Best Grants for Preschools in Vermont

The Vermont Children's Trust Foundation offers Emergency Equipment Grants up to $2,000 for non-profit organizations serving children in Vermont. These grants address emergency situations like essential equipment loss due to disasters or theft, and the need for specialized equipment for children. The foundation prioritizes programs that promote positive family functioning and address societal issues affecting children and youth. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, ensuring timely support for urgent needs.

The Vermont Children's Trust Foundation offers quarterly Equipment Grants to nonprofit organizations serving children aged 0-18 in Vermont. These grants, up to $2,000, focus on primary prevention programs aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency and promoting positive family functioning. Eligible applicants include private nonprofits and public entities, while ineligible applicants include individuals and for-profit organizations. The foundation emphasizes programs that promote racial equity and effective youth services in the community.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Vermont support eligible communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. This program, offered by USDA Rural Development, provides funding for projects like constructing waterlines and treatment facilities, with grants up to $1 million. It aims to restore access to clean water following disasters such as floods, droughts, and chemical spills, ensuring rural areas and towns remain resilient.

The Clean Water – Grants For Planning program, managed by the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program in partnership with NEIWPCC, aims to enhance water quality in the Lake Champlain Basin. With approximately $680,000 available, this funding opportunity supports planning and implementation projects that address pollution reduction. Eligible organizations can submit one proposal per grant category, with multiple awards anticipated. This initiative is crucial for advancing sustainable water quality improvements in the region.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program is offering approximately $680,000 in grants for projects aimed at improving water quality in the Lake Champlain Basin. This funding opportunity seeks to support initiatives that directly reduce pollution through effective planning and implementation. Eligible organizations can submit one proposal per grant category, with multiple awards anticipated. This initiative, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, emphasizes the importance of clean water in the region.

The Clean Water – Small Grants for Implementation aims to enhance water quality in the Lake Champlain Basin by funding projects that directly reduce pollution. With approximately $680,000 available, this program encourages innovative planning and implementation initiatives. Organizations can submit one proposal per grant category, and multiple awards are anticipated. Supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, this initiative is vital for advancing clean water goals in the region.

The New England Regional Consortium Fellowships, supported by Harvard University, offer approximately 24 research grants annually across diverse fields such as history, literature, and sociology. These fellowships encourage collaborative projects utilizing resources from multiple cultural agencies. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or foreign nationals with the proper documentation, and itineraries require a minimum of eight weeks, involving at least three member institutions with two weeks spent at each.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Hardman Fund for North Adams Grant supports projects that enrich the lives of residents in North Adams, Clarksburg, Florida, and Stamford, MA. Established by the Hardman families, it focuses on arts, historic preservation, health, education, and social services. The Fund prioritizes initiatives addressing emergency needs and encourages collaborations among organizations. Grants vary based on available funding and project significance, aiming to uplift communities facing economic challenges.

The Vermont Arts Council's Animating Infrastructure Grant supports communities in integrating public art into infrastructure projects. This initiative encourages collaboration between artists and local communities to enhance pride and identity through site-specific art installations. The program aims to improve livability in Vermont by utilizing various infrastructure elements, fostering connections, and creating vibrant spaces. Grants are available for both public art design and implementation, providing funding up to $15,000 for selected projects.

The NBRC Catalyst Program aims to stimulate economic growth in northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York by funding innovative projects that address regional economic needs. It supports initiatives like modernizing public services, enhancing transportation infrastructure, and developing workforce programs. By fostering partnerships and leveraging private investments, the program seeks to alleviate economic distress and improve rural vitality, ultimately leading to job creation and sustainable community development.

Fairs and Field Days: Capital Grants and Operational Stipends

The Agricultural Fairs and Field Days Capital Projects Competitive Grants Program (24 V.S.A. § 5608) and the Stipend Fund provide grants for 20-year capital improvements and operational stipends to Vermont's agricultural fairs and field days.

Vermont fairs and field days draw over 300,000 visitors each year, and many of the fairgrounds are utilized for other events, drawing many more visitors into Vermont communities throughout the year. Fairs and events offer opportunities for the agricultural community to highlight their practices, products, skills, and livelihoods that are part of the success of maintaining Vermont’s working landscape. 

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets has administered the Agricultural Fairs & Field Days Capital Projects Competitive Grants Program and the Stipend Fund for over a decade. The Vermont Legislature appropriates funds annually to Vermont Agricultural Fairs Associations as defined in H.472 to assist fairs and field days with capital improvements and operational costs.

Competitive Capital Grants are available to assist nonprofit organizations and municipalities to improve community facilities providing cultural activities to the public. Fairs and events offer opportunities for the agricultural community to highlight the practices, products, skills, and livelihood that are part of maintaining Vermont’s working landscape. Annual stipends are available to support operating costs, plant improvements, and premiums for agricultural fairs or field days events.

Grants shall be competitively awarded to capital projects that relate to Vermont agricultural fairs and field days operating a minimum of three consecutive, eight-hour days per year.

Funding

Up to $37,500 to be distributed per applicant for Capital Grants. Stipends are distributed according to the Stipend Distribution Fund Formula as provided in state statute.

