Best Preservation Grants in Vermont

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community or historic preservation, education for people with learning or hearing impairments, or services for middle-income seniors can apply for Alma Gibbs Donchian Foundation grants up to US $10,000. Programs that foster collaboration, pilot new models, and demonstrate long-term funding plans may be especially competitive.

Organizations conserving Vermont farms, forests, natural areas, or recreational lands can receive up to US $32,500 to cover transaction and stewardship costs for donated conservation easements. Grants from Vermont Housing and Conservation Board help Vermont preservation and conservation efforts fund surveys, legal fees, baseline documentation, and stewardship endowments while meeting state clean water, biodiversity, and climate resilience goals.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public entities with community projects in the Grafton area can access funding through the Windham Foundation’s Grafton Fund, with awards up to US $1,000. These small grants support local initiatives that enhance economic, cultural, civic life, and preservation efforts in and around Grafton.

Organizations working on education, health, or family economic stability projects for children and youth in Vermont and other eligible locations can seek project or scale-up support of more than US $50,000. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds social enterprises and nonprofits serving urban low-income communities in the U.S., India, and South Africa that meet its mission and values criteria.

Land and conservation nonprofits in Vermont and other eligible Northeast counties can seek funding to acquire land or permanent conservation easements on climate-resilient habitat. Open Space Institute provides capital grants and loans for projects within designated resilient focus areas that permanently protect high-resilience landscapes and help ensure long-term viability of plant and animal species.

Municipalities, nonprofits, community organizations, and working lands businesses in rural Vermont (communities of 5,000 or less) can apply for Vermont Housing and Conservation Board’s Rural Economic Development Initiative, offering US $1,000 - US $6,000 for grant writing, feasibility studies, and planning. Historic preservation and community-based economic development projects may be especially well positioned to benefit.

Vermont nonprofits focused on historic preservation, arts and culture, or museums can access funding through the Adelard and Valeda Roy Foundation for projects serving immigrants and refugees, Indigenous communities, low-income youth, and the elderly. Grants range from US $2,500 - US $10,000 and may support preservation-related capital needs, arts access, and education initiatives.

Windham Foundation provides Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities with grants up to US $10,000 for projects that enhance quality of life, including historic preservation and community heritage. Funding can support operations, special initiatives, capacity building, and matching or challenge grants, with a focus on strong leadership, financial stability, and long-term program viability.

Grants from Lintilhac Foundation help Vermont environmental and conservation nonprofits fund one-year project or general operating support. Organizations working on clean energy, water quality, forest health, land and habitat conservation, or related environmental science may be eligible for awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000, which can include preservation-focused initiatives.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Municipalities and nonprofit organizations in Vermont that own historic buildings can apply for State of Vermont Historic Preservation Grants; awards up to US $20,000 for 50/50 matching capital projects to repair and restore historic building features. Eligible properties must be at least 50 years old and listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Nonprofits, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups in Vermont can apply for Vermont Community Foundation’s Laurance & Mary Rockefeller Fund grants of US $1,000 - US $5,000 to support preservation and community well-being. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation help Vermont organizations preserve and enhance the physical, cultural, spiritual, wellness, and environmental health of Barnard-area communities.

Vermont conservation organizations working on habitat and native species projects can access funding through the Lake Champlain Basin Program for on-the-ground restoration in the Lake Champlain Basin. Grants of US $50,001 - US $175,000 support wetland, riparian, and aquatic habitat improvements, native species surveys, and flood-resilient practices that may benefit preservation-focused initiatives.

Vermont conservation and environmental nonprofits working on habitat and native species projects can access funding through the Lake Champlain Basin Program to implement on-the-ground restoration in the Lake Champlain Basin. Grants of up to US $50,000 support wetland, riparian, and aquatic habitat improvements, native species surveys, and flood-resilient practices that may benefit preservation-focused organizations.

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.

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.

Vermont property owners, municipalities, and nonprofits preserving historic agricultural buildings in Vermont can access funding through the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development for repair and adaptive reuse projects. This competitive, state-funded program offers up to US $20,000 in 50/50 matching, reimbursement grants for barns at least 50 years old and eligible for the National Register.

Nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and local or regional governments working on environmental preservation and recreation projects in the Deerfield River Basin in Vermont and Massachusetts can apply for up to US $14,000. Vermont groups focused on habitat restoration, freshwater conservation, trails, or stewardship may be eligible through the Deerfield River Enhancement Fund, managed by Vermont Community Foundation.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) housing and conservation organizations, Vermont municipalities, and certain state agencies in Vermont can receive support to retire farmland that harms water quality. Vermont Housing and Conservation Board provides up to US $20,000 for acquisition or conservation easement costs and related expenses, which may benefit preservation-focused groups working on agricultural and natural land protection.

Vermont nonprofit housing and conservation organizations, municipalities, and certain state agencies can access funding for organizational costs tied to affordable housing, conservation, and historic preservation projects. Vermont groups working on preservation-related VHCB projects may receive up to US $33,750 to support planning and development that provide long-term benefits to Vermonters.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) housing and conservation organizations, Vermont municipalities, and certain state agencies in Vermont can seek up to US $50,000 for complex, project-specific pre-development work. Vermont Housing and Conservation Board funding can cover appraisals, engineering, title searches, historic preservation or hazardous materials analyses, staff costs, and public dialogue on affordable housing or land conservation.

National and local public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Vermont can use this grant for planning and education projects that preserve battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures. National Trust for Historic Preservation supports activities like preservation planning, feasibility studies, community forums, capacity building, and innovative public outreach, with awards from US $2,500 - US $10,000.

Vermont historic preservation organizations and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits with project-specific needs in Addison County or Brandon can access funding through Vermont Community Foundation’s Walter Cerf Community Fund large grants, awarding up to US $25,000. Eligible projects focus on historic preservation, arts, education, or social services, with emphasis on underserved populations and community collaboration.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups can receive $500 - $5,000 for project-specific or general operating support from the Vermont Community Foundation. The Walter Cerf Community Fund prioritizes historic preservation, arts, education, and social services, especially for underserved populations, with a strong focus on Addison County, Brandon, and statewide initiatives.

Vermont schools, municipal entities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Poultney and nearby communities can access funding for educational, community, and preservation-related projects through the Vermont Community Foundation. Grants of US $1,501 - US $7,500 support programs that nurture cultural, built, and natural environments, encourage community engagement, and address long-standing or emerging local needs.

Schools, municipal entities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Poultney and nearby Vermont communities can receive US $250 - US $1,500 for educational and enriching activities for children, youth, and families. With a mission to strengthen communities, Vermont Community Foundation provides support for programs like field trips, afterschool activities, library events, and community engagement efforts that may include historic or cultural preservation elements.