Best Grants for Farmers in Vermont

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

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.

Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) Agronomic Training Grant

Program Overview

The Farm Agronomic Practice (FAP) grant program provides instructional activity grants to support Vermont farmers and service providers to attend events that further their knowledge of agricultural water quality. 

Grants can cover up to 100% of eligible costs to attend the training event.

Eligible Costs

• Registration fees (up to 100%)
• Hotel/Lodging (up to 100%)
• Airfare (up to 100%)
• Mileage (federal reimbursement rate)
• Relief Milking/Farmwork ($30/hr)

All expenses must be documented with receipts/invoices.

All applications and expenses are subject to review by VAAFM to ensure that they meet eligibility requirements and that costs are reasonable.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. providing direct social services that address chronic poverty and strengthen families may be eligible for more than US $100,000 in program, capital, or general support. The William Randolph Hearst Foundation favors large, well-established groups, which can include Vermont organizations serving farmers through food access, housing, or economic development initiatives.

Nonprofit charities managing humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts projects can seek philanthropic support for programs in Vermont and worldwide. Grants from Roche help organizations deliver sustainable development, science and education initiatives, community and environmental projects, and contemporary arts and culture, especially where Roche expertise, logistics, and employee engagement can be actively involved alongside local partners.

Nonprofits and humanitarian organizations providing health, education, or disaster relief services to marginalized communities in Vermont and worldwide can seek support for programs such as healthcare access, child welfare, and humanitarian aid. With a mission to advance human welfare, Semnani Family Foundation provides funding that may benefit organizations improving food access, health, and social services for farming communities.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Farmers, nonprofits, researchers, and agricultural service providers in Vermont and the broader Northeast can seek funding for community-level farming and food system projects through the Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant Program, offering US $50,000 - US $250,000. With a mission to advance sustainable agriculture, Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education supports collaborative, social science-based projects grounded in farmer experience.

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

Our Mission: VHCB invests in permanently affordable housing solutions and conservation strategies that work together to ensure equity, resilience, and vitality for Vermont communities in perpetuity.

In partnership with a statewide network of private and non-profit organizations, VHCB funds the development of permanently affordable housing, land conservation initiatives, and the restoration of historic properties.

Locally-Significant Lands

The Local Conservation Grant Program provides grants for the conservation of agricultural and recreational land, town parks and forests, swimming holes, greenways, and historic buildings for public use that may not be competitive with applications for statewide conservation projects but are of great significance to a particular community. Under this program, grants of up to $150,000 plus associated costs are available for the purchase of recreational lands and natural areas, and grants of up to $215,000 are available to conserve locally important farmland. Applications to conserve and restore historic properties will generally not be recommended for more than $100,000 plus associated costs, unless other factors apply. Local Conservation funding may be used for acquisition costs and for associated projects costs such as appraisals, options, or closing costs. Applicants are required to provide one-third of total project costs from other sources, and must demonstrate municipal support from the town where the project is located.

Program beneficiaries range from farmers and forestland owners, to all who enjoy Vermont’s natural, recreational and historic properties.

Feasibility Funding

The Board provides feasibility awards to assist with pre-development costs and feasibility analysis for individual projects. Feasibility funds typically cover the costs of appraisals, energy assessments, marketing studies, options, engineering and environmental studies, or other pre-development costs.

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

Our Mission: VHCB invests in permanently affordable housing solutions and conservation strategies that work together to ensure equity, resilience, and vitality for Vermont communities in perpetuity.

In partnership with a statewide network of private and non-profit organizations, VHCB funds the development of permanently affordable housing, land conservation initiatives, and the restoration of historic properties.

VHCB Farmland Conservation Program

The Vermont Farmland Conservation Program is focused on retaining the state’s quality agricultural land base in strong farming regions of the state.

VHCB funds the acquisition of development rights on farms as well as a portion of the associated project costs. Eligible applicants for this funding are nonprofit conservation organizations, municipalities, and qualified state agencies. Goals of the VHCB Farmland Conservation Program include perpetually protecting farmland, maintaining land in active agricultural use, and to assure that conserved farmland is accessible and affordable to future generations of farmers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Vermont can seek support for their charitable programs. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit farms and agricultural groups focused on environmental stewardship, sustainable land use, or community-focused farming initiatives.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and research institutions in Vermont can apply for One Hive Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $75,000 for pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture projects. Farmers, beekeepers, and farm-focused groups may be eligible for research, education, advocacy, and capacity-building efforts that improve pollinator conservation and sustainable farming.

The Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives Program (DBI) for Fiscal Year 2026, administered by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, invites applications from existing initiatives to support the dairy industry. With approximately $12.65 million available, the program aims to diversify dairy markets, enhance farmer income, and promote regional milk production. Funding will prioritize equipment and infrastructure projects, which are vital for strengthening the capacity of dairy businesses and fostering innovation in processing and marketing.

Dairy farmers, producer cooperatives, service providers, and eligible milk buyers in Vermont and other Northeast states can apply for the Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant, awarding US $15,000 - US $100,000 for farm upgrades. Funding supports modernizing systems, innovative solutions, climate impact reduction, milk quality, worker conditions, and long-term farm viability.

Vermont farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners can receive technical and financial assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. Focused on environmental conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invites Vermont producers to improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and related initiatives, including organic and high tunnel support.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on sustainability, education, animal welfare, humanitarian aid, or arts and culture projects can apply for US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support their programs. Hansen Family Foundation considers U.S.-based organizations worldwide, which may include farm- and land-focused groups with environmental, youth, or community service initiatives.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations can use this national storytelling grant to share the impact of their preservation, education, or wellness work. Funding from the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports projects that highlight efforts like wildlife conservation, sustainable food and waste management, mental health, outdoor access, and related community initiatives.

With a mission to strengthen specialty crop agriculture, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets provides Vermont farmers and agricultural organizations with US $15,000 - US $45,000 to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Funding can support marketing, research, food safety, distribution efficiency, sustainability, and expanding access to Vermont and regionally grown specialty crops.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) housing and conservation organizations, Vermont municipalities, and certain state agencies in Vermont can receive Vermont Housing and Conservation Board support to buy out farms harming water quality and retire land from production. Funding up to US $20,000 helps cover acquisition or conservation easements plus related transaction and stewardship costs.

Vermont nonprofit housing and conservation organizations, municipalities, and certain state agencies can receive up to US $33,750 to support affordable housing and land conservation project development. Vermont farmers and forestland owners may benefit when working with eligible land trusts or organizations that conserve agricultural, forest, recreational, or historic properties through Vermont Housing and Conservation Board support.

Nonprofit housing and conservation organizations, Vermont municipalities, and certain state agencies in Vermont can receive up to US $50,000 for complex pre-development work on affordable housing, land conservation, or historic projects. Vermont Housing and Conservation Board funding can support appraisals, engineering, environmental and historic analyses, staff time, and planning that benefit farmers and other landowners long-term.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving quality of life for underserved people through economic stability, workforce development, health, or disaster relief programs can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation. Eligible U.S.-based community organizations near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations may request project, general operating, or capital support that could complement farm- and food-related initiatives serving local residents.

Southern U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations working on animal welfare, families, poverty relief, education, health, disaster relief, conservation, or spiritual initiatives can apply for Robinson Foundation support. Grants provide single-year program funding, not capital projects, to organizations active for more than three years; Vermont farming groups serving Southern communities may be eligible.

Vermont farmers and custom manure applicators seeking equipment to improve manure management and water quality in Vermont can access funding through the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets. Grants up to US $50,000 support new or innovative equipment that reduces runoff, odors, phosphorus, greenhouse gas emissions, and application costs.