Best Youth Sports Grants in Vermont

 Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment.

Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program

The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides pasture management technical assistance and financial assistance to Vermont farmers to improve water quality and on-farm livestock exclusion from surface waters statewide.

Program Details

• The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides no-cost pasture management technical assistance from experienced grazing specialists
• PSWF also provides financial assistance that reimburses 90% of the cost to install infrastructure that will improve pasture management, up to the farm’s grant amount: 1) Up to $15,000 grant award per farm. 2) Additional funding is available for exclusion fence only, up to $20,000 total grant award, as approved by PSWF program. 

Eligible Practices

• Fence 
• Livestock Pipeline
• Watering Facility 
• Improved Permanent Water Area 
• Stream Crossing 
• Electric Fence Chargers 
• Trails & Walkways

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

Our Mission: VHCB invests in permanently affordable housing solutions and conservation strategies that work together to ensure equity, resilience, and vitality for Vermont communities in perpetuity.

In partnership with a statewide network of private and non-profit organizations, VHCB funds the development of permanently affordable housing, land conservation initiatives, and the restoration of historic properties.

Locally-Significant Lands

The Local Conservation Grant Program provides grants for the conservation of agricultural and recreational land, town parks and forests, swimming holes, greenways, and historic buildings for public use that may not be competitive with applications for statewide conservation projects but are of great significance to a particular community. Under this program, grants of up to $150,000 plus associated costs are available for the purchase of recreational lands and natural areas, and grants of up to $215,000 are available to conserve locally important farmland. Applications to conserve and restore historic properties will generally not be recommended for more than $100,000 plus associated costs, unless other factors apply. Local Conservation funding may be used for acquisition costs and for associated projects costs such as appraisals, options, or closing costs. Applicants are required to provide one-third of total project costs from other sources, and must demonstrate municipal support from the town where the project is located.

Program beneficiaries range from farmers and forestland owners, to all who enjoy Vermont’s natural, recreational and historic properties.

Feasibility Funding

The Board provides feasibility awards to assist with pre-development costs and feasibility analysis for individual projects. Feasibility funds typically cover the costs of appraisals, energy assessments, marketing studies, options, engineering and environmental studies, or other pre-development costs.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

What is an eligible area?

• Rural areas outside a city or town with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents. Urbanized areas near a city of 50,000 or more may not be eligible.
• The borrower’s headquarters may be based within a larger city so long as the project service area is located in an eligible rural area.
• The lender may be located anywhere.

Check eligible addresses for Business Programs here.

 What kind of funding is available? 

Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually. Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.

Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization. Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program invites proposals for the Healthy Ecosystems Habitat and Native Species Conservation Projects. This funding opportunity aims to enhance native species habitats, improve water quality, and promote biodiversity in the Lake Champlain Basin. Grants ranging from $50,001 to $175,000 will support projects that implement sustainable practices such as riparian plantings and native species surveys, contributing to the health of ecosystems in partnership with local communities and organizations.

The Lawson’s Finest Taproom was designed as a community gathering space to enjoy the best of local beer, food, people and music. In lieu of tips in our Taproom, we invite our guests to donate to the Sunshine Fund to benefit local nonprofits. Our staff receive generous wages and total compensation packages that don’t require tips to supplement their income, making hospitality included in your guest experience. The Sunshine Fund allows us to harness the generosity of guest donations with the goal of advancing thriving local communities.

The Sunshine Fund is the heart of the Lawson’s Finest Social Impact Program to assist local organizations that support the people and environment of the Mad River Valley, Washington County and the state of Vermont.

The Sunshine Awards prioritize funding for nonprofit organizations located in the Mad River Valley, Washington County, and across Vermont that focus on strengthening healthy communities, improving food and economic security, protecting natural resources, and promoting sustainable recreation. 

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.

The Davis Conservation Foundation offers grants to support environmental protection, wildlife conservation, and outdoor recreation initiatives. They prioritize projects in Northern New England, particularly in the Gulf of Maine and the Northern Forest. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities. The Foundation encourages community involvement and volunteerism, while avoiding funding for individuals, multiple-year gifts, or projects previously declined within a specified timeframe.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers competitive grants to farmers, educators, agricultural service providers, researchers, graduate students and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region. Northeast SARE is one of four regional SARE programs funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The program—including funding decisions—is driven by the Northeast SARE outcome statement:

Agriculture in the Northeast will be diversified and profitable, providing healthful products to customers. Farmers and the people they work with will steward resources to ensure sustainability and resilience, and foster conditions where farmers have high quality of life and communities can thrive.

Northeast SARE Research and Education Grants

The purpose of the Research and Education grant program is to invest in education for farmers that leads to changes in farmer behavior, decision-making, and/or practices. These changes must increase the sustainability of farming in the Northeast United States. A Research and Education project can also include an applied research component, related to the educational activities.

• The primary audience are farmers, ranchers, and farm employees (henceforth “farmers”) that meet Northeast SARE’s Definition of a Farm.
• Farmers must be engaged in demonstrating the need for and the design of the project.
• Anyone who works in farming, including farmers, can lead a Research and Education project.
• The education program must be useful to farmers regardless of the results of any optional research component.

