Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Vermont

The Lawson’s Finest Taproom was designed as a community gathering space to enjoy the best of local beer, food, people and music. In lieu of tips in our Taproom, we invite our guests to donate to the Sunshine Fund to benefit local nonprofits. Our staff receive generous wages and total compensation packages that don’t require tips to supplement their income, making hospitality included in your guest experience. The Sunshine Fund allows us to harness the generosity of guest donations with the goal of advancing thriving local communities.

The Sunshine Fund is the heart of the Lawson’s Finest Social Impact Program to assist local organizations that support the people and environment of the Mad River Valley, Washington County and the state of Vermont.

The Sunshine Awards prioritize funding for nonprofit organizations located in the Mad River Valley, Washington County, and across Vermont that focus on strengthening healthy communities, improving food and economic security, protecting natural resources, and promoting sustainable recreation. 

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations planning community service projects in arts, health, education, environment, or community development can seek support for specific projects. Grants from Gifford Health Care help fund detailed, one-page–described initiatives with clear budgets, timelines, and expected benefits, through the Philip D. Levesque Memorial Community Award offering US $2,000.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, education, arts, or human services projects can seek program support through the Peckham Family Foundation. With a mission to enhance quality of life, Peckham Family Foundation provides basic support grants to New England and New York organizations serving local communities and underserved populations.

Vermont community development and revitalization projects can access funding through the Northern Border Regional Commission to support economic and community development. The NBRC’s Catalyst Program backs initiatives that improve rural economic vitality, including public infrastructure, transportation, workforce development, outdoor recreation, childcare, and healthcare facilities across eligible Vermont communities.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Vermont can seek funding for community development, affordable housing, education, and workforce preparation projects that build thriving, inclusive neighborhoods. With a mission to improve lives through neighbors, education, and workforce, KeyBank Foundation provides invited community grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 to programs demonstrating measurable, sustainable impact.

With a mission to support community development, Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development provides Vermont municipalities with US $2,500 - US $45,000 for local planning and revitalization projects. Cities and towns can use these funds to update plans, bylaws, and strategies that strengthen communities and enhance local service and quality of life.

Department of Business and Economic Affairs

The Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) is the premier resource for businesses considering expansion in, or relocation to, New Hampshire, as well as people seeking a home in a place where they can balance their careers amid the natural beauty it offers.

Dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of the state and promoting it as a destination for domestic and international visitors, BEA is comprised of the Division of Economic Development, Division of Planning & Community Development, and the Division of Travel and Tourism Development.

Within these divisions are programs that support BEA’s mission to keep the state’s economy strong and competitive, from international trade and government procurement to workforce development and municipal planning.

About NBRC

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is a partnership between the federal government and the states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The NBRC targets resources to promote economic growth strategies and projects in designated counties within its member states. 

Mission Statement: The mission of the Northern Border Regional Commission is to catalyze community vitality and economic prosperity in the northern border region with flexible funding and strategic support.

Forest Economy Grant Program

The Forest Economy Program, administered by the Northern Border Regional Commission, makes awards in the form of Grant Agreements. The program stimulates economic growth in the forest-based industries, including new technologies and viable business models, across the NBRC four-state region in alignment with state economic development plans and forest economy initiatives. 

NBRC's Forest Economy Program (FEP) is designed to support state-identified development plans for the regional forest economy and to assist in the industry’s evolution to include new technologies and viable business models.

Forest Economy Program Priorities  

Successful projects support a broad range of initiatives such as, but not limited to:

• Public infrastructure projects that directly support the forest industry;  
• Community development projects that support the diversified use of forest for economic activity;  
• Workforce training and development projects for the purpose of building the skills and recruiting and retaining the workforce needed for forest businesses, and;
• Marketing, communication and education projects that are paired with a public infrastructure, community development or workforce training or development project.  
• Basic research projects will not be considered. Preference will be given to applied research and demonstration projects that demonstrate a strong connection to industry.

M&T Charitable Foundation 

Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve. During our 165-year history, we evolved with the needs of our locations, and are guided by a leadership team that holds us accountable.

Adapting to the needs of our neighbors means finding new solutions and sharing the Research & Insights we learn along the way. We support local organizations by volunteering our time and reinvesting in our community.

M&T Charitable Foundation Community Sponsorship Program

At M&T Bank we are building a stronger community - together. Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve.

Community Sponsorships enable us to partner with nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in the regions we operate.

Our goal is to make meaningful community-based contributions and to work closely with the organizations we support beyond a financial commitment. At M&T Bank, we consider supporting sponsorship opportunities that result in a mutually beneficial partnership.

