Best Volunteer Grants in Vermont

Nonprofit and public organizations running single-state AmeriCorps service programs in Vermont can seek funding to support structured volunteer and community service initiatives for the 2026–2027 program year. With a mission to expand national service, SerVermont provides Vermont volunteerism and philanthropy efforts access to both competitive and formula AmeriCorps State awards through one annual application process.

Nonprofit organizations in Vermont working on community-driven systems change projects can receive US $15,000 - US $25,000 per year through the invitation-only Regional and Local Impact (RALI) program. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation help Vermont groups addressing areas like economic equity, education, health, environment, and community leadership, including initiatives that mobilize volunteers and local collaboration.

Vermont community groups, nonprofits, and similar entities planning grassroots, community-building projects in Vermont can access funding through the Vermont Community Foundation’s Spark Connecting Community grants, which offer US $500 - US $5,000 for hyperlocal, place-based initiatives. Projects that foster volunteerism, social connection, and shared community experiences, especially in Essex, Grand Isle, and Franklin counties, receive priority.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Local Community Grant

A genuine love of neighbor inspired Adam to help others, and his example inspires us to sustain his support of local communities.  

Driven by Adam’s sense of civic responsibility, the foundation is focused on initiatives to support both community infrastructure and the citizens for whom that infrastructure is designed, including:

• Parks and greenspaces
• Recreation facilities
• Visual and performing arts
• Community service organizations
• Historic building preservation
• Festival sponsorship
• Veterans’ organizations

Physicians and medical advocates engaged in volunteerism, philanthropy, and community health efforts in Vermont can be nominated for this national Excellence in Medicine award, which includes a US $2,500 grant honorarium to a nonprofit health organization of the recipient’s choice. Focused on volunteerism and philanthropy, the American Medical Association Foundation honors leaders advancing care for underserved populations and supporting the Foundation’s mission.

Vermont volunteerism and philanthropy nonprofits can receive US $25,000 to advance their community service initiatives through the Women of Worth Award. L'Oreal Paris honors women leading U.S.-based 501(c)(3)-type efforts in education, child welfare, community development, and related causes, offering funding, mentorship, and a national platform to amplify their impact.

With a mission to support volunteerism and philanthropy, NRA Foundation provides Vermont students from first responder, nursing, law enforcement, corrections, or military families with scholarship funding. Eligible high school seniors and undergraduates can receive up to US $10,000 paid directly to an accredited college or university for tuition, fees, books, room, board, or research materials.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing college or technical education and demonstrating strong academics and community service can receive US $1,400 - US $1,600 through the Robert and Margaret Pulliam Scholarship. Community Foundation for Southwest Washington provides this support, which may benefit Vermont volunteerism and philanthropy programs seeking models of youth recognition.

Nonprofit organizations collaborating on initiatives to build trust in communities and strengthen volunteerism can seek funding for work in Vermont and nationwide. The Aspen Institute’s Alliance for Social Trust offers US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 Trust in Practice Awards, connecting grantees to a national network, storytelling platforms, and the annual Trust in Practice Summit.

Nonprofits partnered with U.S.-based financial advisors doing long-term volunteer service can receive up to US $100,000 to advance community and volunteerism initiatives. With a mission to celebrate charitable work in finance, Invest In Others Charitablefoundation provides national awards that may benefit Vermont organizations supported by eligible advisors with at least 20 years of impactful service.

Nonprofits partnered with U.S.-based financial advisors can receive up to US $60,000 to support volunteer-driven community programs through the Volunteer of the Year Award. With a mission to celebrate financial professionals’ philanthropy, Invest in Others provides Vermont volunteerism and philanthropy efforts with grants tied to advisors’ long-term, hands-on service.

Vermont nonprofits partnered with a U.S.-based financial advisor who volunteers with them may be eligible for grant funding supporting volunteerism, philanthropy, and community services. Through the Emerging Impact Award, Invest in Others provides up to US $60,000 to the advisor’s designated charity, recognizing at least three years of sustained, impactful volunteer leadership.

Nonprofits in Vermont and across the U.S. partnering with a qualifying financial advisor can receive volunteerism and philanthropy funding through Invest in Others, with awards up to US $60,000 directed to the charity. Eligible nominees are U.S.-based financial advisors with at least three years of active service and sustained volunteer leadership with the nonprofit.