This grant program seeks innovative projects that improve existing practices or introduce existing practices to new farmer audiences.

The Riparian Buffer Block Grant, offered by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, supports organizations in establishing native riparian woody buffers. This initiative aims to enhance the ecological integrity of Vermont's waterways by providing funding for the implementation of forested buffers along rivers and streams. Projects must maintain a minimum buffer width of 35 feet and a planting density of 300 stems per acre, promoting sustainable land and water management practices.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation, aims to enhance college campuses through tree planting and environmental stewardship. By meeting five key standards, institutions can gain national recognition, fostering community pride and promoting sustainability. Participants benefit from improved mental health, energy savings, and educational opportunities for students. This initiative not only beautifies campuses but also addresses critical environmental challenges, encouraging future generations to appreciate and care for their surroundings.

The Northeast SARE Partnership Grant Program supports innovative projects that enhance sustainable agriculture practices through collaboration between agricultural service providers and farmers. With funding up to $30,000, the program encourages research and education initiatives that address sustainability challenges in Northeast farming systems. It aims to foster partnerships that lead to better agricultural practices and community well-being, focusing on involving farmers directly in project development.

About VHFA

Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) was established in 1974 to finance and promote affordable, safe and decent housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income Vermonters. Each U.S. state has a housing finance agency.

Since its inception, Vermont HFA has helped 31,000 primarily first-time home buyers and their families purchase homes. VHFA provides financing, development and management support, subsidy administration, and tax credits for approximately 9,600 affordable apartments statewide.   

First-Generation Homebuyer Assistance

First-generation homebuyers may be entitled to VHFA grants, which can be used to pay down payments and closing costs. 

These first-time home buyer programs Vermont will remain available until they are used up on a first-come-first-served basis. The funds can be combined with the loan received from the ASSIST program.

$15,000 grant for down payment and closing costs

May be combined with VHFA ASSIST and down payment assistance from other sources

Borrowers and non-borrowing spouses must have NEVER owned a home before and have less than $20,000 combined liquid assets

At least one person taking title must EITHER: have been placed in foster care at some point in their life, OR have parents or legal guardians who never owned or lost their home to foreclosure and have not owned again

Available exclusively with VHFA MOVE, MOVE MCC, or ADVANTAGE. Borrowers and non-borrowing spouses must meet eligibility requirements for selected VHFA Program. Other credit and property eligibility requirements apply. To pre-qualify and apply contact a VHFA Participating Lender!

Northern Border Regional Commission

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is a partnership between the federal government and the states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The NBRC targets resources to promote economic growth strategies and projects in designated counties within its member states. The Commission was enacted by Congress through the 2008 Farm Bill which amended 40 US Code to include the creation of the NBRC as well as other similar Commissions nationwide.

The mission of the Northern Border Regional Commission is to catalyze community vitality and economic prosperity in the northern border region with flexible funding and strategic support. We envision a future where heritage industries are celebrated, preserved, and supported, vibrant local communities form a rich tapestry of culture, ideas, and experiences, and the seamless integration of emerging technologies fosters a new era of prosperity and economic resiliency.

Timber for Transit Program - Feasibility Award

The Timber for Transit Program advances the use of domestic forest products in transportation infrastructure projects across Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont to showcase the capabilities of wood in these applications. Highly competitive projects will demonstrate and widely promote the utility of high value forest products (e.g. glued laminated timber, cross laminated timber, composite materials, etc.) in transportation infrastructure and commit to enhancing climate resilience in rural communities. Transportation Infrastructure shall mean construction, alteration, or repair of physical transport facilities, systems and structures, including fixed installations and rights of way necessary for transporting from one point to another, that: are open to the general public for use, facilitate reliable movement of people and goods, and influence local and regional economies.  

Early-stage activities—such as planning, inventory assessments, engineering, design, cost benefit analysis, permitting, site assessments, and environmental assessments—that support future Timber for Transit implementation projects are eligible for up to $1,000,000.  

Northern Border Regional Commission

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is a partnership between the federal government and the states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The NBRC targets resources to promote economic growth strategies and projects in designated counties within its member states. The Commission was enacted by Congress through the 2008 Farm Bill which amended 40 US Code to include the creation of the NBRC as well as other similar Commissions nationwide.

The mission of the Northern Border Regional Commission is to catalyze community vitality and economic prosperity in the northern border region with flexible funding and strategic support. We envision a future where heritage industries are celebrated, preserved, and supported, vibrant local communities form a rich tapestry of culture, ideas, and experiences, and the seamless integration of emerging technologies fosters a new era of prosperity and economic resiliency.

Timber for Transit Program - Implementation Award

The Timber for Transit Program advances the use of domestic forest products in transportation infrastructure projects across Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont to showcase the capabilities of wood in these applications. Highly competitive projects will demonstrate and widely promote the utility of high value forest products (e.g. glued laminated timber, cross laminated timber, composite materials, etc.) in transportation infrastructure and commit to enhancing climate resilience in rural communities. Transportation Infrastructure shall mean construction, alteration, or repair of physical transport facilities, systems and structures, including fixed installations and rights of way necessary for transporting from one point to another, that: are open to the general public for use, facilitate reliable movement of people and goods, and influence local and regional economies.  

