Best Higher Education Grants in Vermont

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.