Best Renewable Energy Grants in Vermont

Nonprofits and community-based organizations in Vermont working on renewable and sustainable energy projects that change systems for residents facing barriers to opportunity can apply for grants of US $15,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation help support place-based, community-engaged strategies that demonstrate collaboration, best practices, and measurable local impact.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored groups can seek up to US $5,000 for consultant-led planning to strengthen organizational capacity and sustainability. With a mission to inspire giving and collaboration, Vermont Community Foundation supports efforts like strategic and financial planning, DEI policy work, and leadership training, which may benefit groups advancing renewable and sustainable energy in Vermont.

Vermont nonprofits, public schools, and public agencies working on renewable energy, low-carbon transportation, or climate resilience can seek support for equity-centered climate initiatives. Focused on clean energy, mobility, and resilient communities, Barr Foundation invites organizations, especially POC-led groups, to pursue movement-building, capacity-building, and community-driven climate solutions across the Northeast region.

Vermont 501(c)(3) public charities with $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for workforce preparation, youth development, and community prosperity programs, including skills for a net-zero economy. Focused on future-ready skills and inclusive, sustainable communities, RBC Foundation USA invites nonprofits in Vermont communities where it has a business presence and active community involvement to apply.

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.

Nonprofit visual arts organizations in Vermont and across the U.S. can receive up to US $20,000 for clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability projects through the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative Catalyst Grant. Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports first-step or small-scale efforts like solar installations, LED upgrades, building redesigns, and energy audits that reduce environmental impact and operational costs.

Minority-serving institutions in the U.S., including those in Vermont, can apply for National Science Foundation support to build STEM research infrastructure and doctoral programs; awards range from US $100,000 - US $2,000,000. Funding can strengthen graduate programs and facilities in areas like renewable and sustainable energy, climate, data science, AI, and related fields.

High school seniors pursuing STEM fields and renewable or sustainable energy studies can receive US $50,000 in undergraduate scholarship support, with eligibility tied to residence in Southern California Edison’s service territory. The Edison International Edison Scholars Program may benefit Vermont students who currently live in that territory and plan STEM majors related to clean energy or conservation.

Vermont renewable energy and fisheries-focused organizations studying social, economic, or cultural aspects of offshore wind impacts can access funding through Northeast Sea Grant Consortium, with awards up to US $400,000. Eligible project teams may be based anywhere but must include a co-PI from NY, CT, MA, NH, ME, or RI and provide a 25% non-federal match.

Graduate-level students and researchers in renewable or sustainable energy, climate, cybersecurity, or related emerging technologies between the U.S. and Australia can receive up to US $40,000 for tuition, travel, and living or research costs. With a mission to foster advanced study, American Australian Association provides Indo-Pacific–focused scholars with AUKUS Scholarships that may benefit those whose Vermont work connects to these fields.

Tribal governments and tribal entities pursuing renewable and solar energy projects can apply for GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund capacity-building grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Funding supports new solar infrastructure, long-term energy planning, workforce development, and training in tribal communities across the U.S., which may include projects benefiting Vermont-based tribal members.

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 actionable, timely research addressing current challenges in the water industry, which may intersect with renewable and sustainable energy or related environmental fields.

Organizations scaling ARPA-E–funded energy technologies that originated under a prior ARPA-E award and meet strict patent and reporting requirements can pursue US $5,000,000 - US $20,000,000 for high-risk applied R&D and commercialization. Grants from the U.S. Department of Energy help Vermont renewable and sustainable energy innovators, and others nationwide, advance transformative technologies toward market disruption.

Tribal governments and Tribal collaboratives in Vermont pursuing offshore wind and broader renewable energy engagement can seek funding for capacity building, planning, and community engagement. United States Department of Energy (DOE) prizes, up to US $565,000 per team within a three-phase accelerator, support needs assessment, partnership development, workforce training, environmental monitoring, and incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge.

Organizations developing industrial thermal or electric energy storage solutions for U.S. facilities can apply for the Industrial Energy Storage Systems Prize, with awards up to US $700,000 across three phases. With a mission to advance industrial efficiency, the U.S. Department of Energy provides support for scalable, cost-effective storage concepts that may benefit renewable energy efforts in Vermont.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on renewable and sustainable energy, clean drinking water, or green infrastructure, including those serving Vermont, can seek support for policy, advocacy, organizing, and corporate responsibility efforts. Park Foundation also considers investigative reporting projects on drinking water and shale gas issues, with a focus on New York State relevance.

Registered Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations with renewable or sustainable energy, environmental, or community development programs in Vermont can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives funding. Support may benefit projects advancing sustainable energy, environmental protection, financial education, or stronger local communities within Canada and the U.S.

Nonprofit and community-focused organizations working on renewable energy, social justice, education, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, or community health in Vermont may be eligible for support. AES Hawaii Foundation considers grants for programs near its renewable projects and for initiatives that serve communities or operate at a broader, even statewide, level with measurable local impact.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least one year of successful operations can seek $60,000 - $100,000 to advance solar education, workforce training, or installations through All Points North Foundation. Focused on renewable energy, the funder invites strong, metrics-driven programs, including those serving communities such as Vermont, that expand solar’s economic, social, or environmental benefits.

The Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture Program, administered by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the capabilities of eligible institutions in agriculture and related fields. By providing financial support, the program encourages institutions to compete for federal funding, disseminate vital information, and foster community engagement in educational and research initiatives. This initiative is crucial for developing infrastructure, promoting faculty development, and establishing graduate assistantships to address national and regional agricultural priorities.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Roger Arliner Young (RAY) Fellowship Program, managed by the Environmental Leadership Program, aims to foster conservation and clean energy careers for emerging leaders of color. This two-year paid fellowship provides recent graduates with professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Ideal candidates are those with a passion for social and environmental justice, who identify as part of historically marginalized groups, and are committed to community engagement. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the environmental sector.

Vermont 501(c)(3) public charities, academic institutions, and government entities working on renewable and sustainable energy can access funding through Educational Foundation of America to advance a just transition to net-zero electricity. Projects may include rural clean-energy access, state and regional carbon reduction strategies, and finance or policy efforts supporting affordable clean energy systems.

SC Johnson Grants aim to enhance community welfare through charitable contributions, focusing on health, sustainability, and opportunity. Since 1937, the company has committed five percent of its pretax profits to support registered charities and nonprofit organizations, especially in areas where it operates. The grant program prioritizes initiatives addressing healthcare access, environmental conservation, and educational equity, ensuring that efforts align with the values of community service and corporate responsibility.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives that foster thriving communities through education, poverty solutions, and environmental programs. The foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities. Key areas include education development, innovative poverty solutions, and environmental restoration efforts, such as coastal wetland preservation. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least three months before funding is needed, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.

The Roy A. Hunt Foundation's Environment Initiative Grants aim to support projects that enhance ecological health and sustainability. With an annual budget of approximately $3.4 million, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote responsible environmental practices, clean energy, and waste reduction. Grants between $25,000 and $75,000 are available for projects at various levels, focusing on innovative solutions that foster community partnerships and address root causes of environmental challenges.