Best Grants for Community Centers in Vermont

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Carollo Engineers Bryant L. Bench Scholarship, offers a $10,000 award to graduate students dedicated to advancing their careers in the water consulting engineering field. Established in honor of Bryant L. Bench, this scholarship aims to support future leaders who will enhance drinking water quality through innovative engineering solutions. The American Water Works Association emphasizes the importance of investing in students to secure the future of the water industry.

Joseph G Markoly Foundation Inc

When Joseph Markoly originally established the foundation more than thirty years ago, its focus was on Alzheimer’s and heart disease support, funded through a number of the larger national disease-related organizations. Over time the focus has shifted to helping small to mid-size organizations in our local communities which support children and seniors in a variety of effective ways. 

Markoly Foundation was established in honor of Joseph G. Markoly, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Joseph’s family was affected directly by both Alzheimer’s and heart disease having lost a family member to each condition. For that reason, the foundation dedicates a majority of their resources to providing grants to organizations that focus on the treatment of each of these diseases. In addition, Markoly Foundation supports a variety of programs dedicated to helping children and seniors by providing services, supplies, programs and research in areas impacting these demographics.

Joseph G. Markoly Foundation Grant Support for Elder Organizations

The Markoly Foundation takes pride in supporting local organizations that provide services for elders in our community. Seniors face a number of challenges that come with aging, especially when they don’t have loved ones who are able to assist them with their needs. We provide grants for a variety of senior-related programs from Caregiver Education and Support to Emergency Meal Delivery and Transportation Services.

We are dedicated to providing funding for local nonprofit programs that improve the quality of life for all, but particularly for the children and elders in our community.

The AWWA Hazen Scholarship supports graduate-level candidates dedicated to improving water quality and resources. Awarded by the American Water Works Association, this scholarship aims to empower future leaders in the water industry. Candidates must demonstrate commitment to addressing critical challenges in drinking water, water reuse, and sustainable practices. This initiative reflects AWWA's mission to invest in the next generation of water supply professionals, ensuring a sustainable future for water resources.

The HDR One Water Institute Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association, provides $10,000 in funding to support graduate students pursuing degrees that will lead to careers as consultants in the water industry. This initiative highlights the importance of investing in future water professionals and fostering innovative research to address pressing water challenges.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Mueller HBCU Scholarship, supports undergraduate students from historically black colleges and universities pursuing careers in the water sector. Offered by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), this scholarship recognizes the vital role of future professionals in addressing water industry challenges. AWWA aims to invest in students who will contribute to sustainable water management and innovation within their communities.

This funding opportunity aims to support urgent research evaluating policies that impact health behaviors related to obesity. It is designed for studies that can only be performed with expedited review due to the time-sensitive nature of the research. Applications must demonstrate a compelling need for immediate funding to explore new policies or programs affecting dietary habits and physical activity, with the expectation that successful proposals will receive funding within four months.

Harry C. Anthony, Jr. Scholarship

Essay:

• Describe yourself and explain why you are interested in a career in medicine.

Awards:

• One-time award of $2,500

The Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Centers program aims to provide essential training and technical assistance to combat opioid and stimulant misuse in rural areas. With 10 Regional Centers and a National Coordinating Office, the initiative focuses on high-quality prevention, treatment, and recovery support services for substance use disorders. This program anticipates awarding 11 new grants to enhance community health and safety in addressing polysubstance use challenges.

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.

Tee It Up for the Troops Grant supports 501(c)3 organizations that aid military personnel and their families. Prioritizing employment, family support, housing, PTSD treatment, sports rehabilitation, and suicide prevention, the grant aims to enhance the lives of veterans. Organizations that do not engage in fundraising events are eligible for funding. This initiative seeks to create a positive impact within the military community through various support pillars.

Loene Pooler Guthrie Scholarship Fund

The Loene P. Guthrie Scholarship fund benefits music students in Benton, Linn, and Lincoln counties who plan to engage in the teaching of piano, voice, and orchestral music.

This scholarship fund promotes the teaching of piano, voice and orchestral music by aiding music students in Benton, Linn, and Lincoln Counties who plan to engage in the teaching of piano, voice, and orchestral music. Students who will graduate from Linn, Benton, or Lincoln County high schools or graduates of those high schools currently studying music at an institution of higher learning may apply. The Linn-Benton Chapter of the Oregon Music Teachers Association reviews the applications and selects individuals to perform at an audition open to the public.

The OVC FY 2026 Housing Assistance for Victims of Human Trafficking program aims to provide vital housing and support services for victims of human trafficking. This initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Justice, focuses on rapid rehousing, ensuring victims transition quickly into stable, permanent housing. Organizations interested in applying must demonstrate their capacity to deliver comprehensive support aligned with federal guidelines. Applications are due by October 5, 2026, through JustGrants.

The Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for early career professionals to engage in marine and Great Lakes science and policy within the U.S. government. This one-year, paid fellowship encourages graduate students from accredited programs to explore impactful coastal resource issues. Interested applicants should connect with their local Sea Grant program or the National Sea Grant Office for guidance, especially if they are from Massachusetts, to ensure a competitive application.

The Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP) Initiative aims to support vital research on the harmful effects of acute exposure to Ultra-Potent Synthetic (UPS) opioids, including fentanyl and its combinations. This funding opportunity encourages studies that enhance understanding and mitigation strategies for these substances, focusing on both immediate and long-term health impacts. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent accepted 30 days prior to the proposal deadline.

The Oriental Trading Company Corporate Giving Program focuses on enhancing the lives of children through education, youth programming, healthcare, and human services. With a commitment to making the world a better place, they support organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or public educational institutions. Their initiatives aim to foster community partnerships and provide essential resources to youth in need, ensuring they have access to vital services and opportunities for growth.

St. Mary's Bank Charitable Foundation Community Support Grants aim to enhance community welfare by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With a commitment to 'people helping people' since 1908, the foundation focuses on areas like youth programming, homelessness, and civic support. In 2023 alone, they donated over $200,000 to 190 organizations, reflecting their dedication to improving lives in New Hampshire. They prioritize funding for nonprofits within their service areas, ensuring impactful contributions to local communities.

The Harris and Frances Block Foundation, established in 2001, supports small grassroots organizations focused on social and environmental justice. They prioritize equitable solutions and sustainable community development, funding initiatives related to environmental education, justice, and food security. Grants are available to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations in specific geographical areas including Vermont, North Carolina, Virginia, and New York City, excluding funding for lobbying, land acquisition, and scholarships.

Quest Diagnostics Foundation

Our purpose

Working together to create a healthier world, one life at a time.

About the Foundation

The Quest Diagnostics Foundation® (the Foundation), established in 1991, is a nonprofit corporation exempt from tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, for charitable, educational, scientific, and literary purposes including:

• Promoting the benefits of healthcare and wellness
• Promoting the prevention, early detection, monitoring, and treatment of disease
• Educating the general public and healthcare professionals regarding healthcare issues

About Quest for Healthy Communities Champions

Through the Quest for Healthy Communities Champion program, the Foundation will recognize and give monetary awards to up to 15 individuals or organizations across the US that have committed to improving health in their own communities. In the case of recognition to individuals, the monetary award will be given to the tax-exempt charity of their choosing.

The program reflects the importance of recognizing individuals and organizations that are committed to the purpose of Quest, “working together to create a healthier world, one life at a time” and the Foundation’s belief that increased awareness of individuals and organizations doing this work can lead to healthier communities.

Successful applicants will demonstrate their commitment to improving health in their communities through actions such as:

• Impact on community systems via policy, programming, and education in areas such as workforce development, health, environment, housing, and safety
• Ongoing community engagement in the development of innovative solutions to drive improved health outcomes
• Commitment to increasing individual health autonomy and empowerment through the advancement of diagnostic screening and testing

The Gamma Mu Foundation, established in 1988, aims to support the LGBT community in rural and underserved areas through various grants. Initially focused on HIV/AIDS projects, it now funds scholarships and services for diverse LGBT subpopulations. With over $2 million awarded, the Foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance community support, public education, and health programs. It emphasizes projects that build organizational capacity and provide essential services where resources are limited, ensuring ongoing support for vital health and social services.

The Quadratec Cares 'Energize The Environment' Grant Program is dedicated to supporting individuals and organizations in the U.S. focused on environmental improvement. With two grants of $3,500 awarded annually, the program encourages initiatives like trail restoration and community educational projects. This grant aims to empower passionate individuals to enhance environmental awareness and stewardship, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

The 2026 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program aims to tackle economic, health, and environmental issues in communities through innovative tree resource utilization. By transforming wood from various sources into valuable products like lumber and biochar, this initiative promotes local economies and enhances community resilience. Projects should align with community forestry plans, adhere to safety standards, and provide job creation opportunities, ultimately fostering sustainable urban forest management and utilization.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program is designed to empower Tribal governments in enhancing their criminal justice response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking. This initiative, funded by the US DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women, aims to support Tribal communities in creating safer environments through targeted funding and resources. Applications must be submitted by September 3, 2026, at 4:59 pm ET.

The Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship offers up to $9,500 annually for two years, alongside a paid summer internship at NOAA. This program enhances students' training in oceanic and atmospheric sciences, aiming to increase public understanding and support for environmental stewardship. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in relevant disciplines, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The experience fosters valuable skills and networks, with 100% of alumni recommending the scholarship.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Student Fellow Applications

Fellow applications will open for eligible students once host projects have been reviewed and finalists selected. Students will apply to be considered for a specific host project. Top student candidates will be interviewed by NCRC as well as the host organization.

Fellow Requirements

• Must provide documentation confirming active enrollment (i.e. Letter of Enrollment from Registrar or transcript)
• Must commit to fellowship for full Period of September 14, 2026-May 14, 2027 academic school year
• Must commit to a 20 hour/week fellowship
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in-office of host organization

Brooks Brothers, founded in 1818, is committed to social responsibility through its donation program. The company partners with local and national non-profits focused on health issues and education. They seek to enhance community well-being while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity. Notably, they do not support organizations that discriminate based on protected categories. Their donations are aimed at fostering positive change in society, reflecting their belief in the importance of community engagement.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Host Partnerships

Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.

Host Requirements

• A compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application.
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in office for both fellow and host supervisor.

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.