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 DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

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.

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.

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 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 Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

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 Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

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.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

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.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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.