via the Clowes Fund. Grants, including multi-year operating support up to US $150,000, prioritize immigrant, refugee, and asylee families and youth ages 15–25 at risk of leaving school or needing pathways to economic self-sufficiency.

With a mission to improve outcomes for children, families, and the environment, Canaday Family Charitable Trust provides Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations with US $20,000 - US $270,000 for innovative, measurable projects. Youth-serving nonprofits in Vermont may apply for new or special initiatives in children’s services, environmental conservation, and economic opportunity for families.

501(c)(3) organizations serving children and families in Vermont can apply for Turrell Fund grants to support early childhood development, K–12 education, arts education, and direct social services. Programs for children birth to five, especially infants and toddlers facing systemic barriers, and initiatives pursuing systems and policy change may be especially competitive.

Vermont youth and family-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children’s well-being and early learning can access funding through Couch Family Foundation for general operating, projects, capital needs, and event sponsorships. Organizations in Orange and Windsor Counties with strong leadership, community collaboration, and a focus on equity may be especially competitive.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits with proven programs for children, families, and youth services can seek funding for ongoing work, with awards up to US $5,000. National Life Group Charitable Foundation prioritizes central and northern Vermont and favors initiatives addressing childhood hunger, health and human services, education, environment, arts, and recreation that demonstrate clear impact and community support.

Organizations in Vermont working to improve food security, transportation, and basic needs for children prenatal to age 8 can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Building Bright Futures help nonprofits, businesses, municipalities, and schools expand capacity, upgrade infrastructure, and better serve families, especially those facing economic insecurity or immigration-related barriers.

With a mission to support education access, the Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation provides Vermont educational organizations with funding for college readiness, access, and completion programs serving underserved or under-represented students. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, municipalities, Tribal and religious organizations in New England may also propose research or related services that help students attain 2- or 4-year postsecondary credentials.

Vermont early childhood programs and nonprofits serving children from birth to age five can access funding through the Vermont Children's Trust Foundation for innovative, community-based services. The S. Whitney Landon Awards offer up to US $5,000 in unrestricted support for exemplary, collaborative programs that promote child and family well-being, with priority for the youngest and highest-risk children.

Fall 2026 Early Childhood Education Funding Cycle

Overall Early Childhood Education Program Blueprint

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program supports efforts to improve access to high-quality early care and education for young children (birth to five), especially those from low-income families. We do this by investing in strategies that strengthen, support, and retain a high-quality, thriving early educator workforce.

The Foundation has a history of supporting professional development (PD) and learning systems through its Provider strategy (). We believe strong professional development systems are essential for building a skilled early childhood workforce and creating positive learning environments for young children.

The Fall 2026 funding cycle is available for organizations that align with this Provider strategy.

Funding Opportunity

This funding opportunity will provide up to $750,000 to support early childhood education providers in strengthening existing professional development (PD) systems. Funding is intended to improve a specific area of an established PD system—not to build a brand-new system from scratch or put the foundational elements in place.

What kind of improvements can funding support?

Organizations should focus their projects on strengthening their professional development systems. The Stranahan Foundation defines a strong professional development system as one that includes:

• Connect learning opportunities that build on one another over time.
• Use adult learning best practices.
• Align staff learning to educator competencies, credentials, career growth, or compensation.
• Provide learning experiences that are individualized, scaffolded, and responsive to educators’ needs, experience, and goals.
• Have dedicated leadership and organizational capacity to support ongoing implementation.

• Gather regular feedback from staff and families.
• Use standardized assessment and evaluation tools to understand what is working and where improvements are needed.
• Make ongoing improvements based on what is learned.
• Support reflective practice, peer learning, and collaborative inquiry among educators.

• Offer both individual and group learning opportunities, such as training, professional learning communities, coaching, and mentoring.
• Provide learning opportunities on an ongoing basis rather than in a one-and-done situation.
• Connect internal and external learning opportunities to make the best use of available resources.
• Support classroom implementation through observation, modeling, feedback, and continuous improvement cycles.

• Provide learning experiences that are practical, relevant, and easy to apply in daily work.
• Include fundamental topics such as family engagement, effective instruction, developmentally appropriate practice, and classroom management.
• Align with established standards, research, and effective practices in the early childhood field.
• Equip educators to support all learners, including multilingual learners, children with disabilities, and children impacted by trauma or adverse experiences.

Vermont schools, municipal entities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Poultney-area children and families can access funding through Vermont Community Foundation for educational, health, and community programs. Grants of US $1,501 - US $7,500 support youth services, family support, community engagement, and projects that foster sustainable, connected local communities in Vermont.

Vermont nonprofits and public agencies serving children and families with basic human needs can access funding for unexpected, time-sensitive emergencies or opportunities that affect their services. Through the Vermont Community Foundation’s Special and Urgent Needs grants, organizations may cover emergency repairs, essential equipment replacement, unanticipated services, or staff and volunteer well-being programming across Vermont.

Early childhood education providers, Vermont public schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Vermont can apply for Vermont Arts Council’s Early Childhood Arts Partnership Grants; awards up to US $6,000 for arts and arts-integrated instruction for preschoolers. Projects should expand creative, culturally relevant learning and may prioritize children from low-income families, English language learners, or rural communities.

Grants for Nonprofits : Early Childhood Arts Partnership Grants

Early Childhood Arts Partnership Grants support arts education for preschool-aged children through partnerships with arts organizations or teaching artists.

Grant amounts are up to $6,000.

The program prioritizes partnerships (such as with and between arts organizations, Head Start programs, regional early education collaboratives, and/or school districts) and supports programming tailored to the applicant’s learning community expanding access, engaging families, and strengthening communication and holistic instruction.

Examples of how grant funds support early childhood programming include:

• employing a teaching artist experienced in an arts discipline and in early childhood settings for a multi-day residency
• supporting children in reaching arts and arts-integrated curriculum outcomes aligned with TS Gold, Vermont Early Learning Standards, or National Core Art Standards,for example
• supporting classroom teachers with incorporating arts and arts-integrated activities in their classrooms during and/or beyond the timeframe of the grant
• promoting opportunities for interaction, collaboration, and/or planning between teaching artists and the classroom teachers