Best Sustainability Grants in Vermont

Green Mountain Power (GMP) is committed to community support through its GMP Community Giving initiative, focusing on basic needs, safety, resilience, equity, and environmental stewardship. With a strong presence in Vermont and a dedication to sustainability, GMP prioritizes organizations that contribute to community well-being and education. Their innovative approaches, like the Zero Outages Initiative, demonstrate a commitment to creating a sustainable and equitable future for all residents.

The Harris and Frances Block Foundation, established in 2001, supports small grassroots organizations focused on social and environmental justice. They prioritize equitable solutions and sustainable community development, funding initiatives related to environmental education, justice, and food security. Grants are available to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations in specific geographical areas including Vermont, North Carolina, Virginia, and New York City, excluding funding for lobbying, land acquisition, and scholarships.

The J. Warren & Lois McClure Foundation provides invitation-only grants aimed at enhancing postsecondary education opportunities for young Vermonters. By prioritizing equity and systemic change, the foundation supports initiatives that make education more accessible and affordable. Grants range from $10,000 to over $100,000, focusing on scaling Vermont's Free Degree Promise and diversifying the public educator workforce. Organizations serving Vermont's communities are encouraged to apply for funding aligned with these goals.

The Multi-Year Sustaining Grants by the J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation support small-scale projects in Vermont that promote equity in education and assist students in their postsecondary transitions. Grants range from $1,500 to $5,000 annually for three years, emphasizing sustained partnerships without formal proposals or reports. Eligible organizations must be based in Vermont and comply with 501(c)(3) requirements, ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination in service provision.

The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund Dash Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in New Hampshire, particularly Coös County, by supporting nonprofit initiatives focused on health, education, and community development. Grants range from $250 to $2,000 for projects lasting up to one year. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt entities and governmental bodies, promoting sustainable practices and collaboration within the community. This funding opportunity encourages innovative solutions to pressing local needs.

The Town Fair Tire Foundation Grant supports local organizations in New England, focusing on social, health, and educational services. Established in 2000, the foundation emphasizes 'paying it forward' by encouraging grant recipients to assist others in need. TFTF aims to promote self-reliance and community advancement, funding initiatives that create positive change in the lives of individuals and families affected by poverty. Although primarily focused in New England, grants may be considered for aligned programs elsewhere.

The Haymarket People's Fund offers Urgent Response Grants of up to $5,000 for grassroots organizations in New England to address unforeseen crises or opportunities. These grants support both urban and rural social justice efforts and do not require 501(c)3 status. Priority is given to organizations led by people of color that incorporate anti-racism values. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis after a preliminary conversation with Haymarket staff.

The Green Mountain Fund, established by the Vermont Community Foundation, offers grants between $500 and $5,000 to support charitable activities in Lamoille and Orleans Counties. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and municipalities serving these areas. The Fund prioritizes projects that enhance community engagement, sustainability, and food security, and does not support capital campaigns or previously incurred expenses. Applications are accepted year-round, with funding decisions typically made within six to eight weeks.

The Moving Image Fund, established by LEF New England, offers crucial support for independent documentary filmmakers in the region. Since 2002, it has funded over 300 projects, promoting innovative storytelling and artistic excellence. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for pre-production phases, with a focus on projects demonstrating originality, technical skill, and feasibility. The fund aims to strengthen New England's film community and ensure the sustainability of artistic endeavors.

The VCF: Hills Fund Grant offers financial support ranging from $1,501 to $7,500 for projects that enhance educational opportunities and foster community sustainability in Poultney, Vermont. Eligible applicants include schools, municipal entities, and nonprofit organizations. The Hills Fund prioritizes initiatives that engage local residents and leverage additional community resources. Applications are accepted annually from January 1 to November 1, with a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all participants.

The VCF: Hollows Fund Grant, established by the Vermont Community Foundation, supports educational opportunities and community sustainability in Poultney. Grants range from $250 to $1,500, aimed at schools and nonprofits addressing children's needs and fostering engagement. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and provide ADA-accessible programs. The fund prioritizes collaborative projects that enhance community connections and respond to local challenges, promoting a vibrant and inclusive environment for all residents.

The Lintilhac Foundation Grant aims to foster a stronger, healthier Vermont by supporting nonprofit organizations in various core areas such as clean energy, water quality, forest health, and sustainable outdoor recreation. With a legacy of over 50 years, the foundation emphasizes the importance of engaging local communities to address climate change, preserve biodiversity, and secure healthy food systems, while upholding democratic values and environmental science. This holistic approach ensures that both human and natural communities thrive together.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Vermont provides essential funding for the development of clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and stormwater drainage in eligible rural areas. This program specifically targets households and businesses that struggle to secure commercial credit, aiming to enhance public health and environmental quality. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes, ensuring that vital services are accessible to all. Projects funded must demonstrate financial sustainability.

The Vermont Arts Council offers Creative Aging Grants to support non-profits in providing skill-based arts instruction for older adults aged 60 and above. Grants of up to $6,000 can be used for projects that foster social engagement and community building through the arts. Priority is given to projects led by Vermont artists that align with the Council's creative aging approach. This initiative aims to enhance emotional well-being and strengthen social bonds among older adults.

The Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, established in 1973, focuses on educational support for underserved populations in New England. It offers scholarships for employees of the Balfour Company and their families, as well as funding for organizations that provide educational services in Attleboro and surrounding areas. The Foundation prioritizes programs aimed at college readiness and success, particularly for first-generation and low-income students, and encourages multi-year funding requests to enhance nonprofit sustainability.

The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative offers competitive grants to support Vermont's forest, farm, and food businesses, alongside producer associations. With $1 million available in FY 2025, applications will open in fall and winter, with awards announced in spring 2025. The Service Provider & Producer Association Grant combines former separate grants into one, offering $10,000-$75,000 for various projects without a match requirement, emphasizing support for Vermont's working landscape.

The Vermont Community Foundation offers the Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant to support consultant fees for nonprofits aiming to enhance their organizational capacity. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for strategic planning, financial sustainability, and diversity initiatives. Applications are prioritized for organizations with annual budgets under $250,000, and the program is open to tax-exempt entities serving Vermont. The grant program closes on November 14, 2025, and will reopen in February 2026.

The Deerfield River Enhancement Fund Grant, managed by the Vermont Community Foundation, supports environmental projects within the Deerfield River Basin. With a funding pool of approximately $14,000, eligible applicants include nonprofits and educational institutions in Vermont and Massachusetts. Projects can range from educational workshops to public access improvements, fostering community engagement and sustainability. The next grant cycle opens in November 2026, offering a valuable opportunity for organizations focused on preserving the watershed.

The Moving Image Fund, established by LEF New England, supports independent documentary filmmakers in the region with grants for production and post-production phases. The fund provides up to $15,000 for production and $25,000 for post-production, with a focus on projects that demonstrate originality, quality, and feasibility. Since 2001, it has awarded over $5 million to approximately 450 projects, fostering a vibrant community of filmmakers in New England.

The Communities Caring for Canopy grants offer vital seed funding for communities to establish and maintain urban forestry programs in Vermont. With a total of $40,000 available for projects like tree planting, maintenance, and public outreach, individual awards range from $5,000 to $10,000. This initiative encourages collaboration and innovation in managing local tree resources, ensuring community engagement and environmental sustainability.

The Dealer.com Community Partnership Grant supports initiatives that create meaningful community impact, aligned with Cox's values. Focus areas include STEAM education, youth development, local sustainability, food security, and health and wellness. Grants are available for capital campaigns and special projects, with a priority on organizations with budgets under $3 million located in Vermont. Applications for 2026 sponsorships are now open, promoting a commitment to building stronger communities.

About Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region.

The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

Farming Community Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level.

These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

This program encourages innovative solutions to challenges in farming and food systems in the Northeast USA, including but not limited to the areas of: Marketing and business; Crop production; Raising livestock; Aquaculture; Economic and social sustainability; Ecological knowledge; Projects related to climate and/or bioenergy work that provide direct or indirect benefits to farmers,ranchers, and private foresters; and more.

Technical Assistance Program

Applicants and grantees of the Farming Community Grant Program are eligible for Technical Assistance (TA) provided by Northeast SARE’s Technical Assistance Providers.

Funding: This grant is reimbursement based; you must spend money to receive the grant funds.

The Vermont Children's Trust Foundation offers program grants aimed at preventing juvenile delinquency, truancy, and substance abuse among children aged 0-18. These grants support community-based initiatives that promote positive family functioning, enhance societal support, and address protective factors for at-risk youth. Organizations can apply for one-year grants up to $12,000 or three-year grants up to $15,000 annually, fostering sustainable programming to benefit Vermont's families and children.

Vermont Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Overview

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS) awards Specialty Crop Block Grants to the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories. In Vermont, the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) administers these funds to enhance the competitiveness of Vermont and regionally grown specialty crops.

Program Purpose

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by–

• Leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops
• Assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops
• Expanding availability and access to specialty crops
• Addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers
• USDA AMS supports projects that address the needs of U.S. specialty crop growers and strengthen local and regional food systems.

Project Types

USDA encourages projects to address the following issues affecting the specialty crop industry:

• ​Enhancing food safety
• Improving the capacity of all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain to comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act, for example, by developing “Good Agricultural Practices,” “Good Handling Practices,” “Good Manufacturing Practices,” and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for small farmers, packers and processors
• Investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes
• Developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops
• Pest and disease control
• Increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops
• Improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems
• Sustainability

The Samara Fund Grants, offered by the Vermont Community Foundation, focus on supporting LGBTQ+ led initiatives in Vermont. With awards typically ranging from $750 to $1,000, the fund prioritizes projects that promote empowerment, health, and safety for the LGBTQ+ community. Core values include anti-racism, transparency, and accessibility. The fund is committed to funding ideas that engage diverse groups, including BIPOC and trans individuals, ultimately fostering positive change across the state.

The Crosby-Gannett Fund, established by the Vermont Community Foundation, offers a three-year grant of $22,500 to support innovative projects in the Brattleboro area. Prioritizing small community-based organizations, the Fund aims to enhance local impact by funding programs, capital projects, and operating expenses. Applicants must demonstrate how their initiatives address specific community challenges and contribute meaningfully to social and economic development, ensuring that grants are directed towards impactful, sustainable solutions.

The Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment Grant, offered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, provides funding between $1,000 and $5,000 for individual craft artists in the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment. This program aims to enhance the creative support system, enabling artists to produce object-based work and meet safety standards. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their craft and have presented public artistic work within the last three years.