Vermont Innovative Human Services Funding via Creag Foundation
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Vermont can seek support for new or expanded approaches. Creag Foundation supports creative, smaller or evolving organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and are developing fresh solutions that could include higher education-related initiatives.
Creag Foundation
Vermont Education Innovation Funding via Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation
Early-stage, impact-first education and social impact organizations in Vermont can access funding through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation to scale proven solutions for underserved communities. Eligible independent nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits may receive up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building support and connection to a global community, including higher education-focused initiatives with scalable, systems-level models.
Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation
Cisco Systems Foundation Support for Education
Vermont higher education-focused nonprofits and NGOs using technology-driven programs for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment may be eligible for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, early-stage solutions serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an initial Letter of Inquiry.
Cisco Systems Foundation
Vermont Arts and Culture Funding via Hearst Foundation
Higher education institutions and large cultural nonprofits in Vermont can seek more than US $100,000 to support impactful arts and culture programs. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help fund program, capital, and limited general support for museums, performing arts organizations, arts schools, and STEAM-focused initiatives that reach broad audiences, especially youth.
William Randolph Hearst Foundation
Vermont Education Funding via Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Nonprofit and for-profit social enterprises supporting education, health, or family economic stability projects for children and youth in Vermont and across the U.S. can seek more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation prioritizes initiatives improving outcomes for urban low-income children and requires alignment with its values and focus areas.
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
La Roche Support for Global Education Programs
Accredited charities running humanitarian, education, community, environmental, or arts projects can seek philanthropic support for innovative, sustainable initiatives, including those connected to higher education, in Vermont and worldwide. Grants from La Roche help organizations engage Roche expertise and employees while strengthening communities, advancing science education, and supporting contemporary cultural projects.
La Roche, Inc.
Semnani Family Foundation Education Grants in Vermont
With a mission to support marginalized communities, nonprofits and educational organizations in Vermont and worldwide can seek Semnani Family Foundation funding for health, education, and humanitarian programs. Higher education institutions with initiatives in health access, literacy, or social services for vulnerable populations may be eligible within the foundation’s global focus countries, including the U.S.
Semnani Family Foundation
Lobster Research Funding for Higher Education via Mid-Atlantic Sea Grant
Full proposal due Aug 8, 2026
Focused on collaborative marine research, this program invites Vermont higher education institutions and partners in the American lobster industry to co-lead projects addressing ecological, regulatory, or socio-economic fishery challenges. Eligible teams must include both a researcher and an industry or community co-lead, with awards up to US $100,000 for actionable science.
Mid-Atlantic Sea Grant
Education and Arts Grants for Nonprofits from Cowles Charitable Trust
Applications due Sep 1, 2026
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, social justice, health, the arts, or ethical journalism can seek up to US $10,000 for programs or general operating support from Cowles Charitable Trust. While the Trust primarily supports Downstate New York and South Florida, occasionally mission-aligned national efforts, including higher education initiatives in Vermont, may be considered.
Cowles Charitable Trust
Education and Youth Funding from Hansen Family Foundation
Applications due Sep 11, 2026
U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, youth services, or related community programs, including those serving higher education in Vermont, can seek support for projects that advance life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Hansen Family Foundation provides US $1,000 - US $10,000 for initiatives in education, children’s services, humanitarian work, arts and culture, animals, and the environment.
Hansen Family Foundation
Jesse W Couch Foundation Support for Storytelling
Applications due Sep 25, 2026
Vermont higher education and other 501(c)(3) or aligned for-profit organizations seeking to share impact stories can access funding through the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant. Awards of more than US $50,000 support storytelling projects for programs in preservation, education, or wellness, including environmental conservation, early education, mental health, and related initiatives.
Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation
Adelard and Valeda Roy Education Grants in Vermont
Applications due Sep 30, 2026
Vermont education and youth-serving nonprofits supporting low-income students, immigrants and refugees, Indigenous communities, or the elderly can access funding through the Adelard and Valeda Roy Foundation for K–12 and related educational programs. The foundation awards US $2,500 - US $10,000, with priority for underserved communities in Massachusetts and Northern New England, including Vermont.
Adelard And Valeda Roy Foundation
Rural Community Facilities Funding from USDA
Applications due Sep 30, 2026
Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural Vermont can obtain funding to build, purchase, or improve essential community facilities and equipment. USDA Rural Development supports projects such as libraries, museums, distance learning infrastructure, and other educational or community facilities that serve rural areas, with grant support scaled to community size and income levels.
