Best Grants for Historic Preservation in Vermont

Organizations conserving Vermont farms, working forests, natural areas, recreational lands, or historic properties can use this program to cover transaction and stewardship costs for donated conservation easements. Grants from Vermont Housing and Conservation Board offer up to US $32,500 or 50% of eligible costs, helping projects that advance clean water, biodiversity, climate resilience, and community goals, including historic resources.

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 educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can seek funding for safety, education, and community development projects that fit State Farm’s focus areas. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help communities address disaster preparedness, neighborhood revitalization, and related initiatives, which may benefit organizations integrating historic preservation into broader community development work.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public entities can receive up to US $1,000 for community projects in the Grafton area, which may include historic preservation efforts. The Grafton Fund from Windham Foundation supports small, local initiatives that strengthen economic, cultural, and civic life in this rural Vermont community.

Municipalities, nonprofits, community organizations, and working lands businesses in rural Vermont communities (5,000 residents or fewer) can apply for the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board’s Rural Economic Development Initiative, offering US $1,000 - US $6,000 for grant writing, feasibility studies, and planning. Historic preservation, community infrastructure, downtown revitalization, and outdoor recreation projects may be especially competitive.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Vermont schools, municipal entities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Poultney and nearby communities can access funding for community-based projects, including those preserving the area’s historic and cultural environment. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation’s Hills Fund range from US $1,501 - US $7,500 and support educational, environmental, family, and heritage-focused initiatives that strengthen local connections.

Schools, municipal entities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Vermont serving Poultney and nearby communities can receive US $250 - US $1,500 for educational, family, health, environmental, and community engagement programs. With a mission to strengthen Vermont communities, Vermont Community Foundation supports projects that may include preserving local cultural, built, and natural heritage and fostering connection and belonging.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for children, education, humanitarian aid, animals, arts, or environmental programs can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000. Hansen Family Foundation considers U.S.-based organizations worldwide, so Vermont groups preserving community heritage or historic sites through these focus areas may be eligible.

Windham Foundation provides Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities with funding for agriculture, community development, arts, education, and historic preservation projects, up to US $10,000. Eligible Vermont-based programs can seek operational support, special initiatives, capacity building, and matching or challenge grants that strengthen organizational capacity and improve quality of life for Vermonters.

Vermont historic preservation and arts organizations serving immigrants, refugees, Indigenous communities, low-income youth, or the elderly can seek US $2,500 - US $10,000 for projects from the Adelard And Valeda Roy Foundation. Funding may support historic preservation, museums, arts access, and related education within the foundation’s broader arts and culture priorities in Vermont and Northern New England.

Municipalities and nonprofit organizations in Vermont that own historic buildings can apply for State of Vermont Historic Preservation Grants, offering up to US $20,000 for 50/50 matching capital projects to repair and restore historic features. Eligible properties must be at least 50 years old and listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Vermont can apply for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. While national in scope, this funding may benefit Vermont groups whose historic preservation efforts intersect with community development, environmental stewardship, or broader social impact goals.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Vermont seeking support for environmental or human services work can apply for unrestricted grants from Lawrence Foundation, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. The foundation funds both program and general operating costs, which may include historic preservation-related community or environmental initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Vermont seeking support for community-based programs, cultural institutions, education, health facilities, environmental or wildlife activities can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 in grants from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation. Projects that include historic preservation components within these broader areas may be eligible for consideration.

Vermont historic preservation property owners, municipalities, and nonprofits can obtain funding to repair or adapt historic agricultural buildings in Vermont. Vermont historic preservation groups can access funding through the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, offering up to US $20,000 in competitive 50/50 matching, reimbursement-based grants for barns and outbuildings at least 50 years old and National Register listed or eligible.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) housing and conservation organizations, Vermont municipalities, and certain state agencies in Vermont can receive support to retire farmland that harms water quality by removing it from agricultural production. Vermont Housing and Conservation Board provides funding up to US $20,000 for fee acquisition or conservation easements and associated transaction and stewardship costs.

Vermont nonprofit housing and conservation organizations, municipalities, and certain state agencies can access funding through the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board to support organizational costs for affordable housing and conservation projects. Grants up to US $33,750 help develop initiatives that provide long-term benefits to Vermonters, including projects involving historic, natural, recreational, or agricultural properties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) housing and conservation organizations, Vermont municipalities, and certain state agencies in Vermont can receive up to US $50,000 for complex, project-specific pre-development work. Vermont Housing and Conservation Board funding can cover appraisals, engineering, title searches, historic preservation or hazardous materials analyses, staff costs, and public dialogue on affordable housing or land conservation.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving economic stability, workforce readiness, health and social services, or disaster relief can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, operating, or capital support. Organizations in Vermont working on community development or neighborhood revitalization that intersect with historic preservation may be eligible if they serve underserved or underrepresented residents.

National Trust for Historic Preservation provides Vermont historic preservation organizations and public agencies with grants for battlefield preservation planning and education projects. Funding supports activities like hiring preservation professionals, developing plans or feasibility studies, capacity building, and innovative public outreach that introduces new audiences to preservation. Awards range from US $2,500 - US $10,000.

Vermont historic preservation organizations and other 501(c)(3)s in or serving Addison County and Brandon can access funding through Vermont Community Foundation for project-specific work in preservation, arts, education, and social services. Large grants up to US $25,000 prioritize underserved populations, collaboration, and projects with diverse funding sources, with most support directed to the Addison County/Brandon area.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups can seek Vermont Community Foundation small grants of US $500 - US $5,000 for project-specific or general operating needs. The Walter Cerf Community Fund prioritizes arts, education, historic preservation, and social services, especially for underserved populations, with a strong focus on Addison County, Brandon, and statewide initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Vermont with strong, replicable community partnerships that address significant social issues may be eligible for the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award. Mutual of America Foundation supports exemplary collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners across the U.S., which can include historic preservation efforts that build cohesive, engaged communities.

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.