The J. Warren & Lois McClure Foundation provides invitation-only grants aimed at enhancing postsecondary education opportunities for young Vermonters. By prioritizing equity and systemic change, the foundation supports initiatives that make education more accessible and affordable. Grants range from $10,000 to over $100,000, focusing on scaling Vermont's Free Degree Promise and diversifying the public educator workforce. Organizations serving Vermont's communities are encouraged to apply for funding aligned with these goals.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The Waterman Fund Grant aims to preserve the ecological, cultural, and recreational values of the alpine regions in Northeastern North America. It supports projects such as trail rehabilitation, alpine education, and research to enhance stewardship of these areas. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government agencies, with a requirement for matching funds. The Fund also encourages long-term sponsorships for impactful educational and conservation initiatives, particularly in alpine ecosystems.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

Vermont Building Communities Grant Program

Funded annually through the Capital Appropriations and State Bonding Act, to qualify for one of the Building Communities Grants, an applicant must be a non-profit organization, regional economic development organization, or municipality.

Human Services and Educational Facilities Grants Program

The Human Services and Educational Facilities Grants Program is administered by the Department of Buildings and General Services (BGS). The goal of the program is to provide competitive grants to Municipalities and to Non-Profit Organizations as defined in chapter 117 of Title 24 for capital costs associated with major maintenance, renovation, or for the development of facilities for the delivery of human services and health care or for the development of educational opportunities in Vermont communities.

This is a competitive grant program and not all grant applicants will receive funding nor will awarded grant applicants necessarily receive the full amount of funds requested. This program provides last gap funding for shovel-ready projects and does not support ongoing fundraising initiatives. It is the intent of the legislature that grant applicants applying for any of the BCG programs shall not apply for more than one grant as defined in Chapter 137 of Title 24 for the same project in the current calendar year, in any of the categories of the BCG programs. This does not prohibit organizations from requesting funding for a different project in an alternate location under any of the BCG programs.

Grants will be awarded by the BCG selection committee on a competitive basis. The BCG committee gives priority consideration to grant applicants demonstrating they have strong community support through the success of local fundraising campaigns. 

The Clean Water Workforce Capacity Development (CWWCD) Block Grant, administered by Watersheds United Vermont, aims to enhance the capabilities of clean water organizations in Vermont. This funding promotes equitable access for under-resourced entities to engage in essential clean water projects. The grant supports activities that foster community engagement, streamline administrative processes, and cultivate a diverse workforce in clean water project management, ultimately leading to increased effectiveness and impact in local clean water initiatives.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The Davis Conservation Foundation offers grants to support environmental protection, wildlife conservation, and outdoor recreation initiatives. They prioritize projects in Northern New England, particularly in the Gulf of Maine and the Northern Forest. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities. The Foundation encourages community involvement and volunteerism, while avoiding funding for individuals, multiple-year gifts, or projects previously declined within a specified timeframe.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program is offering grants of up to $20,000 for educational property assessments focused on stormwater management. This initiative aims to engage landowners in the Lake Champlain Basin to enhance property management for clean water and ecological resilience. With approximately $490,000 in total funding available, eligible organizations can submit proposals to support sustainable practices. The program encourages community partnerships and provides resources for implementing best management practices.

Watersheds United Vermont 

Watersheds United Vermont (WUV) is a state-wide network of local groups dedicated to the health of their home watersheds.

WUV's mission is to empower community-based watershed groups in all parts of the state to protect and restore Vermont’s waters.

Watershed Groups are broadly defined as a community-based organization working with individuals and communities in their local watersheds to protect and improve water quality, habitat, and flood resilience and to build social and ecological connections with Vermont’s waters. Watershed organizations work with all watershed constituents and do not represent a specific constituency or interest group. 

Enhancement Project Development Grant (EPDG)

Overview

Watersheds United Vermont (WUV) is administering funding under the Enhancement Project Development Grant (EPDG) program, which will support the project development of priority water quality enhancement projects from July 2026 through June 2028. WUV seeks proposals for the development of new enhancement projects and for the development efforts needed between the design and implementation phases of enhancement projects.

The EPDG program is part of WUV’s larger Enhancement Development, Design and Implementation Block Grant (EDDIBG) through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s (VT DEC) Clean Water Initiative Program (CWIP). WUV has separated out the Project Development portion of this grant as the work completed under project development is significantly different from the work completed under design and implementation.

No match is required under this program. Please note that this funding can be used as match/leverage for other funding sources.

Key Bank Philanthropic Support - Community Sponsorships aims to enhance community welfare by providing financial backing to nonprofit organizations. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, these sponsorships focus on fundraising events and operational support for initiatives that foster economic inclusion and community growth. Applications are accepted from January to October, with decisions typically made within 90 days, ensuring timely support for impactful local projects.

The Bayard Long Award supports students researching plant species in the Philadelphia area and surrounding regions. With a typical funding of $2000, it encourages studies that enhance understanding of local flora, including field and herbarium work. Eligible projects must include at least one native plant species, promoting both academic and practical botanical endeavors. This opportunity is available to all students enrolled in degree programs at any post-secondary institution, furthering educational and scientific exploration in botany.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.