Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Vermont

The Coast Fork Scholarship supports graduates or graduating seniors from Cottage Grove or Al Kennedy Alternative High Schools pursuing higher education across the United States. This scholarship is aimed at those who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming challenges, with a focus on applicants dedicated to helping others or improving their communities.

The PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers, awarded by PEN America, recognizes twelve emerging writers annually for their debut short story published in a literary outlet. Each winner receives a $2,000 cash prize, and their stories are published in an anthology by Catapult. The prize aims to foster new voices in fiction, inspired by Robert J. Dau's legacy, highlighting the importance of literary excellence and encouraging the next generation of writers.

The PEN Open Book Award, presented by PEN America, recognizes literary works by authors of color published in the U.S. during the year. With a focus on diversity, it awards a $10,000 prize and a residency in Italy to authors who have not yet garnered significant media attention. This award promotes underrepresented voices in literature, celebrating fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that challenge the norms and enrich the literary landscape.

The PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry Collection, established by a bequest from Hunce Voelcker, is presented annually by PEN America to recognize a distinguished collection of poetry published in the calendar year. This award honors the importance of poetry collections as an art form and is open to all U.S. residents or citizens, regardless of age or poetic style, with a cash prize of $5,000. It aims to celebrate and expand the scope of American poetry.

The PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay, established by PEN America, honors a distinguished writer whose collection of essays expands their body of work. This prestigious award, with a cash prize of $15,000, recognizes books of individual essays that can explore a specific theme or a variety of subjects. Eligible candidates must be U.S. residents and cannot be debut authors, ensuring the award celebrates established voices in the literary community.

The PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award honors outstanding writing that effectively communicates complex scientific ideas in an accessible manner. Established by Dr. Edward O. Wilson and supported by notable figures, this award recognizes a single, living author for their work published within the calendar year. The winner receives a $10,000 cash prize, celebrating excellence in the literature of the physical and biological sciences.

The PEN/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award for Biography, presented by PEN America, recognizes outstanding literary works in biography published in the U.S. during the previous year. With a prize of $5,000, this award celebrates authors who demonstrate exceptional narrative and artistic merit through scrupulous research. Since its inception, PEN America has awarded over $370,000 annually, supporting diverse voices in literature and promoting the freedom of expression.

The PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction, offered by PEN America, recognizes a distinguished book of nonfiction published annually. This prestigious award, which includes a $10,000 prize, honors works that exhibit notable literary merit and critical perspectives on contemporary issues. Eligible authors, regardless of citizenship, must have published their book in the previous calendar year. This award highlights the importance of intellectual rigor and stylistic elegance, echoing the legacy of economist John Kenneth Galbraith.

The PEN Award for Poetry in Translation, established in 1996, honors outstanding book-length translations of poetry into English. This prestigious award, conferred by PEN America, provides a $3,000 prize to the translator of the winning work. Eligible entries must be original translations published by U.S. trade publishers within the calendar year. The award not only recognizes the art of translation but also promotes cultural exchange and literary diversity.

The PEN Translation Prize, awarded annually by PEN America since 1963, recognizes outstanding book-length prose translations into English. A $3,000 prize is conferred to the winning translator, celebrating the art of literary translation. Eligible works must be original translations published by U.S. trade publishers within the calendar year. This award highlights the importance of cross-cultural literature by honoring translators who bridge language barriers, fostering appreciation for diverse voices in the literary community.

The Change Lab Research Fellow - Civic Engagement position at Forecast Public Art invites talented individuals to explore the intersection of public art and civic engagement. This six-month fellowship offers a $5,000 stipend for research aimed at fostering democratic participation through public art. The selected Fellow will conduct in-depth research, develop a public-facing report, and contribute to a national public art policy platform focused on justice and human dignity.

This grant aims to address drug shortages by exploring the landscape of products susceptible to health fraud and finding ways for outsourcing facilities to fulfill these needs. By funding research and development, the initiative seeks to enhance the production of critical medications, thereby stabilizing the drug supply chain and protecting public health from fraud-related risks.

The NCAA Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship is awarded annually to one male and one female student-athlete, recognizing outstanding academic achievement and potential for success in graduate study. Each scholarship provides $24,000 for one academic year, with the possibility of renewal. Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.500, compete in NCAA athletics, and demonstrate strong character and leadership. The scholarship aims to support future leaders in their chosen fields, fostering excellence in academics and community engagement.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

The Sally Ann Forrester Scholarship

The Sally Ann Forrester College Scholarship is a $1,000 – $2,000 scholarship awarded to a female bluegrass musician. Students may be majoring in any subject, including bluegrass music. The IBMA Foundation administers the scholarship, which is funded by an endowment at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Sally Ann Forrester played accordion and sang as a member of Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys from 1943-1946, thus becoming the first female professional bluegrass musician in history.

The Gloria Belle Memorial Scholarship, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors pioneering bluegrass musician Gloria Bernadette Flickinger. This $1,000 annual scholarship supports students engaged in the bluegrass music community, either as performers or in supportive roles. With over $25,000 raised since June 2024, the scholarship aims to expand funding to $2,000 annually by 2025, promoting education and participation in bluegrass music.

