Best Workforce Grants in Vermont

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored groups can receive up to US $5,000 for consultant fees to strengthen organizational capacity and sustainability. With a mission to inspire giving, Vermont Community Foundation provides support for strategic planning, financial sustainability, leadership training, DEI work, and planning around federal funding changes, including for workforce preparation and job readiness efforts.

Arbor Rising provides Vermont workforce preparation and poverty-alleviation nonprofits with unrestricted, multi-year operating support and intensive capacity-building consulting. Eligible 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored organizations in the lower 48 U.S. states receive US $125,000 - US $175,000 per year to strengthen second-stage models that build pathways out of poverty through education, job training, and economic mobility programs.

Schools, libraries, public agencies, municipalities, and 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored community organizations in Vermont can apply for J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation mini-grants of US $250 - US $2,500 to support youth career exploration and postsecondary planning. Funding can boost workforce preparation, job readiness, and education-to-career pathways for young Vermonters.

Vermont farm, forest, and value-added food or fiber enterprises seeking workforce training and business upgrades in Vermont can access funding through the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets; awards range from US $10,000 - US $50,000. Eligible projects include equipment purchases, infrastructure, market development, research and development, and workforce training to build job skills.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations, public agencies, schools, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored community groups can seek more than US $10,000 to support workforce-related systems development and systemic change. The J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation funds efforts that expand postsecondary and career training access, including Free Degree Promise scaling and public educator workforce development in Vermont.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $500,000 working on racial, economic, social, or environmental justice can access funding through Ben & Jerry's Foundation. Grants up to US $15,000 support efforts such as workforce preparation and job readiness, housing, criminal justice reform, immigrant and workers’ rights, and equitable access to education, food, and healthcare in Vermont.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least three years of operation and $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for workforce preparation, youth development, and arts access programs. Focused on skills for a thriving future, RBC Foundation USA invites organizations in Vermont communities where it has a business presence to apply for program support.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and adolescents with education, training, and enrichment programs can seek funding for general operations, projects, or capital needs. The George W. Mergens Foundation supports youth-focused efforts including STEM, literacy, job skills and career training that prepare young people for the workforce and future opportunities.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Vermont can seek funding for workforce preparation, job readiness, and related community development programs. With a mission to improve lives through neighbors, education, and workforce initiatives, KeyBank Foundation provides US $10,000 - US $25,000 grants supporting affordable housing, financial literacy, small business growth, and education-to-employment pathways.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits running workforce preparation, job readiness, or career education programs can seek project funding for job training and career coaching. Grants from Citizens Charitable Foundation help organizations in select Vermont communities build the workforce of the future, with a focus on measurable impact, program support, and opportunities for volunteer engagement.

Organizations in Vermont working to change workforce-related systems and remove barriers to opportunity can seek invitation-only Regional and Local Impact (RALI) grants, typically US $15,000 - US $25,000 per year. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation support community-engaged, collaborative projects using best practices and measurable strategies, which may include workforce preparation and job readiness initiatives.

The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation offers General Operating Grants aimed at 501(c)(3) nonprofits that serve the west side of Salt Lake City. Grants of up to $10,000, with an average of $5,000, support initiatives in health, shelter, education, economic self-reliance, and cultural enrichment. Applications are reviewed monthly. Organizations must be registered as nonprofits and align with the Foundation's focus areas to be eligible for funding.

Vermont students with eligible forms of thalassemia pursuing degrees or career-focused certificates can access funding for tuition and education costs, supporting workforce preparation and job readiness. Cooley’s Anemia Foundation offers US $250 - US $2,000 awards for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and vocational or certificate programs to help patients advance their education and careers.

Students who are permanent U.S. residents diagnosed with eligible forms of thalassemia and pursuing college or vocational education can receive $500 to $1,000 to support tuition and related costs, including those in Vermont. Focused on higher education and career preparation, Cooley’s Anemia Foundation invites applicants in accredited degree or certificate programs to apply.

