Best Travel and Tourism Grants in Vermont

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on ecotourism, conservation, or ecosystem restoration in Vermont can seek funding to advance biodiversity and nature-based solutions. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help U.S. projects, with emphasis on private land conservation, low-tech watershed restoration, restorative economies, and conservation policy, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000.

Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation

The mission of the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation is to support research, education, and training within the hospitality industry by bestowing scholarships and grants to those seeking careers or advancement in the hospitality industry; funding education programs that promote the hospitality industry; and awarding research grants to those interested in blending academia with practical industry know-how. 

Primary Goals: To support the professional development and academic advancement of the hospitality industry by continuing to support the foundation’s current programs, promote recipients, maintain positive working relationships with associations, and provide support to underserved communities with individuals pursuing hospitality education, training, and job advancement. 

In 2024, TSYLF introduced new initiatives to support and empower underserved communities and underprivileged and underemployed individuals. We invite all hospitality associations, students, research teams, and professionals to explore how the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation can support your educational and professional endeavors in the field of hospitality. 

Research Grants

Grantmaking Focus

The foundation supports programs that are practical and directly benefit the hospitality industry. Of particular interest are efforts that apply rigorous academic research to solve practical hospitality issues. All grants are measured on the direct results of improved efficiency and efficacy for the hospitality industry. The Foundation emphasizes activities in the following areas and organizations that work in the following areas:

• Research programs that improve employment possibilities and career advancement for those entering or incumbents in the hospitality industry.
• Research programs that enhance efficiency in the hospitality industry.
• Articles or textbooks that contribute to the comprehensive body of knowledge and/or promote industry practices, standards, and ethics.
• Practical and applicable research projects with immediate benefit to the hospitality industry.

Grants are payable to the organization or institution and not to an individual.

Grant funding is dispersed in two payments. One payment will be made upon award approval and the second will be made once the research grant report has been submitted.

Research Grant funding should be used for the following:

• TSYLF funds should be used for research facility overhead and general maintenance.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable software, computer systems or programs to organize, track and store data.
• TSYLF funds can be used for tangible research items such printed documents, writing utensils, books, office supplies or related tools and materials needed to document research and practical observations.
• TSYLF will fund equipment or materials used for hands-on training such as cleaning, and sanitation supplies, safety items or other personal protection, furnishings found in hotels, restaurants or other hospitality related facilities being used to observe applicable productivity or conditions.
• TSYLF funds can be used to obtain proper permits for conducting research or staging a practical observation or production space.
• TSYLF funds can be used be used for creating resource material and related distribution costs to hospitality professionals, businesses and educators.
• TSYLF funds can be used for support materials or services for hosting focus groups, interviews or other activities related to the research topic.
• TSYLF funds should be used wisely for reasonable and cost-effective accommodations for staff, research team and subjects such as meals, travel or lodging.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable mileage or transportation fees for research subjects, team and special advisors.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable travel accommodations related to research topic data collection.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research team for their time in collecting, analyzing and organizing data related to the funded research topic.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research subjects.
• TSYLF funds can be used for expenses related to community engagement.
• TSYLF funds can be used for fees related to attending a hospitality event that aligns with the funded research topic.

Students pursuing tourism or hospitality-related majors at accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools can receive scholarship support, including those interested in Vermont’s travel and tourism sector. Bucks County Foundation provides this funding for Bucks County residents preparing for careers that strengthen the tourism and hospitality industry.

The Columbus Foundation provides Vermont tourism and hospitality students with scholarships supporting aviation and hospitality studies. Eligible applicants must be full-time students at a U.S. institution, majoring in aviation or hospitality with at least a 3.5 GPA and the ability to work and reside in the U.S. Awards are US $25,000 each.

American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate juniors and seniors studying gaming, tourism, financial, or hospitality fields, and graduate students in business or gaming/hospitality-related programs in the U.S., can receive need-based support from Native Forward Scholars Fund. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund help Vermont tourism and hospitality students with $2,500 - US $5,000 per academic year.

Vermont nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services can access funding through Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support programs and services. Projects such as food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives may be eligible, including tourism-related efforts that strengthen community well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Southern U.S. with programs in areas like poverty relief, education, disaster relief, animal welfare, or conservation may be eligible for support that strengthens communities. Grants from Robinson Foundation help mission-driven groups expand services, assist children and families, and protect nature and wildlife, which may benefit ecotourism and tourism-related efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont seeking support for community development, basic needs, or cultural initiatives can apply for sponsorship funding that strengthens local economic and social vitality. Focused on housing, jobs, hunger, arts, environment, and inclusion, Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s regional sponsorships may benefit tourism and ecotourism efforts that enhance community life.

Vermont 501(c)(3) wildlife conservation nonprofits seeking support to tell impactful stories can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant. Awards of more than US $50,000 help organizations within its preservation, education, or wellness pillars share their real-world impact, which may include ecotourism or nature-based tourism initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for the Community Partnership Award, which recognizes collaborations addressing significant social issues. With a mission to honor impactful partnerships, Mutual of America Foundation provides national recognition that may benefit Vermont organizations working in tourism, ecotourism, or related community development.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont working on basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven programs can seek support for operating or program costs through Ameriprise Financial. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. nonprofits with grants that prioritize hunger relief, housing and shelters, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and neighborhood revitalization, especially where employees actively volunteer.

Vermont nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies can access funding for safety, education, and community development projects through State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants. Programs improving auto or home safety, disaster preparedness or recovery, neighborhood revitalization, workforce readiness, or financial literacy may be eligible, including initiatives that strengthen local tourism economies.

With a mission to strengthen community-based programs, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Vermont nonprofits with grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000 for cultural, educational, environmental, and community services projects. Vermont organizations developing tourism or ecotourism through museums, cultural institutions, wildlife or environmental activities may be eligible if they are IRS-qualified U.S. nonprofits.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont that provide basic needs or economic mobility programs for youth and families can apply for Nordstrom Community Grants, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $20,000. Grants from Nordstrom help local groups offering food, shelter, clothing, workforce development, mentorship, or scholarships in communities near Nordstrom store locations.

Organizations such as nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public entities working on education, health, or family economic stability projects for urban low-income children can apply for more than US $50,000 to support or scale their work. With a mission to expand opportunity, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides Vermont and other eligible locations’ programs with large-scale project funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont supporting children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for program funding that strengthens community well-being. Costco Foundation supports these efforts by funding monetary requests only, prioritizing evidence-based programs with measurable outcomes, demonstrated community need, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support in areas where its warehouses operate.

Non-sectarian nonprofits helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont, may access funding for human and social services, poverty alleviation, disability support, or disaster relief. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help smaller organizations in eligible countries worldwide with US $5,000 - US $250,000 for focused interventions.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.