Best Grants for LGBTQ Nonprofits in Vermont

Vermont LGBTQ+ nonprofits and queer- or trans-led groups can seek funding for general operating support, specific projects, emergent needs, queer event sponsorships, and scholarships, with awards up to US $5,000. Vermont LGBTQIA+ services and rights organizations, especially those centering BIPOC, trans people, elders, youth, and people with disabilities, may be prioritized by the Vermont Community Foundation’s Samara Fund.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on LGBTQIA+ support, social justice, humanitarian aid, or related community services can access funding through the Looking Out Foundation, with awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants support priorities like displaced people, immigrant communities, trans and gender expansive rights, mental health, arts, hunger, and homelessness across the U.S.

LGBTQ-focused nonprofits providing advocacy, services, or community programs, including those in Vermont, can seek funding for health, crisis intervention, racial justice, community engagement, and social assistance initiatives. Grants from Leonard Litz Foundation help U.S. organizations, with preference for the Northeast and those serving communities of color and transgender or gender-nonconforming people, implement specific, well-defined projects.

Nonprofits and community groups serving transgender, gender-nonconforming, non-binary, and intersex people in Vermont can seek funding for health care, housing, legal, religious, and community support efforts. With a mission to elevate TGNCNBI communities, Leonard Litz Foundation provides LGBTQIA+ organizations with grants and resources through its TransPLUS Resource Center, including peer networks and community event support.

LGBTQ-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont can seek project-specific funding for community support, public education, research, and HIV and health programs serving rural and underserved LGBTQ+ populations, with awards up to US $15,000. Gamma Mu Foundation prioritizes HIV/STD education, prevention, and treatment and does not generally fund general operating expenses.

LGBTQ-focused nonprofits planning large-scale advocacy or service projects can seek funding for health and wellness, crisis intervention, racial justice, community engagement, and social assistance initiatives. Focused on LGBTQ rights and services, Leonard Litz Foundation invites organizations, especially in the northeast U.S. including Vermont, that serve communities of color and transgender or gender-nonconforming people to apply.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the LGBTQ community can apply for Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation’s Tier B grants, awarding US $10,000 for community-focused programs. Although grants are limited to work in the Greater Bay Area, Vermont LGBTQ nonprofits with relevant operations there may be eligible.

Physicians, residents, fellows, and final-year medical students advancing LGBTQ health policy, advocacy, care, or workforce diversity can be nominated for an award that directs a US $2,500 grant to a nonprofit health organization. Vermont LGBTQ nonprofits focused on health services may benefit when their affiliated clinicians receive the American Medical Association Foundation’s Excellence in LGBTQ Health Award.

LGBTQ individuals pursuing post-high school education or vocational training that leads to financial stability can receive scholarship support, including those in Vermont. With a mission to advance LGBTQ rights, Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation offers one-time awards totaling US $10,000 for trade, technical, associate, baccalaureate, and graduate programs, encouraging underserved community members to apply.

LGBTQ+ youth leaders ages 13–18 partnering with U.S. public or charter schools or registered nonprofits can receive US $500 - US $10,000 to run community projects that uplift and empower LGBTQ+ students. With a mission to support sexuality and LGBTQIA+ rights, It Gets Better provides funding, mentorship, and resources for youth-led initiatives, including those in Vermont.

Youth-led gender justice groups and coalitions in Vermont can apply for Third Wave Fund’s Mobilize Power Fund, with awards up to US $20,000 for rapid-response organizing and safety needs. Grassroots organizations led by young women of color, trans, queer, intersex, and gender non-conforming youth may be eligible for time-sensitive LGBTQIA+ rights and community defense efforts.

LGBTQ+ students from Vermont and the broader Northwest pursuing post-secondary education can receive scholarship support for college, graduate, or vocational programs. Grants from Pride Foundation help LGBTQ+ leaders who face systemic barriers, family rejection, financial need, or other challenges to continue their studies and advance justice in their communities.

Graduating high school students in Vermont who identify as LGBTQ+ or as active allies can receive a one-time college scholarship supporting academic study and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Grants from Connecticut Community Foundation help students with financial need pursue higher education while advancing Sexuality & LGBTQIA+ Rights and academic scholarship opportunities.

LGBTQ+ and allied high school or college students in the Miami Valley can apply for the Betsy Frabotta Educate and Engage Scholarship, awarding US $2,000 for accredited two- or four-year colleges, universities, or trade schools. This Dayton Foundation scholarship supports Q+ youth and allies committed to equity and community engagement, including LGBTQ advocacy work.

Vermont LGBTQ youth and youth-led groups running kindness-centered social impact projects can access funding and a yearlong fellowship through the Call for Kindness program. Riley's Way Foundation offers up to US $5,000 plus coaching, mentorship, and peer support for projects advancing LGBTQIA+ rights, environmental justice, education equity, community services, and related causes across the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations using community organizing for gender justice in Vermont and other eligible counties can apply for support from Bread & Roses Community Fund. Grants of US $10,000 back groups led by those most affected by gender oppression, advancing long-term systemic change for women, girls, trans, gender nonconforming, and LGBTQI+ communities.

