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Search Through Grants for Children in Vermont

The Agnes M. Lindsay Trust Grants provide essential financial support to nonprofit organizations in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, focusing on Health and Welfare, Dental Health, Camperships, Education, and Homeless Shelters. With a history of over 81 years, the Trust aims to assist those in need, especially in underserved populations. While they are currently not accepting unsolicited requests from colleges and universities, they continue to support initiatives that enhance community welfare and educational opportunities.

The George W. Mergens Foundation Grant supports educational and experiential opportunities for youth, continuing a legacy of over $12 million in funding. Established in 1994 to honor George Mergens, the foundation focuses on enriching the lives of children and adolescents through health, education, and leadership programs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Vermont, primarily serving youth. The foundation aims to partner with groups addressing significant community needs.

The Green Mountain Fund, established by the Vermont Community Foundation, offers grants between $500 and $5,000 to support charitable activities in Lamoille and Orleans Counties. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and municipalities serving these areas. The Fund prioritizes projects that enhance community engagement, sustainability, and food security, and does not support capital campaigns or previously incurred expenses. Applications are accepted year-round, with funding decisions typically made within six to eight weeks.

The Paul Post Fund for Libraries, managed by the Vermont Community Foundation, aims to enhance literacy among young adults through grants ranging from $250 to $1,000. Although the fund is currently closed for applications in 2025, it traditionally supports projects such as acquiring books and hosting reading enrichment programs. Eligible applicants include public libraries and nonprofit organizations serving Vermont, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in all funded initiatives.

The OSERS-OSEP program offers State Technical Assistance Projects aimed at improving education for DeafBlind children. These projects, funded by the US ED's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, seek to enhance academic outcomes through tailored support and resources. By addressing the unique challenges faced by DeafBlind children, the program ensures they receive the necessary educational and transitional assistance to thrive in their learning environments. This initiative serves states including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The Stratton Foundation Grant aims to improve the health and welfare of children and families in southern Vermont by funding sustainable programs that address poverty challenges. It focuses on four key areas: food and hunger, health and dental care, basic necessities, and education. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations serving vulnerable communities, with no fixed amounts but varying reporting requirements based on the grant size. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate sustainability and effective management.

The Vermont Children's Trust Foundation offers Emergency Equipment Grants up to $2,000 for non-profit organizations serving children in Vermont. These grants address emergency situations like essential equipment loss due to disasters or theft, and the need for specialized equipment for children. The foundation prioritizes programs that promote positive family functioning and address societal issues affecting children and youth. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, ensuring timely support for urgent needs.

The Vermont Children's Trust Foundation offers quarterly Equipment Grants to nonprofit organizations serving children aged 0-18 in Vermont. These grants, up to $2,000, focus on primary prevention programs aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency and promoting positive family functioning. Eligible applicants include private nonprofits and public entities, while ineligible applicants include individuals and for-profit organizations. The foundation emphasizes programs that promote racial equity and effective youth services in the community.

The Couch Family Foundation supports nonprofits in the Upper Valley and Martha's Vineyard, focusing on enhancing child and family well-being through equitable opportunities. The foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, community impact, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Grants are available for various needs, including general operating, project funding, and capital support, with an emphasis on collaborative community change.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation is offering the S. Whitney Landon Award to support organizations and individuals serving children aged birth to five and their families. With a total of $30,000 available, grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to programs demonstrating innovative practices in early childhood care. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and home-based childcare programs, especially those collaborating with community partners to enhance their impact.

The Vermont Children's Trust Foundation offers a $50,000 Special Program or Project Grant aimed at non-profit organizations serving children in Vermont. This grant supports primary prevention programs that address community needs and promote positive family functioning. Eligible projects include after-school programs, parenting education, and substance abuse prevention initiatives. The Foundation emphasizes local conceptualization and aims to bolster child well-being and family stability, ensuring all children have opportunities to thrive.

The Northeast Delta Dental Foundation grants aim to enhance oral health care access and education in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The Foundation supports initiatives that focus on improving awareness of good oral health, preventive care, and accessibility of dental services. Grants typically cover one year and prioritize projects that serve disadvantaged populations. The Foundation encourages applications from 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations that align with its oral health mission.

The Turrell Fund Grant focuses on supporting organizations that serve children and families, particularly in Vermont and New Jersey. Emphasizing early childhood development, K-12 education, and access to arts and social services, the fund aims to address systemic barriers and promote equity. Priority is given to initiatives that foster systemic change and advocate for policy improvements, ensuring every child has access to quality education and resources necessary for a strong start in life.

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.

The Hilles Fund Grant supports programs that serve vulnerable populations in Philadelphia and Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. With grants ranging from $4,000 to $10,000, it prioritizes initiatives that provide children, youth, and women with pathways to economic independence, including educational opportunities and social services. The fund also values advocacy efforts aligned with its mission and gives preference to organizations with operating budgets under $2 million.

The Early Childhood Arts Partnership Grants aim to enhance preschool education by integrating arts into early childhood programs. By fostering partnerships between education providers, arts organizations, and teaching artists, the initiative seeks to address equity challenges for underrepresented communities. Grants of up to $6,000 will support creative programming from January to August 2025, ensuring children experience culturally relevant arts education, thereby preparing them for academic success.

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.