Vermont community-focused organizations planning service and systems-change projects can seek funding to address economic equity, education, health, climate, or community leadership priorities. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation help Vermont community service efforts with $15,000 - $25,000 per year for one or two years. RALI is invitation-only; interested groups start via the Nonprofit Connection Form.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits with established budgets can seek funding for workforce preparation, youth development, arts access, and community-focused skill-building programs. Focused on skills for a thriving future, inclusive prosperity, and environmental sustainability, RBC Foundation USA invites organizations in Vermont communities where it has a business presence to apply for program support.

Vermont community organizations focused on education or health equity can access funding through L B Research and Education Foundation to expand proven programs serving underserved adolescents, post-secondary learners, or adults, including mental and physical health initiatives. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with 3+ staff and budgets of $500,000–$10 million may receive US $10,000 - US $75,000 for continuation or expansion work.

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants for Fiscal Year 2025 support revitalization efforts in severely distressed public housing and surrounding neighborhoods. This program encourages collaboration among local governments, housing agencies, and community partners to create comprehensive plans aimed at improving housing quality, promoting upward mobility for residents, and attracting long-term investment for neighborhood development. Successful applicants will implement their Transformation Plans, which were developed through prior Planning Grants to enhance the quality of life for residents.

The Ochylski Family Foundation supports registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through grants aimed at enhancing their operational capacity. With an application deadline of October 1, organizations must submit a detailed request outlining their initiatives. The foundation's mission aligns with its commitment to foster community development and nonprofit effectiveness in Iowa, ensuring that resources are allocated to impactful projects that serve the public good.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.

The VCF: Laurance & Mary Rockefeller Fund, managed by the Vermont Community Foundation, supports initiatives that enhance the cultural and physical environment of specific Vermont communities. Grant sizes range from $1,000 to $5,000. Eligible applicants include organizations serving Barnard, Bridgewater, Hartland, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading, and Woodstock. The fund promotes equitable access, ensuring no discrimination based on race, gender, or other statuses. It does not fund individuals or capital campaigns.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, health, women and children’s services, or related programs can apply for project support from the Crawford Taylor Foundation, which primarily serves the Greater St. Louis area in the U.S. Vermont community service projects may be eligible if their programs operate within the foundation’s geographic priorities.

Public entities and regional organizations in Vermont recovering from 2023–2024 natural disasters can apply for the Economic Development Administration’s FY25 Disaster Supplemental, with awards up to US $50,000,000 for economic recovery projects. Funding can support planning, construction, and industry-focused initiatives that rebuild local economies and strengthen long-term community development and revitalization.

Nonprofits, government entities, and some faith-based community programs in Vermont can seek funding for community development, food security, agriculture, and education initiatives. Grants from Greenpoint Foundation help support general operations or specific projects, with priority for efforts that enhance local communities and quality of life where team members and customers live and work.

Vermont community development and service nonprofits can access funding through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation for projects in education, public health and emergency response, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and youth and community development. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of outcomes may request up to US $10,000, with proposals reviewed quarterly on a rolling basis.

501(c)(3) public charities working on community development, education access, international development, humanitarian aid, or LDS Church initiatives can seek project or program support through Strategic Impact Grants in Vermont and beyond. Bertin Family Foundation requires at least one year of operations, strong governance, clear plans and budgets, and measurable, well-reported outcomes.

Nonprofit organizations running community development and financial independence programs in Vermont can apply for grants of US $500 - US $5,000; awards support one-time, special need, or project-based activities. Grants from St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation may benefit community service efforts tied to youth, housing, homelessness, veterans, or human services in its New Hampshire service areas.

St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation provides Vermont community organizations with grants of US $500 - US $5,000 for youth programs, homelessness and housing, social services, veterans support, and civic initiatives. Nonprofits in the bank’s New Hampshire service areas may be eligible if their community development or service projects align with these impact areas.

U.S. nonprofit staff or volunteers leading community development and revitalization projects can seek micro grants to fund new projects or new components. With a mission to uplift unseen leaders, Enhearten Unseen Leaders provides Vermont community service projects with US $500 - US $1,000 for specific, substantial project needs after a board-reviewed application.

The KeyBank Foundation offers Community Sponsorships to support local organizations in their fundraising efforts. These sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000 and can fund events or provide general operating support. Applications are accepted from January to October, with a decision made within 90 days. Eligible nonprofits must serve areas where KeyBank operates and adhere to strict ineligibility criteria, including no support for individuals or organizations that discriminate based on various identities.

Nonprofit and community organizations working on community development, social services, education, arts, or health projects in Vermont may be eligible for funding that supports local events and programs. Focused on enhancing quality of life where it operates, The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation backs initiatives that strengthen communities, promote agricultural and environmental stewardship, and support families’ well-being.