Best Quality of Life Grants in Vermont

Nonprofits and community organizations in Vermont working on systems-change projects can access funding for local initiatives that improve quality of life, with awards of US $15,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation support place-based efforts in areas like economic equity, education and training, climate and environment, health and wellbeing, and community leadership.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups can seek up to US $5,000 to hire consultants for organizational planning and capacity building. With a mission to strengthen Vermont communities, Vermont Community Foundation supports strategic, financial, leadership, and DEI planning that enhances long-term effectiveness and quality of life across the state.

Nonprofits, public agencies, and fiscally sponsored groups in Vermont facing unexpected basic human needs expenses can receive up to US $5,000 for urgent repairs, equipment replacement, staff support, or unanticipated opportunities. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation help Vermont quality of life organizations sustain essential social services, food access, housing, health, and related supports during emergencies.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations offering education, human services, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to enhance quality of life, it provides operating, project, or occasional capital support, which may benefit Vermont organizations with similar programming priorities.

Vermont agricultural and forest producers seeking to enhance conservation on working lands can receive technical and financial assistance to improve soil, water, wildlife habitat, and overall land stewardship. Focused on environmental conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Vermont invites eligible operations into five-year CSP contracts that reward existing practices and fund additional conservation activities that can improve long-term quality of life in rural communities.

Grants from New Hampshire Charitable Foundation help Vermont quality-of-life organizations fund community development, basic needs, education, and outdoor recreation initiatives. Tax-exempt nonprofits, public agencies, schools, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups in Essex County and nearby regions may be eligible for US $20,000 - US $300,000 to strengthen rural communities and regional resilience.

Vermont community groups, nonprofits, municipalities, and similar entities can seek small project grants to strengthen local connections and quality of life in Vermont. Vermont Community Foundation’s Spark Connecting Community program offers US $500 - US $5,000 for hyperlocal, place-based or regional initiatives that build social capital, with priority for Essex, Grand Isle, and Franklin counties and smaller-budget organizations.

Nonprofit and community organizations improving quality of life in Coös County, NH, nearby parts of Maine and Vermont, and Coaticook, Québec can seek up to US $20,000 for local projects. With a mission to strengthen Northern New England communities, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation supports efforts from basic needs and health to recreation, environment, and rural development.

Vermont graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. This US $3,000 award supports research that delivers actionable, timely solutions to current water industry challenges, which may enhance community quality of life.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Vermont can seek funding for community development, education, workforce preparation, and financial literacy programs that improve quality of life. With a mission to prepare individuals for thriving futures, KeyBank Foundation provides US $10,000 - US $25,000 grants to support affordable housing, academic success, small business growth, and job readiness initiatives.

Nonprofits, schools, and local governments serving designated Weyerhaeuser communities in Vermont can seek grants to improve quality of life through housing, youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, culture, workforce development, and inclusion. With a mission to strengthen communities, Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides awards over More than US $1,000 for impactful, locally driven projects.

Nonprofit organizations improving quality of life for women and children through education, homelessness services, health care, humanitarian aid, or economic self-sufficiency in Vermont can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000. Funding supports projects that build long-term self-sufficiency, with occasional support for urgent needs tied to sustainable outcomes.

Vermont 501(c)(3) human and social service nonprofits can seek US $1,000 - US $7,500 to support health and welfare, dental care, homeless shelters, food banks, youth and family services, and camp scholarships. Agnes M. Lindsay Trust funds capital and operating needs for organizations serving vulnerable populations across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and adolescents can seek funding to enhance youth education, enrichment, recreation, and health programs. The George W. Mergens Foundation supports general operating, project, and capital expenses for initiatives such as STEM and literacy programs, after-school and camp experiences, sports and outdoor activities, arts education, and wellness and food security services.

