Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Vermont

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program is designed to empower Tribal governments in enhancing their criminal justice response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking. This initiative, funded by the US DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women, aims to support Tribal communities in creating safer environments through targeted funding and resources. Applications must be submitted by September 3, 2026, at 4:59 pm ET.

The AAAP Foundation: Poultry Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in poultry health and food safety in North America. Offered by the American Association of Avian Pathologists, the scholarship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and promote the well-being of poultry. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited veterinary colleges or universities with relevant programs. Scholarships may reach up to $1,500, with undergraduate awards capped at $500, fostering the next generation of poultry medicine professionals.

Loene Pooler Guthrie Scholarship Fund

The Loene P. Guthrie Scholarship fund benefits music students in Benton, Linn, and Lincoln counties who plan to engage in the teaching of piano, voice, and orchestral music.

This scholarship fund promotes the teaching of piano, voice and orchestral music by aiding music students in Benton, Linn, and Lincoln Counties who plan to engage in the teaching of piano, voice, and orchestral music. Students who will graduate from Linn, Benton, or Lincoln County high schools or graduates of those high schools currently studying music at an institution of higher learning may apply. The Linn-Benton Chapter of the Oregon Music Teachers Association reviews the applications and selects individuals to perform at an audition open to the public.

Quest Diagnostics Foundation

Our purpose

Working together to create a healthier world, one life at a time.

About the Foundation

The Quest Diagnostics Foundation® (the Foundation), established in 1991, is a nonprofit corporation exempt from tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, for charitable, educational, scientific, and literary purposes including:

• Promoting the benefits of healthcare and wellness
• Promoting the prevention, early detection, monitoring, and treatment of disease
• Educating the general public and healthcare professionals regarding healthcare issues

About Quest for Healthy Communities Champions

Through the Quest for Healthy Communities Champion program, the Foundation will recognize and give monetary awards to up to 15 individuals or organizations across the US that have committed to improving health in their own communities. In the case of recognition to individuals, the monetary award will be given to the tax-exempt charity of their choosing.

The program reflects the importance of recognizing individuals and organizations that are committed to the purpose of Quest, “working together to create a healthier world, one life at a time” and the Foundation’s belief that increased awareness of individuals and organizations doing this work can lead to healthier communities.

Successful applicants will demonstrate their commitment to improving health in their communities through actions such as:

• Impact on community systems via policy, programming, and education in areas such as workforce development, health, environment, housing, and safety
• Ongoing community engagement in the development of innovative solutions to drive improved health outcomes
• Commitment to increasing individual health autonomy and empowerment through the advancement of diagnostic screening and testing

The Quadratec Cares 'Energize The Environment' Grant Program is dedicated to supporting individuals and organizations in the U.S. focused on environmental improvement. With two grants of $3,500 awarded annually, the program encourages initiatives like trail restoration and community educational projects. This grant aims to empower passionate individuals to enhance environmental awareness and stewardship, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

The Oriental Trading Company Corporate Giving Program focuses on enhancing the lives of children through education, youth programming, healthcare, and human services. With a commitment to making the world a better place, they support organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or public educational institutions. Their initiatives aim to foster community partnerships and provide essential resources to youth in need, ensuring they have access to vital services and opportunities for growth.

The Gamma Mu Foundation, established in 1988, aims to support the LGBT community in rural and underserved areas through various grants. Initially focused on HIV/AIDS projects, it now funds scholarships and services for diverse LGBT subpopulations. With over $2 million awarded, the Foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance community support, public education, and health programs. It emphasizes projects that build organizational capacity and provide essential services where resources are limited, ensuring ongoing support for vital health and social services.

The Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Centers program aims to provide essential training and technical assistance to combat opioid and stimulant misuse in rural areas. With 10 Regional Centers and a National Coordinating Office, the initiative focuses on high-quality prevention, treatment, and recovery support services for substance use disorders. This program anticipates awarding 11 new grants to enhance community health and safety in addressing polysubstance use challenges.

The Opioid Crisis Response Program Fellowship, offered by Equal Justice Works, addresses the opioid epidemic by mobilizing public interest lawyers to provide vital civil legal aid to underserved communities affected by Opioid Use Disorder. This two-year fellowship enables attorney fellows to advocate for clients' rights, reduce barriers to treatment, and enhance community education about legal impacts. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, the program aims to improve health outcomes and foster systemic change in the fight against this public health crisis.