Nonprofits partnered with U.S.-based financial advisors can receive volunteerism and philanthropy support through Invest in Others, with awards up to Up to US $60,000 for their designated charities. Vermont organizations working with eligible advisors who have led transformative, multi-year nonprofit growth or turnaround efforts may be strong candidates for the Catalyst Award recognition and funding.

APSA pediatric surgeons providing long-term humanitarian surgical care to underserved children, in Vermont or elsewhere, can be nominated for the Donald E. Meier Surgical Humanitarian Award. This American Pediatric Surgical Association honor recognizes careers focused on volunteerism, missionary surgery, charitable surgical organizations, or sustained surgical outreach rather than routine practice.

Big Sky high school students in grades 9–11 who demonstrate leadership, volunteerism, and a passion for outdoor adventure can apply for Yellowstone Club Community Foundation’s Big Bald Dave Adventure Scholarship. The award provides a summer trip from Adventures Cross Country focused on outdoor adventure and service, which may appeal to Vermont groups supporting youth volunteerism and philanthropy.

High school seniors committed to community service and volunteerism, especially those interested in higher education, can apply for the Douglas W. Pfautz Memorial Scholarship, offering up to US $500. Administered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, this one-time award supports students with strong civic engagement and financial need, including those in Vermont-style volunteer-focused communities.

Pennsylvania high school seniors planning to attend a technical school or accredited college can receive one-time academic scholarships supporting higher education and vocational training. With a mission to foster educational access, the Foundation for Enhancing Communities provides up to US $2,000, and students engaged in volunteerism and community service may be especially competitive.

Graduating high school seniors with financial need who live in Middle Paxton Township or Dauphin Borough and are active community volunteers can apply for The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ Lynn E. Poffenberger Memorial Scholarship, awarding up to US $1,000. This one-time scholarship supports higher education access and recognizes strong community service.

High school seniors pursuing college or trade education with financial need and a record of volunteerism can receive up to US $2,500 through the John D. Dixon and Louise A. Dixon Memorial Scholarship Fund. Focused on educational access, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities invites Vermont volunteerism-focused students meeting similar criteria to review this opportunity’s details.

The PennHOSA Foundation Scholarship promotes healthcare careers by providing scholarships to HOSA student members in Pennsylvania. It aims to enhance compassionate care delivery and community needs. Additionally, the Helen Heidelbaugh Aspire Award is given to one student focusing on community service. Eligible applicants must be HOSA members and enrolled in accredited healthcare programs, demonstrating financial need. This scholarship is a one-time award, reinforcing the commitment to future healthcare professionals.

The Huether/Gillan Scholarship, established by the Niskayuna Community Foundation, supports community-minded students from Niskayuna or its school district. This need-based scholarship aims to assist those pursuing higher education while emphasizing academic achievement and community service. Mr. Huether initiated this scholarship in honor of his parents, promoting values of dignity, diversity, impact, inclusion, innovation, and integrity. Interested applicants should contact Mr. Vince Bianchi for further details.

The Capital Region Chamber Chuck Steiner Memorial Scholarship supports high school seniors from Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, or Schenectady counties who demonstrate diverse interests and local community service. This scholarship has no academic requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of students. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region has been empowering local communities since 1968, providing meaningful giving opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all.

The Michael Gregory Boyd Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors from Troy-area schools who aim to pursue higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community service and belong to the African American or African descent groups. This scholarship opens doors for students seeking 2- or 4-year college programs or technical training, fostering educational growth and community involvement.

The Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach, established by the American Chemical Society, recognizes outstanding volunteer achievements in public outreach that enhance public appreciation for chemistry. Awardees, selected based on their advocacy, creativity, and impact, receive a crystal award and a $2,000 prize. Nominees must be ACS members whose volunteer efforts have significantly increased public awareness of chemistry's importance. This annual award highlights activities that engage diverse audiences, promoting the significance of chemical sciences in everyday life.

The EA Infrastructure Fund Grant supports projects that enhance effective altruism by improving access to talent, capital, and knowledge. With grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $200,000, it welcomes applications from individuals, nonprofits, and academic institutions worldwide. However, individuals must ensure their projects conclude by August 31, 2025. The fund aims to amplify the impact of direct charitable work and foster a community committed to effective altruism principles.

The Kelsey Nicole Cooper Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, offers scholarships to deserving students from the Martinsville Henry County community, emphasizing volunteerism. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors or graduates from local high schools, enrolled or planning to enroll in accredited colleges, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to those attending Virginia Tech or involved in the CHILL youth task force. For more information, contact the Foundation.