Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Vermont

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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 Farmland Retirement Program, funded by the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, aims to buy out farms that negatively impact water quality. Established to preserve Vermont’s rural character, the program facilitates the transition of agricultural land to conservation uses, ensuring long-term environmental benefits. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and municipalities that demonstrate lasting impacts on the community. Funding may cover acquisition costs and associated expenses, supporting restoration efforts that contribute to Vermont's ecological health.

About Us

In the mid-1980s, a rapid rise in housing prices and an increase in the pace of development threatened the rural character and historic settlement patterns of Vermont. As a result, in 1986, a coalition of affordable housing, conservation, and historic preservation advocates approached the state legislature with a plan to form a unique agency that would review and fund projects to address a range of community needs. In response, the Legislature passed the Vermont Housing and Conservation Trust Fund Act in 1987.

The newly created Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, or VHCB, was charged with a dual goal mission:

to create permanently affordable housing and conserve and protect Vermont’s agricultural, forest, recreational, and natural lands, as well as historic properties. Since our founding, we have remained true to this mission by supporting projects that benefit Vermont communities in perpetuity, guided by our core values: equity and access, affordability and economic vitality, environmental sustainability and resilience, and quality of life.

Donated Easement Funding Program

The Donated Easement Funding Program provides grants to help cover transaction and stewardship costs for conservation easements donated by willing landowners. The program is designed to make voluntary land conservation more accessible and affordable by reducing financial barriers that often prevent donated projects from moving forward. 

Local Food for Schools and Child Care Food Hub Grant 

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) is seeking applications from non-profit food hubs in Vermont to provide local food to eligible School Food Authorities. This funding opportunity is part of the Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Program and is funded by a one-time state appropriation for Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC) grants.

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide local food to Vermont K-12 students through non-profit food hubs. This opportunity is open to non-profit food hubs headquartered in Vermont. This opportunity is modeled after the Vermont Local Food for Schools program, which was piloted in School Year 2023-2024, using one-time funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Food hubs will apply for grant funding to work with a particular subset of School Food Authorities (SFAs) that they have capacity to reach with distribution. Each SFA has a pre-determined amount of grant funding that they will access through this program. The amount of grant funding allocated to each SFA is based on enrollment data from the Vermont Agency of Education. Grant request amounts will be directly tied to the specific mix of SFAs that a food hub is applying to serve. 

If awarded, the SFA’s assigned food hub will make available the allocated amount as credit at the food hub, which the SFAs can use to purchase local food from the food hub’s catalogue.

The review committee will ensure that every eligible SFA in Vermont is served by a local food hub and provided access to free, local food. This grant opportunity is effectively using food hubs as a pass-through entity to provide local food funding to SFAs directly. Food purchased with LFSCC funds must meet the Vermont local definition (Act 129 of 2020).

A total of $300,000 is available through this competitive funding opportunity. There is no award minimum or maximum for this grant. Grantees will have up to two years to complete projects. Pre-award costs may also be available, with permission from the grant program manager. No matching funds are required for this grant.

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.

Grants for Relocation Outreach Work (GROW) Program

The Think Vermont Grants for Relocation Outreach Work (GROW) Program provides grant funding to enable local, regional, county-wide, or state-wide organizations to conduct relocation, recruitment, and retention activities. To be eligible for this funding, grantees must provide relocation services on behalf of their region or affinity group and collaborate with other organizations to optimize the success of relocation and retention efforts. These efforts reach and serve a broad audience, including underrepresented communities and new and diverse residents.

There are two tracks within the GROW program, the Relocation Track and the Retention Track. Some awardees will receive grants for both tracks. A description of each track is below along with a list of grant recipients:

Relocation Track: Grantees will complement and support the State’s relocation lead generation and distribution system on ThinkVermont.com. Grantees are required to connect with and follow up on generated leads of potential residents interested in moving to their area. Grantees activities can also include the creation of regional marketing assets to assist with out-of-state advertising campaigns.

Retention Track: Grantees will organize events and/or conduct activities that help new residents feel welcome in their new community. Outreach to recently relocated families and individuals will include invitations to participate in events such as mixers, young professionals’ groups and/or the Vermont Welcome Wagon programming.

Grants for Nonprofits : Early Childhood Arts Partnership Grants

Early Childhood Arts Partnership Grants support arts education for preschool-aged children through partnerships with arts organizations or teaching artists.

Grant amounts are up to $6,000.

The program prioritizes partnerships (such as with and between arts organizations, Head Start programs, regional early education collaboratives, and/or school districts) and supports programming tailored to the applicant’s learning community expanding access, engaging families, and strengthening communication and holistic instruction.

Examples of how grant funds support early childhood programming include:

• employing a teaching artist experienced in an arts discipline and in early childhood settings for a multi-day residency
• supporting children in reaching arts and arts-integrated curriculum outcomes aligned with TS Gold, Vermont Early Learning Standards, or National Core Art Standards,for example
• supporting classroom teachers with incorporating arts and arts-integrated activities in their classrooms during and/or beyond the timeframe of the grant
• promoting opportunities for interaction, collaboration, and/or planning between teaching artists and the classroom teachers

The Vermont Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21C) Grant offers up to $650,000 annually over five years to enhance afterschool and summer learning programs. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support for students, fostering educational opportunities and community engagement. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for funding to implement high-quality educational activities that address local needs and improve student outcomes.

The Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) by the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board aims to enhance the capacity of rural communities and working lands businesses to secure federal funding. Rather than direct project funding, REDI assists in hiring grant writers, conducting feasibility studies, and developing fundraising strategies. Priority areas include community infrastructure, outdoor recreation, and historic preservation, ultimately fostering sustainable economic development in communities with populations under 5,000.

Research for Novel Approaches in Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Research for Novel Approaches grant program funds ‘proof of concept’ applied research projects that are designed to confirm the benefits and/or feasibility of new practices and approaches—i.e., Novel Approaches—in agriculture.

These applied research projects must have some existing evidence from previous experiments or pilot projects (your own or others) suggesting that the practice or approach is beneficial and feasible, but further testing, data, and refinement are needed before it can be recommended for widespread adoption by farmers.

Research for Novel Approaches Grant projects require an explicit connection to the needs and interests of farmers in the Northeast. All proposals must include documented interest among farmers and service providers in utilizing or promoting the novel approach should it be proven beneficial and feasible.

Funding Available

Novel Approaches grants have a minimum award of $30,000 and a cap of $250,000.

The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant Program, administered by the Vermont Department of Public Safety, provides crucial FEMA funding for hazard mitigation projects. This initiative aims to bolster community resilience against natural disasters through investments in infrastructure improvements such as floodplain restoration and utility floodproofing. Eligible projects must align with approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plans, promoting long-term risk reduction and enhancing the state's preparedness for emergencies.

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

Our Mission: VHCB invests in permanently affordable housing solutions and conservation strategies that work together to ensure equity, resilience, and vitality for Vermont communities in perpetuity.

In partnership with a statewide network of private and non-profit organizations, VHCB funds the development of permanently affordable housing, land conservation initiatives, and the restoration of historic properties.

VHCB Farmland Conservation Program

The Vermont Farmland Conservation Program is focused on retaining the state’s quality agricultural land base in strong farming regions of the state. 

Eligible applicants for this funding are nonprofit conservation organizations, municipalities, and qualified state agencies. 

Funding Sugarbush Projects

Maple sugaring is part of Vermont’s heritage. It’s also an important and rapidly growing part of Vermont’s agricultural economy. Sugarbushes also contribute to Vermont’s scenic landscape. The 2018 Farm Bill removed the forested acreage limit for working sugarbush conservation using USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) funds. This has enabled VHCB to conserve more sugarbushes as farm projects. 

Types of Projects, in General

VHCB will consider funding the purchase of conservation easements on working sugarbushes provided that (1) the applicant for VHCB funds is an eligible applicant, (2) the minimum eligibility criteria are met (see Appendix 2 of attached PDF document), and (3) a VHCB-approved easement coholder (approved stewardship partner) has stated at the time of application that it is willing to participate.

VHCB expects sugarbush projects to meet all the requirements for NRCS funding. Should a landowner not be eligible for NRCS funding, VHCB in its discretion, may consider funding the project using state funds only, subject to the availability of such funds within funding targets set by the VHCB Board.

Projects that are not active sugarbushes, but that are managed for timber or other uses, should apply as a natural area or outdoor recreation project, or under VHCB Guidelines for Privately Owned Managed Forestland Projects, even if sugar maples are a predominant species. 

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

Our Mission: VHCB invests in permanently affordable housing solutions and conservation strategies that work together to ensure equity, resilience, and vitality for Vermont communities in perpetuity.

In partnership with a statewide network of private and non-profit organizations, VHCB funds the development of permanently affordable housing, land conservation initiatives, and the restoration of historic properties.

VHCB Farmland Conservation Program

The Vermont Farmland Conservation Program is focused on retaining the state’s quality agricultural land base in strong farming regions of the state.

VHCB funds the acquisition of development rights on farms as well as a portion of the associated project costs. Eligible applicants for this funding are nonprofit conservation organizations, municipalities, and qualified state agencies. Goals of the VHCB Farmland Conservation Program include perpetually protecting farmland, maintaining land in active agricultural use, and to assure that conserved farmland is accessible and affordable to future generations of farmers.

The Alchemist Foundation Grant provides small, unrestricted grants (up to $3,000) to organizations that focus on expanding equity and opportunity for youth in Vermont. Founded by John and Jen Kimmich, it aims to support initiatives that foster educational growth and inclusivity for local youth aged 16-24. Interested organizations are encouraged to reach out via email to align their missions with the Foundation's goals.

The Vermont Community Foundation's Spark Connecting Community Grant supports grassroots projects that enhance social capital and community connections in Vermont. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, it prioritizes initiatives from under-represented counties, fostering collaboration among local champions. The program seeks innovative projects that promote civic engagement, health, and resilience, while encouraging first-time grant seekers and organizations with smaller budgets to apply for funding.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The Vermont Community Foundation offers the Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant to support consultant fees for nonprofits aiming to enhance their organizational capacity. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for strategic planning, financial sustainability, and diversity initiatives. Applications are prioritized for organizations with annual budgets under $250,000, and the program is open to tax-exempt entities serving Vermont. The grant program closes on November 14, 2025, and will reopen in February 2026.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation, aims to enhance college campuses through tree planting and environmental stewardship. By meeting five key standards, institutions can gain national recognition, fostering community pride and promoting sustainability. Participants benefit from improved mental health, energy savings, and educational opportunities for students. This initiative not only beautifies campuses but also addresses critical environmental challenges, encouraging future generations to appreciate and care for their surroundings.