Best Health Care Grants in Vermont

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 Samara Fund Grants, offered by the Vermont Community Foundation, focus on supporting LGBTQ+ led initiatives in Vermont. With awards typically ranging from $750 to $1,000, the fund prioritizes projects that promote empowerment, health, and safety for the LGBTQ+ community. Core values include anti-racism, transparency, and accessibility. The fund is committed to funding ideas that engage diverse groups, including BIPOC and trans individuals, ultimately fostering positive change across the state.

The Vermont Children's Trust Foundation offers program grants aimed at preventing juvenile delinquency, truancy, and substance abuse among children aged 0-18. These grants support community-based initiatives that promote positive family functioning, enhance societal support, and address protective factors for at-risk youth. Organizations can apply for one-year grants up to $12,000 or three-year grants up to $15,000 annually, fostering sustainable programming to benefit Vermont's families and children.

The Multi-Year Sustaining Grants by the J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation support small-scale projects in Vermont that promote equity in education and assist students in their postsecondary transitions. Grants range from $1,500 to $5,000 annually for three years, emphasizing sustained partnerships without formal proposals or reports. Eligible organizations must be based in Vermont and comply with 501(c)(3) requirements, ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination in service provision.

The Davis Family Foundation Implementation Grants support innovative projects that enhance teaching and learning at accredited colleges in New England. Established in 1985, the foundation has awarded over $140 million to improve educational outcomes and reduce costs. Applicants are encouraged to consult with program staff prior to submission. Funded projects typically focus on curriculum improvement, faculty development, and collaborative cost-reduction efforts, all aimed at enriching the undergraduate experience.

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.

The Vermont Humanities Project Grant supports nonprofit organizations that engage communities in the humanities, fostering a culture of thoughtfulness and a love for learning. By funding community programming and curriculum development, this initiative aims to enhance access to humanities for diverse audiences. Eligible projects include interactive discussions and programs that promote engagement among various groups. Vermont Humanities invites both new and existing projects to apply for funding to enrich the cultural landscape of Vermont.

The Rapid Response Grant from Vermont Humanities offers quick funding for humanities-focused community projects, providing up to $1,000 in support. Applications are reviewed monthly, with timely decisions made by the 15th if submitted by the first of the month. This grant aims to engage and strengthen Vermont communities through small, impactful projects that can be completed within three months, fostering a culture of thoughtfulness and a love for reading and learning.

The Vermont Arts Council's Artists in Schools Grant supports multi-day arts experiences in schools, promoting collaboration between students and Vermont teaching artists. Eligible schools and arts organizations can apply for funding for projects that enhance arts education for preK-12 students. Projects should focus on creativity, equity, and access in the arts, while fostering community connections. Applications are accepted until July 28 for the funding period beginning September 1, 2025.

The Vermont Arts Council's Cultural Facilities Grant supports nonprofit organizations and municipalities in enhancing or expanding cultural facilities that are at least 10 years old and located in Vermont. Eligible projects include improvements to infrastructure, accessibility features, and energy efficiency upgrades, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $30,000. A 1:1 cash match is required, and funding is contingent upon project completion and reporting. Contact the grant manager to ensure eligibility before applying.

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.

KeyBank's Community Grants support tax-exempt organizations that align with the Foundation's funding priorities, focusing on improving community well-being. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, eligible organizations must have an operating budget of at least $100,000 and a minimum of three years in operation. The application process is invitation-only, requiring interested organizations to submit an Expression of Interest for review, typically receiving feedback within 90 days.

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 Vermont Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a voluntary initiative aimed at enhancing water quality by converting agricultural land into vegetative buffers. It offers financial assistance through state and federal funding, covering up to 90% of implementation costs for necessary infrastructure. Landowners receive upfront and annual payments for maintaining these buffers over 15 to 30-year contracts, thus incentivizing sustainable agricultural practices and protecting essential waterways.

The VAFM: Capital Equipment Assistance Program offers financial assistance to Vermont-based farmers and custom manure applicators. This program aims to support the acquisition of innovative equipment that reduces agricultural waste runoff, enhances water quality, minimizes odors from manure, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. By providing this support, the program helps farmers decrease their costs while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

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 NRA Foundation's Vermont Grants aim to support charitable initiatives that align with the organization's mission, such as promoting firearm safety and education. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) recognized entities, government bodies, and state-recognized nonprofits. Ineligible organizations consist of labor groups, private businesses, and individuals. The grant focuses on projects that foster community well-being and educational opportunities in the shooting sports, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.