The Harvard Charles Warren Center Term Time Research Grant supports Ph.D. candidates in American history, allowing them to conduct focused dissertation research without teaching duties for one semester. Eligible candidates must have passed their general examination, be enrolled as G-6 or below, and employ a historical methodology in their projects. Annually, 6-8 grants are awarded, offering a stipend to aid research efforts, though tuition may not be covered for all candidates.

LeRoy T. Walker

LeRoy T. Walker (June 14, 1918 – April 23, 2012) was an icon. A noted author, professor, coach, and administrator in the disciplines of physical education and athletics, he was a barrier-breaking and remarkable human being who was dedicated to promoting and uplifting young people.

Walker was Chancellor Emeritus of North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, NC. He was elected President of the Athletics Congress (now USA Track & Field), the national governing body of USA Track & Field. Walker was elected President Emeritus of the United States' Olympic Committee (the first and only American to hold this position) and was a former president of AAHPERD (from 1977-1978, also the first African American to be elected to this position). Walker was inducted as a member into 17 Halls of Fame, awarded 16 Honorary Doctorates from a variety of institutions, and received numerous awards, including the Luther H. Gulick Award (1982), SHAPE America's highest honor.

The LeRoy T. Walker Young Professional Award

The LeRoy T. Walker Young Professional Award is given to a minority member of SHAPE America who is 36 years old or younger who has demonstrated superior promise in the areas of service, teaching, scholarship and commitment to the goals of SHAPE America focusing specifically on under-represented and/or underserved populations and promotion of diversity and inclusiveness. Not more than one LeRoy Walker Young Professional award shall be given annually.

The Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research (PACER) program is a 20-year Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) by the US Air Force aimed at advancing innovative aerospace technologies. This initiative encourages white papers and proposals for research and development to enhance technology readiness levels. It is designed to provide the warfighter with a decisive advantage through transformative technology solutions. Multiple awards are anticipated, allowing for a range of project durations and funding values.

The ACVO Vision for Animals Foundation provides research grants of up to $7,500 annually to residents in ABVO-approved veterinary ophthalmology programs. Funding covers research supplies, publication costs, and limited travel expenses. Eligibility requires mentorship by an ABVO-approved faculty member and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval for animal-related experiments. Funded research results must be presented at the Annual ACVO Conference. Note that salaries and major equipment costs are not supported.

The Carnegie-Whitney Grant, established by Andrew Carnegie in 1902, supports the creation of bibliographical aids for American libraries. Grants cover the preparation costs of reading lists and indexes, enhancing access to library resources. Eligibility requires projects to stimulate library use and be broadly appealing, with a focus on national distribution. Notably, completed works and projects under contract are ineligible. The fund encourages innovation in library resource development, welcoming applications from individuals and organizations.

The Opportunities for Collaborative Research at the NIH Clinical Center aims to foster high-quality translational research partnerships between NIH intramural and extramural investigators. This program supports projects that bridge basic biological discoveries with clinical applications, ultimately enhancing patient-centric research. By facilitating collaborations, the program seeks to accelerate scientific advancements leading to improved health outcomes through innovative therapeutic interventions and diagnostic strategies.

The Tipgoomoogus Memorial Trust Grant supports organizations dedicated to the care and comfort of small household pets, including dogs, cats, and birds. Founded by Thomas and Ellen Fallon, the trust primarily funds New Jersey-based charities that qualify as 501(c)(3) organizations. Applications are accepted year-round, with a submission deadline of April 30 for annual review. The foundation prefers to assist animal shelters and dog pounds, while excluding funding for salaries or animals raised for commercial or research purposes.

The Traveling Fellowship Program, managed by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), offers mid-career members a unique chance to attend the AOFAS Annual Meeting and visit top research institutions. Participants will enhance their skills by observing surgeries, learning new techniques, and sharing their research experiences. The 2025 program runs from September 8-25, featuring visits to esteemed sites, including the University of South Carolina and the Rothman Institute.

The First Responders Outreach (FRO) Grant, provided by the Gary Sinise Foundation, supports essential resources for firefighters, police, and EMTs. This grant specifically targets First Responder Departments, allowing one application per year focused on equipment and training. It excludes funding for building costs and weaponry. This initiative aims to enhance the safety and preparedness of those who protect our communities during emergencies, ensuring they have the necessary tools and training to perform their vital roles effectively.

The Transition to Aging Research Award for Predoctoral Students, funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), invites exceptional graduate students to pursue aging-related postdoctoral training. This two-phase award supports late-stage doctoral candidates in completing dissertation projects across diverse research areas. It aims to facilitate smooth transitions into competitive aging-focused postdoctoral roles, fostering the development of future investigators in aging research. This initiative is designed to enhance collaboration and impactful research in the field of aging.

The College Now Greater Cleveland Manufacturing Scholarship offers financial assistance to high school graduates pursuing training in manufacturing. Awarded funds, up to $2000, are sent directly to educational institutions for related expenses. Applicants must reside in specific Ohio counties and be enrolled in eligible programs. This scholarship aims to support individuals seeking vocational training, certifications, or degrees within a two-year timeframe, fostering career development in the manufacturing sector.

The Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) Grant supports Arab American organizations in arts, culture, media, and human services. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to U.S.-based nonprofits that serve the Arab American community and hold valid 501(c)(3) status. CAAP aims to strengthen community organizations and foster philanthropy, ensuring impactful support for eligible groups dedicated to empowering the Arab American population across the nation.