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.

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.

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.

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.

Northern Border Regional Commission

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is a partnership between the federal government and the states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The NBRC targets resources to promote economic growth strategies and projects in designated counties within its member states. The Commission was enacted by Congress through the 2008 Farm Bill which amended 40 US Code to include the creation of the NBRC as well as other similar Commissions nationwide.

The mission of the Northern Border Regional Commission is to catalyze community vitality and economic prosperity in the northern border region with flexible funding and strategic support. We envision a future where heritage industries are celebrated, preserved, and supported, vibrant local communities form a rich tapestry of culture, ideas, and experiences, and the seamless integration of emerging technologies fosters a new era of prosperity and economic resiliency.

Timber for Transit Program - Feasibility Award

The Timber for Transit Program advances the use of domestic forest products in transportation infrastructure projects across Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont to showcase the capabilities of wood in these applications. Highly competitive projects will demonstrate and widely promote the utility of high value forest products (e.g. glued laminated timber, cross laminated timber, composite materials, etc.) in transportation infrastructure and commit to enhancing climate resilience in rural communities. Transportation Infrastructure shall mean construction, alteration, or repair of physical transport facilities, systems and structures, including fixed installations and rights of way necessary for transporting from one point to another, that: are open to the general public for use, facilitate reliable movement of people and goods, and influence local and regional economies.  

Early-stage activities—such as planning, inventory assessments, engineering, design, cost benefit analysis, permitting, site assessments, and environmental assessments—that support future Timber for Transit implementation projects are eligible for up to $1,000,000.  

Northern Border Regional Commission

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is a partnership between the federal government and the states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The NBRC targets resources to promote economic growth strategies and projects in designated counties within its member states. The Commission was enacted by Congress through the 2008 Farm Bill which amended 40 US Code to include the creation of the NBRC as well as other similar Commissions nationwide.

The mission of the Northern Border Regional Commission is to catalyze community vitality and economic prosperity in the northern border region with flexible funding and strategic support. We envision a future where heritage industries are celebrated, preserved, and supported, vibrant local communities form a rich tapestry of culture, ideas, and experiences, and the seamless integration of emerging technologies fosters a new era of prosperity and economic resiliency.

Timber for Transit Program - Implementation Award

The Timber for Transit Program advances the use of domestic forest products in transportation infrastructure projects across Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont to showcase the capabilities of wood in these applications. Highly competitive projects will demonstrate and widely promote the utility of high value forest products (e.g. glued laminated timber, cross laminated timber, composite materials, etc.) in transportation infrastructure and commit to enhancing climate resilience in rural communities. Transportation Infrastructure shall mean construction, alteration, or repair of physical transport facilities, systems and structures, including fixed installations and rights of way necessary for transporting from one point to another, that: are open to the general public for use, facilitate reliable movement of people and goods, and influence local and regional economies.  

Construction or non-construction projects—such as assets and facilities that align with Timber for Transit program priorities will be classified as an implementation award. Implementation projects are eligible for up to $5,000,000.

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.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment.

Historic Preservation Barn Grants

Established in 1992, the State-funded Barn Preservation Grant program helps individuals, municipalities, and non-profit organizations to rehabilitate the historic agricultural buildings that are a symbol of Vermont’s rural landscape. This is the oldest state-funded agricultural-based grant program in the United States.

Since its inception, the program has provided over $5 million towards the preservation of over 525 historic barns and agricultural outbuildings around the state. Preservation of these buildings not only protects Vermont's agricultural and architectural legacies, but it also generates jobs, supports independent businesses, increase civic participation, and bolsters a community's sense of place while enhancing the experience of visitors.

This is a reimbursement grant program. Grant recipients are responsible for paying for the full amount of the project. The state will then reimburse grant recipients once work is complete and paid for.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

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.

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.