USDA: Rural Development (RD)
USDA Microenterprise Grants in Vermont
Applications due Oct 1, 2026
Vermont higher education institutions, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes that act as Microenterprise Development Organizations can access funding to support rural microentrepreneurs and small business development. Vermont organizations can access funding through USDA to build or expand rural microloan revolving funds and provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and microenterprises, with awards up to US $500,000.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Robinson Foundation Education Grants in Vermont
Applications due Oct 15, 2026
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on education and related services in the Southern region can apply for Robinson Foundation support; Vermont higher education programs may be eligible if they serve this area. Robinson Foundation provides Southern-region education and family-focused nonprofits with single-year funding for tangible, meaningful impact rather than capital projects.
Robinson Foundation
Community and Environment Funding from Dudley T Dougherty Foundation
Applications due Oct 31, 2026
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Vermont can seek support for their programs and initiatives. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit higher education institutions or affiliated nonprofits whose post-secondary projects advance these community or environmental goals.
Dudley T Dougherty Foundation Inc
Georgia-Pacific Foundation Support for Community Education
Applications due Oct 31, 2026
Vermont higher education institutions, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities can access funding for education, entrepreneurship, environmental initiatives, and broader community enrichment projects. Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes organizations within 30 miles of its manufacturing communities that strengthen long-term well-being where the company operates; Vermont organizations meeting this criterion may be eligible.
Georgia-Pacific Foundation
Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation Grants for Vermont Higher Education
Applications due Nov 2, 2026
With a mission to expand higher education access, the Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation provides Vermont educational organizations with funding for college readiness, access, and postsecondary success programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, Tribal and religious organizations serving underserved New England students, including Vermonters, can request program, general operating, or research support focused on improving college completion outcomes.
Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation
Clowes Fund Education Grants in Vermont
Letter of inquiry due Nov 2, 2026
Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations serving socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals through immigrant services, workforce development, arts education, or related youth programs can access funding via the Clowes Fund. Multi-year operating support, including up to US $150,000 for continuation grants, may benefit programs that connect secondary students to post-secondary pathways and economic self-sufficiency.
Clowes Fund
Basic Needs and Community Grants from Ameriprise
Applications due Jan 15, 2027
U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s national community grants; awards support hunger relief, shelter and housing, adult self-sufficiency, and community development. Vermont higher education institutions with qualifying programs, especially those engaging Ameriprise employee volunteers, may be competitive applicants.
Ameriprise Financial
Vermont Education Funding via Dr Scholl Foundation
Letter of inquiry due Jan 31, 2027
Dr Scholl Foundation provides Vermont higher education and other 501(c)(3) organizations with grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 for education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, and environmental projects. U.S. nonprofits with at least three years of financial activity can request one year of project funding per grant cycle.
Dr Scholl Foundation
Community-Building Grants for Vermont Groups via Vermont Community Foundation
Applications due Mar 31, 2027
Focused on grassroots community-building, Vermont organizations and community groups in Vermont can apply for Vermont Community Foundation’s Spark Connecting Community grants, awarding US $500 - US $5,000 for hyperlocal projects that strengthen social connections. Initiatives like experiential learning, public art, trails, or community dialogues may be eligible, with priority for smaller budgets and several northern counties.
Vermont Community Foundation
Community Services Funding from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation
Applications due Apr 15, 2027
Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving economic stability, health, literacy, workforce readiness, or providing disaster relief can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, operating, or capital support. Organizations in Vermont higher education communities that run qualifying community-focused programs may be eligible if they serve underserved or underrepresented individuals and families where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.
O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Inc
Youth and Community Funding from Chick Fil A Foundation
Applications due May 1, 2027
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families with education, housing, food security, or environmental programs in Vermont and other eligible regions can apply for the True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000. Chick Fil A Foundation supports initiatives like academic enrichment, leadership development, hunger relief, and community or environmental projects.
Chick Fil A Foundation Inc
Rural Business Support Grants for Nonprofits from USDA
Applications due Jun 15, 2027
Nonprofit corporations, rural public entities, higher education institutions, and similar organizations in Vermont can seek USDA: Rural Development funding to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. With a mission to strengthen rural economies, USDA: Rural Development provides Vermont higher education and community partners with up to US $200,000 for planning, counseling, incubators, revolving loan funds, and other rural business development projects.
USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Mutual of America Foundation Support for Partnerships
Applications due Jul 1, 2027
Nonprofit organizations in Vermont with strong, replicable community partnerships may be eligible for national recognition and funding that highlights collaborative solutions to significant social issues. Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award honors U.S. nonprofits leading effective public, private, or social sector collaborations that measurably improve lives and can serve as models for other higher education or community initiatives.
Mutual Of America Foundation