Nonprofit organizations offering STEM education, youth development, or workforce readiness programs can apply for AFL Global’s community grants, available in Vermont and across the U.S. AFL Global provides support to initiatives that help children and adults gain education, develop skills, and pursue employment and self-sufficiency through its outreach-focused funding.

Individuals in the U.S. theatrical exhibition, distribution, or vendor sectors facing illness, injury, housing emergencies, or other life-changing events can receive financial aid and counseling, including workforce preparation and job readiness support. The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers medical, emergency, vocational rehabilitation, and equipment aid, plus stipends for longtime industry members, which may benefit Vermont film-related workers.

Vermont workforce preparation and job readiness nonprofits can receive support for programs that improve education, economic mobility, youth development, health, and community wellbeing. Wegmans Family Foundation provides community giving for efforts such as job and career training, after-school and youth programs, hunger relief, and housing stability that help families build long-term opportunity.

Middle and high schools in Vermont with strong career exploration and readiness programs can apply for Building Hope’s Future Forward Schools Prize and Fellowship, awarding US $50,000 to five schools nationwide. Eligible schools have operated at least two years and serve majority under-resourced students, and may use funds to expand workforce preparation and career-connected learning.

City governments working on workforce preparation and job readiness in Vermont and nationwide can access support through the Georgia Municipal Association’s Municipal Workforce Learning Lab, led by the National League of Cities. This 8‑month initiative offers free coaching, technical assistance, and peer connections to help cities improve recruitment, training, and retention of municipal employees.

Graduate-level students in fields like urban planning, policy, or public administration working on workforce, housing, or small business development projects can receive US $20,000 through the National Community Reinvestment Coalition Fellowship. Vermont community development organizations may participate as host sites if located within an hour of an eligible fellow and selected through NCRC’s host application process.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Host Partnerships

Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.

Host Requirements

• A compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application.
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in office for both fellow and host supervisor.

Future of Work Accelerator

A program of HP Inc. and the HP Foundation

In an increasingly digital world, people without access to technology and the skills to use it are often locked out of economic opportunity. The Accelerator helps scale the impact of organizations that are working to change this.  

Since 2022, the Accelerator has served 35 nonprofit organizations across 13 countries, helping them reach an additional 11.3 million people. 

As a joint program of HP and the HP Foundation, the Accelerator offers selected organizations USD$100,000 in funding, HP technology & solutions (~USD$100,000 value), and a six-month, virtual program designed to strengthen capacity and scale impact.  Exciting changes are ahead for the 5th year of the Accelerator. 

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Opportunity

About RSVP

Established in 1971 and now one of the largest senior volunteer programs in the nation, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP engages people ages 55 and older in a diverse range of volunteer activities. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers tutor children, help prepare simple taxes, assist victims of natural disasters, provide nutrition/food support, facilitate opioid and substance abuse education workshops, and serve in their communities in many other ways. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to a maximum of 40 hours per week. While serving, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers improve their own lives by staying active and civically engaged. 

Funding Priorities

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP programming is designed to meet community needs. Applicants may propose activities intended to address community needs by thoroughly explaining the unmet need and activities to be completed by volunteers to address that need. In addition, AmeriCorps is interested in programming that addresses agency priorities. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP priorities for this funding opportunity are:

• Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers: Provide respite, support groups, system navigation, care coordination, and resources for older adults, including custodial grandparents, and caregivers.
• Helping Older Adults Re-enter the Workforce: Offer job readiness, mentoring, training, and remove barriers to employment for older adults (volunteers provide services, not seek jobs).
• Building Strong Families: Support parents in helping children succeed, mentor parents, connect families to resources, and strengthen community partnerships.
• Preventing and Mitigating Fraud and Scams: Use digital navigators and other strategies to protect older adults from financial fraud and exploitation, including emerging AI-driven scams.
• Reducing Homelessness: Develop or renovate affordable housing, assist people experiencing homelessness in finding and maintaining permanent housing, and address housing needs for vulnerable populations.
• Supporting Behavioral Health Initiatives: Improve mental health, reduce isolation, prevent substance use, provide harm reduction tools (Naloxone, fentanyl test strips), peer support, and recovery services.