The VMIG Charitable Giving Fund aims to enhance community quality of life in regions served by Vermont Mutual Insurance Group. This fund supports non-profit organizations focusing on education, youth development, community building, and basic needs such as housing and hunger. Eligible organizations must operate within specific states and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status. The fund reflects a commitment to fostering healthy, vibrant communities through meaningful financial contributions.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

The Red Sox Foundation provides programmatic grants to support non-profits focused on health, education, and recreation in New England. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, with larger requests by invitation only. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and can only apply once per year. The foundation emphasizes its commitment to making a positive impact in the community, although it cannot support every request due to the volume of applications.

The Red Sox Foundation offers event sponsorship opportunities to support community initiatives in New England and Lee County, FL. Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a focus on health, education, and recreation. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the Foundation's mission to enhance the lives of children, families, and veterans. Applications for sponsorships over $10,000 are by invitation only, fostering impactful community partnerships.

The IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in underfunded states by fostering collaborations among research institutions. By supporting faculty research, mentoring, and student involvement, INBREs create pathways for undergraduate students to enter biomedical careers. This initiative not only promotes institutional partnerships but also strengthens research infrastructure, ultimately contributing to a more robust scientific community in IDeA states.

SerVermont VISTA Program RPF

This cohort will begin service on August 10, 2026.

AmeriCorps VISTA members are made available through SerVermont through a VISTA Supervision Grant from AmeriCorps, the federal agency that oversees National Service. SerVermont has administered the VISTA Umbrella Project on behalf of AmeriCorps since 2011 (now in its 15th year) and is currently the only VISTA project in Vermont. The statewide SerVermont VISTA project seeks to end poverty in Vermont by building capacity in organizations that address homelessness, provide job training, invest in food security, provide nutrition education, and promote disaster resiliency. In the 2026-2027 Program Year, SerVermont is anticipating the availability of up to 21 VISTA member positions.

SerVermont is especially interested in partnering with organizations with a focus on disaster mitigation, recovery and resilience, in addition to organizations that address housing security and support workforce development initiatives.

Every VISTA Project Host Site must fall within the VISTA Programming Framework:

Anti-Poverty Focus - The purpose of VISTA is to support efforts to eliminate poverty. The goal of every project must be to help individuals and communities move out of poverty, not simply make poverty more tolerable. The project should focus on long-term solutions rather than short-term services.

Community Empowerment - VISTA Project Sponsors and Host Sites must ensure that their project engages residents of the low-income community in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating the project. The project must be responsive and relevant to the lives of residents in the community, and should tap into inherent community assets, strengths, and resources.

Sustainable Solutions - As originally designated in the Domestic Volunteer Service Act and reinforced in the Serve America Act, VISTA members are a short-term (one-year) resource who serve to build the long-term sustainability of anti-poverty programs. All VISTA projects should be developed with a goal to phase out the need for VISTA members and strengthen the ability of the project to continue without them. VISTA projects typically last three years, occasionally longer. From the beginning of the project planning process, the sponsor and community must think about how to use the VISTA project to phase in other resources and systems to replace the VISTA resource.

Capacity Building - Through activities such as fundraising, establishment of volunteer recruitment and management systems, community outreach, and partnership development, VISTAs help sponsors achieve lasting solutions to poverty. In order to build capacity, VISTAs do not perform direct service. Direct service is defined as activities that immediately address individual clients’ needs, and these activities are usually focused on short term goals. Ideally, VISTAs work their position out of existence and create systems that remain long after their service ends. 

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

The WGPF: Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program celebrates and promotes local folklore, legends, and folklife as vital aspects of cultural heritage. Targeted at 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities across 14 US states, it aims to enhance cultural tourism by commemorating community stories. Successful applications typically focus on folktales, historical legends, and community traditions, while excluding purely literary works or personal folklore that lacks broader community significance.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants program aims to enhance the economic viability of agricultural producers through targeted risk management education. Funded by the University of Delaware, this initiative offers grants of up to $75,000 for projects addressing production, marketing, financial, legal, or human risks. The grants are expected to support 12-15 new projects over an 18-month duration, from April 2026 to September 2027, subject to funding availability and application quality.