The David Moses Bridges Scholarship honors the legacy of a renowned Passamaquoddy artist and activist, providing essential support for individuals dedicated to the preservation of Wabanaki culture, traditional arts, and environmental stewardship. This scholarship aims to foster connections between master artists and apprentices, promote research on David's impactful life and work, and protect culturally significant natural spaces. It empowers artists and scholars to continue the vital work of preserving indigenous knowledge and practices for future generations.

The 2026 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program aims to tackle economic, health, and environmental issues in communities through innovative tree resource utilization. By transforming wood from various sources into valuable products like lumber and biochar, this initiative promotes local economies and enhances community resilience. Projects should align with community forestry plans, adhere to safety standards, and provide job creation opportunities, ultimately fostering sustainable urban forest management and utilization.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Mueller HBCU Scholarship, supports undergraduate students from historically black colleges and universities pursuing careers in the water sector. Offered by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), this scholarship recognizes the vital role of future professionals in addressing water industry challenges. AWWA aims to invest in students who will contribute to sustainable water management and innovation within their communities.

Headstream Accelerator 2026

Accelerator Application Cohort VI

The Headstream Accelerator supports entrepreneurs from all backgrounds in scaling digital solutions that improve the mental well-being of teens at risk, with a focus on the education and healthcare sectors. Our four-month, virtual-first program is designed for early-stage innovators, helping them strengthen their business models, refine their value propositions, and build the foundation for sustainable growth and meaningful impact.

Benefits:

• $30,000 non-dilutive stipend 
• Partnership with youth from Headsteam’s Youth Co-Creator Club to gain insights on cultural relevance, age-appropriateness, and user experience, ensuring your solutions resonate deeply and effectively with the next generation 
• Access to a network of expert advisors, connect with a community of founders, and engage with potential investors and capital providers 
• Access to one-on-one and group coaching sessions with our partner, FounderWell

Participant Expectations:

• Attend all activities, including virtual cohort and youth co-creation sessions, advisor calls, and an in-person kickoff event from July 28–30, 2026
• Commit 2–5 hours weekly during the program, including virtual sessions, advisor network office hours, guide calls, and more
• Embed youth voices throughout your product development

Hungry for Music

The Hungry for Music story began in 1992, when Founder and Director Jeff Campbell (in photo) organized a street musician concert to benefit the homeless. Within three years, he formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to expanding opportunities in music for children.

Since then, Hungry for Music has placed more than 27,000 instruments into the hands of aspiring musicians. Children whose trajectory has been altered by the uplifting and life-changing gift of music.

We've delivered everything from guitars and trombones to violins and xylophones to kids in 50 states and 35 countries.

We collect and redistribute more than 2,000 instruments annually and, in our 31-year journey, we've become a full-time force for good in the musical community.

Request an Instrument

Hungry for Music collects and distributes instruments including brass, woodwinds, strings, electric keyboards, drums and other percussion, as well as amps and accessories.

Who Hungry for Music Helps

• Music teachers at Title One schools who identify children who cannot participate because of lack of funding.
• Music directors at innovative after-school music programs.
• Social workers who have young clients who would benefit from music therapy.

We only accept requests from public school music teachers, administrators, after-school/summer music program directors, and social workers. 

In our history, we have supported music programs in 40 different countries through stateside sponsors (i.e. business, school, church). We do not accept requests directly from international programs.

After-School & Summer Programs

Hungry for Music supports more than three dozen after-school/summer music programs annually across the United States. To be added to our distribution, a site visit is required.

The FY25-FY26 Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) grant program aims to enhance transportation through the deployment of innovative technologies. It focuses on improving safety, mobility, and efficiency while fostering economic competitiveness. Projects funded will prioritize core infrastructure improvements and address roadway congestion, aligning with the Trump Administration's goals. The program emphasizes economic opportunities and community benefits, ensuring that selected projects contribute positively to families and communities, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

The HDR One Water Institute Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association, provides $10,000 in funding to support graduate students pursuing degrees that will lead to careers as consultants in the water industry. This initiative highlights the importance of investing in future water professionals and fostering innovative research to address pressing water challenges.

The NALMS Achievement Awards: Secchi Disk Award recognizes outstanding contributions to lake management by its members. NALMS aims to unite citizens, scientists, and professionals to ensure the protection and management of lakes and reservoirs. This prestigious award is open to NALMS members, with nominations encouraged from any individual or entity. However, current board and committee members are ineligible. The award celebrates those who significantly advance NALMS's goals and objectives in fostering lake ecosystem awareness and management.