Award Funding Requirements

Applicants must construct the budget in the following manner. The federal share of the budget must not exceed $75,000 plus up to $350 for every unduplicated volunteer, whether or not they serve in an outcome-based work plan. 

What We Do

At the North Carolina Community Foundation, we bring together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about.

Our mission is to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities.

Our Philanthropic Network

We believe in the power of permanent philanthropy to strengthen our communities and people. By stewarding and growing donors’ gifts, our philanthropic network makes a powerful impact through robust grants and scholarships programs.

Geraldine Mayo Beveridge Scholarship Endowment

About Geraldine Mayo Beveridge

Geraldine “Gerry” Mayo Beveridge taught school in Carteret County for 40 years. She was a Home Economics teacher and thought of her students as her children; she and husband “Captain David” had none of their own. Gerry would discreetly provide classroom supplies and clothing items for students in need. She quietly contributed money toward college for capable students who couldn’t afford it.

Gerry’s concern for students continued after retirement. As a member of the Carteret County Retired School Personnel (CCRSP), Gerry convinced members of the importance of awarding a scholarship to a graduating senior in each high school – East Carteret, West Carteret, and later, Croatan. To raise money, she organized bake sales and brought plants and canned foods to sell to members. The scholarships, though small, were a great effort for members and were greatly appreciated by recipients.

Gerry left a considerable sum of money to CCRSP with the expectation that it be managed well and used for scholarships. Today, the Geraldine Mayo Beveridge Scholarship is awarded to qualifying graduating seniors who want to teach Vocational Education, now called Career and Technical Education.

Gerry’s passion for her students and her love of education continues through this scholarship. She was an amazing educator whose philanthropy will last in perpetuity.

Every Kindness is a Gift

Dollar Tree Gift Card Program 2026

Every Kindness is a Gift is a gift card grant program made possible through the generosity of Dollar Tree and managed by the team here at Gift Card Bank. We are a nonprofit organization that specializes in the distribution of gift cards and our mission is to improve well-being and build financial stability by supporting people through their time of need.

Through Every Kindness is a Gift, nonprofit organizations and Title I schools located in the 48 contiguous states may apply to receive a grant of Dollar Tree gift cards.

Gift cards received through these grants are meant to be distributed directly to individuals and families in need. A primary goal of the program is to give gift card recipients the dignity of choice by empowering them to shop for what they need themselves. By putting gift cards directly in the hands of our neighbors in need, we are able to increase access to essentials like food, school supplies, paper products, cleaning products, and hygiene items.

In 2026, there will be two rounds of grant distributions. In each round, we will award a number of grants between $2,500 and $10,000.

Round One is a summer distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round One will arrive in late June, while kids are on break and back-to-school is around the corner. Round Two is a holiday distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round Two will arrive in early November, as the end-of-year holidays approach.

We know that these are times of year when budgets are tight. Through these gift card grants, we hope to connect individuals and families directly to the essential resources they need during difficult months.

The NHLBI is launching a Limited Competition Small Grant Program aimed at NHLBI career development award recipients. This program supports researchers transitioning to independence by providing small grants for expanding research objectives or initiating new studies based on their prior work. It encourages applicants to form collaborations and develop impactful projects, although applications are not currently being solicited. This initiative aims to facilitate the generation of essential preliminary data and publications, aiding recipients in their K-to-R transition.

The OneAmerica Financial Community grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, workforce development, safety, wellness, and community vibrancy. With a commitment to making a difference, OneAmerica aims to transform lives through strategic philanthropy. Their initiatives include disaster relief, arts support, and civic engagement, fostering resilient communities. By investing in meaningful change, they build a foundation for shared success across the country, ensuring that community needs are met and future generations thrive.