Environmental and research organizations in Vermont can seek funding for clean water and healthy ecosystem research projects, including pilot and implementation studies. Lake Champlain Basin Program provides US $25,000 - US $400,000 to advance water quality, habitat restoration, pollution reduction, and related work that enhances the Lake Champlain Basin’s natural resources and community quality of life.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Vermont and other eligible U.S. locations can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with up to US $375,000 for small-scale biomedical research projects. Colleges that award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH funding may support areas like public health, mental health, aging, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related fields.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek project or capital funding to improve quality of life for children, families, and the environment. Grants from the Canaday Family Charitable Trust support innovative youth services, environmental conservation and education, and economic opportunity programs that advance equity and create measurable, sustainable community impact statewide.

Environmental and conservation organizations in Vermont can seek Vermont Housing and Conservation Board funding for projects improving fisheries habitat, water quality, and aquatic ecosystem health in the Memphremagog Basin. Grants over US $300,000 may support land acquisition, infrastructure, habitat restoration, invasive species control, and aquatic organism passage, with added value for climate resilience and community vitality.

Early-career research scientists in low- or middle-income countries working on clinical research in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, or other biomedical fields can seek approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development. Focused on building independent research careers, this NIH Fogarty award may benefit Vermont partners collaborating with LMIC institutions on quality-of-life health projects.

Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation Grant

The Perrigo Foundation is committed to empowering individuals and global communities by supporting programs and organizations that promote health, well-being, and education. We aim to prepare students and young adults for the workforce, providing accessible career pathways that inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential. The Foundation is proudly funded by Perrigo Company plc.

Mission Statement

To provide financial support to non-profit organizations that promote our commitment to enhancing the health, well-being and education of individuals and families in the communities in which Perrigo operates. 

Vision Statement

To help improve and positively impact communities by improving access to quality health services, creating educational opportunities, and supporting the needs of the under-served.

Giving Back to Our Communities

Healthcare

We are providing program stability and capacity building for key community agencies, supporting local nonprofits to improve the quality and accessibility of services, and increasing the quality of mental health services, especially for children and families. 

Education

 Education, post-secondary scholarships, and support for first-generation and low-income students primarily focused on a STEM career, advancement for STEM curriculum, and resources in the K-12 classrooms. 

Supporting the Underserved

Community engagement and well-being, ensuring access to basic human necessities such as food, housing, end-of-life support, and necessary social services.

About VHCB

Our Mission: VHCB invests in the construction of affordable housing and conservation strategies that work together to ensure equity, resilience, and vitality for Vermont communities in perpetuity.

Clean Water Programs

VHCB administers two separate funding programs to support a healthy and clean Lake Memphremagog Basin—the Memphremagog Clean Water Service Provider, funded through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Leahy Memphremagog Clean Water Program, funded through the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Formula Grant Clean Water Projects in the Memphremagog Basin (Basin 17)

Introduction

The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB), in its role as the Clean Water Service (CWSP) Provider for Basin 17, is accepting funding applications for projects that improve water quality in Basin 17, with a focus on projects that lead to a substantial reduction in phosphorus runoff into surface waters. Projects must be in line with the vision set forth by Act 76, the Clean Water Service Delivery Act, and policies and guidance set forth by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to implement the Act.

Schools and youth-serving organizations in Vermont seeking to expand high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs can apply for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants, awarding US $250,000 - US $700,000 over five years. Grants from Vermont Agency of Education support K–12 academic enrichment, youth development, arts, STEM, and social-emotional learning initiatives that enhance quality of life for children and families.

The Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports early career research scientists from low- or middle-income countries (LMIC) by providing research funding and mentored career development for three to five years. This program encourages LMIC scientists in health-related fields to develop projects aligned with their country's health priorities, fostering independent research careers within their institutions. Applications are welcomed from junior faculty members, enhancing global health research and capacity in LMICs.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations in arts, education, health, and environmental sectors, especially in underserved communities in Massachusetts and Northern New England. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with an emphasis on projects that address food security, housing, and cultural access for disadvantaged populations. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its current funding priorities, particularly benefiting low-income youth, Indigenous communities, and immigrants.