The Jim Flynn Outstanding Corporation Award, presented annually by NALMS, honors the corporation that has made significant contributions to advancing lake management goals. This award emphasizes the importance of facilitating information exchange, promoting public awareness of lake ecosystems, and supporting management programs at all levels. Eligible nominations can come from any individual or entity, focusing on achievements in lake and reservoir management. Notably, current NALMS board members and awards committee members are excluded from eligibility.

The AWWA Hazen Scholarship supports graduate-level candidates dedicated to improving water quality and resources. Awarded by the American Water Works Association, this scholarship aims to empower future leaders in the water industry. Candidates must demonstrate commitment to addressing critical challenges in drinking water, water reuse, and sustainable practices. This initiative reflects AWWA's mission to invest in the next generation of water supply professionals, ensuring a sustainable future for water resources.

The Park Foundation Grants: Media support public interest media that raises awareness of critical environmental and social issues. They prioritize funding for investigative journalism, media policy, public broadcasting, and documentary films to promote a better-informed citizenry. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified, and funding is aimed at projects that ensure diverse perspectives and community engagement. The foundation is committed to fostering a robust democracy and independent media, reflecting its mission to advance a just and sustainable society.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Host Partnerships

Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.

Host Requirements

• A compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application.
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in office for both fellow and host supervisor.

The Conservation Practitioner Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, recognizes dedicated professionals at any career stage who address avian conservation issues at local or regional levels. This award includes a certificate and a $1,000 honorarium, acknowledging the critical work of individuals or groups in government or non-government organizations. The AOS aims to promote ethical standards and support a diverse community of ornithologists committed to bird conservation.

Theresa Alessandra Russo Foundation Inc

The Theresa Foundation honors the memory of Theresa Alessandra Russo by touching the lives of children with special needs and their families. The Foundation fosters each child’s unique abilities by supporting programs focusing on art, music, dance, drama, and recreation.

The Theresa Foundation has a vision of the world where artistic expression and physical recreation are just as important to adults as they are to children. We believe in a world where every child, regardless of ability or challenging conditions, is free to communicate through and participate in every art or recreational activity. A society without art is a society without soul. Art enables us to express our inner thoughts, fears, joys, and sadness.  

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program is committed to providing financial support for programs in art, music, dance, drama, or recreation that are designed specifically for children with special needs in order to ensure that no one is excluded from these activities. 

We believe that every individual should have the opportunity to participate in art, music, dance, drama or recreation if they so choose. Our grant program works to provide direct funding for the success of these activities, while also promoting an environment of acceptance and inclusiveness where all can take part without judgment or fear. 

As of 2026, the Theresa Foundation has provided over $3,300,000 in grant funding for over 200 programs in 29 states throughout the country and 4 international grants. With your help we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those with special needs by providing them access to enriching experiences that would otherwise be out of reach. 

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Student Fellow Applications

Fellow applications will open for eligible students once host projects have been reviewed and finalists selected. Students will apply to be considered for a specific host project. Top student candidates will be interviewed by NCRC as well as the host organization.

Fellow Requirements

• Must provide documentation confirming active enrollment (i.e. Letter of Enrollment from Registrar or transcript)
• Must commit to fellowship for full Period of September 14, 2026-May 14, 2027 academic school year
• Must commit to a 20 hour/week fellowship
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in-office of host organization

The Office of National Drug Control Policy is inviting applications to create a surveillance system that connects drug toxicology testing results and interviews from emergency department patients with the illicit drug supply in various U.S. communities. This project aims to enhance drug consumption surveillance, identify deficiencies in current drug testing methods, and promote collaboration among public health and safety organizations to effectively tackle the ongoing drug crisis.

The FY 2026 Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program invites applications for research in various domains, including Advanced Scientific Computing and Biological Research. This ongoing opportunity from the Department of Energy will remain available until September 30, 2026. Eligible projects must align with SC's mission, supporting innovative research that advances scientific knowledge and energy solutions.

The Reboot Representation Tech Coalition aims to significantly increase the number of Black, Latina, and Native American women earning computing bachelor’s degrees. They invite qualified organizations to submit grant inquiries focused on recruiting and retaining these women in tech. Programs that leverage existing resources and operate across multiple regions will be prioritized, and the Coalition seeks initiatives backed by substantial research and community trust.