The VCF: Hills Fund Grant offers financial support ranging from $1,501 to $7,500 for projects that enhance educational opportunities and foster community sustainability in Poultney, Vermont. Eligible applicants include schools, municipal entities, and nonprofit organizations. The Hills Fund prioritizes initiatives that engage local residents and leverage additional community resources. Applications are accepted annually from January 1 to November 1, with a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all participants.

The VCF: Hollows Fund Grant, established by the Vermont Community Foundation, supports educational opportunities and community sustainability in Poultney. Grants range from $250 to $1,500, aimed at schools and nonprofits addressing children's needs and fostering engagement. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and provide ADA-accessible programs. The fund prioritizes collaborative projects that enhance community connections and respond to local challenges, promoting a vibrant and inclusive environment for all residents.

The VCF Special and Urgent Needs Grant (SUN) supports Vermont nonprofits facing unexpected expenses that hinder their mission. Grants, typically up to $5,000, are available for emergencies or unanticipated opportunities. Eligible organizations must serve Vermont residents and basic human needs. The program prioritizes those with budgets under $500,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until November 14, 2025, with decisions made within 20 business days. Reopening is scheduled for February 2026.

The Clowes Fund focuses on supporting socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals in New England, particularly in Vermont. The fund prioritizes immigrant services, workforce development, and arts education. It is crucial for applicants to be aware that only organizations meeting specific eligibility criteria will be considered for funding. The application process is competitive, and transparency is emphasized, as fewer than 10% of introductory applications lead to grants. For more details, visit their official site.

The Kelsey Trust, established in 1988, collaborates with the Vermont Community Foundation to provide grants focused on supporting children, families, and basic human needs in the Lake Champlain Basin. With a yearly budget of approximately $200,000, grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. Organizations serving the local community must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or represented by a fiscal sponsor. The Trust emphasizes non-discrimination and prioritizes local organizations.

The Canaday Family Charitable Trust primarily aims to support Vermont-based not-for-profit organizations that enhance the lives of children and families, advocate for environmental conservation and education, and address economic and racial inequalities. Grants are provided for innovative projects that produce measurable impacts, focusing on sustainability, self-sufficiency, and community engagement. The Trust emphasizes funding projects rooted in Vermont's unique context, promoting initiatives that empower local families and foster significant improvements in their quality of life.

The Vermont Children's Trust Foundation offers program grants aimed at preventing juvenile delinquency, truancy, and substance abuse among children aged 0-18. These grants support community-based initiatives that promote positive family functioning, enhance societal support, and address protective factors for at-risk youth. Organizations can apply for one-year grants up to $12,000 or three-year grants up to $15,000 annually, fostering sustainable programming to benefit Vermont's families and children.

The National Life Group Charitable Foundation provides grants to nonprofits primarily in Vermont and Texas, focusing on proven programs that address issues like childhood hunger and family support. With an annual budget of $2 million, the foundation seeks proposals with a clear plan, community backing, and measurable success. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while ineligible projects include endowments, scholarships, and those that discriminate based on race, gender, or other factors.

Building Bright Futures

Building Bright Futures (BBF) works to improve the well-being of young children and families in Vermont. The BBF Network includes 12 Regional Councils, seven Strategic Plan Committees, and the State Advisory Council.

The State Advisory Council advises the Governor and Legislature on the well-being of children in the prenatal period through age 8 and their families. BBF maintains Vermont’s Early Childhood Strategic Plan, a shared vision and roadmap to ensure that every young child in Vermont has the resources, opportunities, and support to thrive.

 Vermont Early Childhood Fund

The Vermont Early Childhood Fund is a Building Bright Futures (BBF) program. VECF grants support creative solutions that will improve the well-being of children from the prenatal period to age 8, their families, and the Vermont communities where they live. These grants are open to nonprofits, businesses, municipalities, and schools.

These are not reimbursement-based grants; grantees will receive the full grant award at the start of the grant period.

Supporting Young Children and Families

VECF is focused on strengthening systems that support Vermont’s young children and families. This funding will prioritize one-time investments that expand capacity, improve infrastructure, and increase reach. The grant round is made possible through a combination of philanthropic support and the Building Bright Futures License Plate fund.

Equity Commitment

BBF envisions a future where every family in Vermont feels welcome, supported, and safe. We prioritize funding programs that address barriers faced by communities most impacted by economic insecurity and that advance equity, belonging, and justice. Projects that serve families furthest from opportunity—including, but not limited to, supporting family safety and basic needs of immigrant and migrant worker populations—will receive strong consideration.

Funding Priority: Meeting Basic Needs

BBF will fund systems-level improvements that strengthen food security and transportation infrastructure serving children in the prenatal period to age 8 and their families, including:

Food Security

• Upgrading systems and infrastructure to improve food distribution
• Expanding equitable access pathways (mobile markets, delivery models, grocery incentives)
• Strengthening farm-to-early-childhood initiatives
• Reducing barriers to Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) participation
• Improving dignity and accessibility within food distribution systems

Transportation

• Expanding transportation pilots and regional solutions
• Strengthening low-barrier transportation assistance programs
• Increasing access to micro-transit, flex-route, and on-demand models
• Supporting transportation solutions for families experiencing homelessness, immigrants, and migrant farmworker families

These funding priorities are aligned with Goal 1 of Vermont’s Early Childhood Strategic Plan: All Children and Families Have Their Basic Needs Met.