Focused on capacity building, Cause Strategy Partners invites small U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits advancing LGBTQ+ rights, human rights, or girls’ and women’s empowerment to apply for the Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant. Vermont LGBTQ nonprofits may receive a one-time US $20,000 unrestricted grant plus pro-bono governance and leadership support to strengthen organizational infrastructure.

Students and recent graduates planning unpaid HIV/AIDS research, advocacy, or service internships in Vermont can apply for Point Foundation’s Kadel & Gerhardt Internships, with awards up to US $7,000. Eligible applicants must be in or within a year of a degree program at a US-accredited institution and committed to LGBTQ+ communities.

LGBTQ-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Vermont and across the U.S. can seek US $100 - US $15,000 for general operating support, projects, advocacy, and capacity building that advance equality. Focused on LGBTQIA+ rights and related social justice issues, the B.W. Bastian Foundation primarily supports work in the Intermountain West and select national initiatives.

The Parsons Family Scholarship for LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies, established by the Parsons family, supports Maine graduating high school seniors of any gender identity or sexual orientation. The scholarship awards $2,000 and is aimed at LGBTQ+ students and their allies pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Recipients will be notified by the selection committee in late May, with funds disbursed in December for the spring semester. This initiative reflects a commitment to inclusivity and support for diverse youth.

Women, trans, and non-binary music creators focused on production and engineering can access full-tuition workshop scholarships from We Are Moving The Needle. Vermont LGBTQIA+ nonprofits supporting such creators may be eligible to help participants attend this Los Angeles masterclass, though recipients must cover their own travel, lodging, and meals.

The Sonny Greenwood Calzaretta Scholarship, offered by the Pride Foundation, supports LGBTQ+ students from rural communities facing isolation and limited access to resources. Established to honor the legacy of Brian M. Day, this scholarship aims to empower students pursuing post-secondary education while addressing systemic barriers. It prioritizes those demonstrating a commitment to justice and who have experienced challenges such as family rejection or economic hardship. The scholarship is part of a broader initiative to uplift diverse voices within the LGBTQ+ community.

The Eash-Potter Scholarship supports LGBTQ youth in central Pennsylvania, honoring Melinda Eash and Sharon Potter's legacy. It is available to graduating high school seniors from specific counties who demonstrate commitment to enhancing the community climate for LGBTQ+ individuals. Financial need is a consideration, and the scholarship is a one-time award. Students of color, transgender individuals, and children of LGBTQ+ parents are particularly encouraged to apply, promoting diversity and inclusion within the scholarship program.

The Mary E. Kwiatkowski Social Services Scholarship Fund, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports female and LGBTQIA+ students pursuing social sciences and public service careers. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students for post-secondary education. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers for diverse talents in Erie County's social services sector, requiring applicants to submit an essay on their public service aspirations and challenges in the Erie region.

Outreach Foundation Helen Bonser Scholarship

This scholarship supports the educational aspirations of individuals from Spokane and Kootenai Counties who identify as LGBTQA+ or Allies, helping them achieve their academic and career goals while fostering a sense of community engagement. 

Applicants should demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and/or LGBTQA+ community involvement. Recipients are eligible to re-apply and compete for the Outreach Foundation Helen Bonser Scholarship after a waiting period of 5 years.

About Us

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a resource for local charitable giving. Created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County, The Community Foundation is an enduring source of charitable funds to meet the changing needs and interests of the region. We envision San Luis Obispo County as an inclusive haven where everyone, regardless of background, feels free to fully participate. In collaboration with our community partners and donors, we seek to foster a safe, respectful environment with ample opportunity for all to reach their potential and contribute to the success of our community. We invite you to join us in celebrating diversity, making sure all of our neighbors feel seen, and free from dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, as we shape a future where all residents can flourish. 

2025-2026 Scholarship Applications

Big dreams start here! With support from generous individuals, families, and businesses, the Community Foundation offers scholarships that help San Luis Obispo County students reach new heights in their education and careers.

Alan D. Stephenson Scholarship

The Alan D. Stephenson Scholarship was established to support promising LGBTQIA+ students to achieve their academic potential.

About Us

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a resource for local charitable giving. Created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County, The Community Foundation is an enduring source of charitable funds to meet the changing needs and interests of the region. We envision San Luis Obispo County as an inclusive haven where everyone, regardless of background, feels free to fully participate. In collaboration with our community partners and donors, we seek to foster a safe, respectful environment with ample opportunity for all to reach their potential and contribute to the success of our community. We invite you to join us in celebrating diversity, making sure all of our neighbors feel seen, and free from dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, as we shape a future where all residents can flourish. 

2025-2026 Scholarship Applications

Big dreams start here! With support from generous individuals, families, and businesses, the Community Foundation offers scholarships that help San Luis Obispo County students reach new heights in their education and careers.

Gary Grossman Scholarship

The Gary Grossman Scholarship was established to provide scholarship support for promising LGBTQIA+ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential.