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.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

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.

Large, well-established U.S. cultural nonprofits serving Vermont and beyond can access funding for arts and science programming, capital projects, and limited general or endowment support; awards are typically more than US $100,000. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help organizations in culture, arts education, and STEAM that demonstrate broad impact and sustainability.

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.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

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.

Vermont small 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving local quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health, or disaster relief programs can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, general operating, or capital support. Organizations must serve communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates and meet strict non-discrimination and community-benefit requirements.

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.

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.

Small human and social services nonprofits in Vermont working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s US $5,000 - US $250,000 grants. With a mission to support focused interventions for those facing poverty, disability, social alienation, or disasters, the foundation currently funds smaller organizations with revenues between $300,000 and $3,000,000.