Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Vermont

Small nonprofits and local organizations expanding equity and opportunity for youth in Vermont can receive up to US $2,000 in unrestricted support. Alchemist Foundation supports programs for young people ages 16–24, including school initiatives, nonprofit equity training, and projects that make communities more inclusive and welcoming.

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 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 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public entities running community projects in the Grafton area can access funding through the Windham Foundation’s Grafton Fund. Awards up to Up to US $1,000 support small, local initiatives that enhance economic, cultural, and civic life in this rural Vermont community.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. providing proven social service programs that address chronic poverty and strengthen families can seek more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or general support. William Randolph Hearst Foundation favors large, well-established organizations, but Vermont groups with strong, scalable outcomes in areas like housing, food access, jobs, or youth development may be competitive.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Vermont schools, libraries, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, and fiscally sponsored community groups can apply for $250 - $2,500 to support youth career exploration and postsecondary planning activities. Grants from J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation help small Vermont organizations make education and training pathways to high-pay, high-demand jobs more visible, accessible, and affordable.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, schools, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups can apply for the McClure Foundation’s multi-year sustaining grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $6,000 annually. Funding supports ongoing programs and networks that advance educational equity, postsecondary and career planning, and successful transitions beyond high school for Vermont students.

With a mission to foster reading and learning, Vermont Humanities provides Vermont small nonprofits with quick-turnaround funding for humanities-focused community projects. Eligible organizations can request up to US $1,000 for short-term initiatives or new “pop-up” humanities opportunities that can be completed within three months of the award.

Small nonprofits providing health, education, or humanitarian services in Vermont and other eligible countries can seek support for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable communities. With a mission to promote health, education, and disaster relief, Semnani Family Foundation provides funding to organizations improving human welfare, including initiatives in the U.S.

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.

Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits with sponsorship support for community-focused initiatives. Funding may benefit small nonprofits working on basic needs like food, housing, and emergency shelter, workforce development and education, neighborhood preservation, arts and culture, environmental projects, and diversity and inclusion programs that strengthen local economic and social vitality.

Vermont school, municipal, and public nonprofit libraries can receive $250 - $1,000 to run young adult literacy and reading projects in Vermont. Focused on library and literacy initiatives, Vermont Community Foundation supports book and e-book acquisitions with engagement plans, reading enrichment programs, author visits, workshops, and small capital improvements to youth sections.

With a mission to expand higher-education opportunities, the Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation provides Vermont educational nonprofits and public entities with funding for college readiness, access, and completion programs. Small organizations serving underserved or under-represented New England students, including Vermont residents, may apply for program, general operating, research, or limited capital support.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits and research institutions in Vermont can apply for One Hive Foundation grants, with awards up to US $75,000 for pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture projects. Funding supports research, public education, advocacy, policy work, and capacity-building for organizations focused on pollinator conservation and related environmental and food system issues.

Vermont nonprofits, federally recognized tribes, and institutions of higher education that serve rural microenterprises can access funding through USDA’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program. Grants up to US $500,000 support revolving microloan funds plus training and technical assistance for very small rural businesses with 10 or fewer employees.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural programs, or environmental initiatives can access funding via Dr Scholl Foundation. U.S.-based small nonprofits may receive US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project support, with one application allowed per organization each grant year.

Nonprofit organizations in Vermont can receive up to US $5,000 to run community humanities projects and curriculum development that engage local audiences. Vermont Humanities supports initiatives such as public programming, humanities-based experiences for affinity groups, and curriculum work that expands access, with review criteria emphasizing inclusion, accessibility, and organizational capacity.

The Windham Foundation Grants Program offers financial support to organizations enhancing the quality of life in Vermont. Grants, averaging $2,500 to $5,000, focus on agriculture, arts, community development, and wellness initiatives. Eligible applicants include non-profits and public entities located in Vermont, with a preference for collaborative projects. The Foundation encourages applications that demonstrate financial stability and a clear impact on community resilience, while limiting funding to no more than 50% of the total project cost.

Vermont small nonprofits, schools, and municipal entities serving the Brattleboro area can receive multi-year support for programs, capital projects, or operating expenses through the Crosby-Gannett Fund. Vermont Community Foundation awards US $22,500 over three years to one organization, prioritizing community-based efforts that strengthen social, cultural, or economic vitality and build a more inclusive, sustainable community.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups with project-specific work can seek up to US $25,000 for programs in arts, education, historic preservation, or social services. Organizations in or serving the Addison County/Brandon area, including small nonprofits, can access funding through Vermont Community Foundation’s Walter Cerf Community Fund Large Grant.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups can receive $500 - $5,000 for projects, programs, or general operating support, especially in Addison County and Brandon. Vermont Community Foundation’s Walter Cerf Community Fund prioritizes arts, education, historic preservation, and social services, with emphasis on underserved populations and collaborative, community-building efforts.

Nonprofit corporations, rural public entities, higher education institutions, tribes, and rural cooperatives in Vermont can receive funding to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. With a mission to strengthen rural economies, USDA: Rural Development offers up to US $200,000 for projects like business counseling, feasibility studies, infrastructure, revolving loan funds, and rural business incubators.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Small Vermont nonprofits, municipalities, schools, and fiscally sponsored community groups can seek up to US $5,000 for community-led projects benefiting Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties. Vermont Community Foundation’s Northeast Kingdom Fund favors locally driven, small-scale efforts where a modest grant leverages new ideas or additional funding for Northeast Kingdom residents.

Vermont small nonprofits, grassroots groups, and fiscally sponsored community organizations supporting youth programs in Bennington County can seek $500 - US $10,000 for teen-focused initiatives. Vermont Community Foundation’s Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth backs events, activities, and spaces that help grades 6–12 students gather, connect, access opportunities, and feel a sense of belonging.