Best Higher Education Grants in Vermont

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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.

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.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.