Construction or non-construction projects—such as assets and facilities that align with Timber for Transit program priorities will be classified as an implementation award. Implementation projects are eligible for up to $5,000,000.

M&T Charitable Foundation 

Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve. During our 165-year history, we evolved with the needs of our locations, and are guided by a leadership team that holds us accountable.

Adapting to the needs of our neighbors means finding new solutions and sharing the Research & Insights we learn along the way. We support local organizations by volunteering our time and reinvesting in our community.

M&T Charitable Foundation Community Sponsorship Program

At M&T Bank we are building a stronger community - together. Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve.

Community Sponsorships enable us to partner with nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in the regions we operate.

Our goal is to make meaningful community-based contributions and to work closely with the organizations we support beyond a financial commitment. At M&T Bank, we consider supporting sponsorship opportunities that result in a mutually beneficial partnership.

The NEBC Graduate Student Research Award offers up to $3,000 to support graduate students conducting botanical research on New England's flora, including plants, algae, and fungi. This award encourages projects involving field, lab, and herbarium work, as well as travel within the region. Open to all graduate students, it aims to foster significant contributions to systematic botany, plant ecology, genetics, and conservation biology.

The Northeast SARE: Farmer Grant Program supports innovative sustainable agriculture projects by providing funding to farmers. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 enable farmers to conduct research, implement new ideas, and address issues affecting long-term sustainability. This program encourages proposals that explore diverse topics such as crop production, livestock raising, urban agriculture, and climate-smart practices. Successful projects promise significant benefits to farming communities while fostering collaboration and education within the agricultural sector.

Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development

The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) helps Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities.

Collaboration is central to carrying out this mission and we work with other state Agencies as well as businesses of all sizes, communities, educators, non-profits, students, recreational venues and many others. We at ACCD “set the table” for opportunity. So whether you are a business owner seeking to relocate here, a developer interested in building a new project, an individual hoping to restore an historic gem or a community hoping to increase the livability of your town, you have come to the right place.

Vermont Training Program

For over 30 years, the Vermont Training Program (VTP) has partnered with employers of all sizes and training providers to prepare Vermont's employees for the jobs of tomorrow. VTP provides performance-based workforce grants for pre-employment training, training for new hires, and training for incumbent workers. This training can either be on-site or offered through an outside provider. VTP grants may cover up to 50% of the training cost. 

The program also works with eligible employers to introduce manufacturers and other regionally significant employers to Vermont students at every level. Employers who provide work-based learning programs or activities developed in partnership with a school or educational program may apply to VTP for a grant to offset the costs of providing these programs. This work supports several different types of training, but the most requested programs are for advanced manufacturing skills like Lean Technology, Computer-Aided Design, and Computer Numerical Control machining. Supervisory and management training are also popular.

Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers competitive grants to farmers, educators, agricultural service providers, researchers, graduate students and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region. Northeast SARE is one of four regional SARE programs funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The program—including funding decisions—is driven by the Northeast SARE outcome statement:

Agriculture in the Northeast will be diversified and profitable, providing healthful products to customers. Farmers and the people they work with will steward resources to ensure sustainability and resilience, and foster conditions where farmers have high quality of life and communities can thrive.

Professional Development Grant

The Professional Development Grant program funds projects that help service providers improve the way they work with farmers through research-based education. These projects result in a change in practice or behavior by service providers that supports farmers in sustainable agriculture innovation.

Northeast SARE’s definition of a service provider is a professional who assists farmers as part of their work. Typical audiences include extension educators, consultants, agency personnel, and not-for-profit organization staff. Project audiences may include realtors, bankers, attorneys, or farmers who help other farmers.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program provides grants for graduate students to research sustainable agriculture under faculty supervision. Proposals should address relevant issues for Northeast farmers and agricultural professionals. Projects should align with themes of stewardship, profitability, and quality of life. The aim is to support diversified and profitable agriculture in the Northeast, enhancing community and environmental well-being through effective resource management.

Grants for Relocation Outreach Work (GROW) Program

The Think Vermont Grants for Relocation Outreach Work (GROW) Program provides grant funding to enable local, regional, county-wide, or state-wide organizations to conduct relocation, recruitment, and retention activities. To be eligible for this funding, grantees must provide relocation services on behalf of their region or affinity group and collaborate with other organizations to optimize the success of relocation and retention efforts. These efforts reach and serve a broad audience, including underrepresented communities and new and diverse residents.

There are two tracks within the GROW program, the Relocation Track and the Retention Track. Some awardees will receive grants for both tracks. A description of each track is below along with a list of grant recipients:

Relocation Track: Grantees will complement and support the State’s relocation lead generation and distribution system on ThinkVermont.com. Grantees are required to connect with and follow up on generated leads of potential residents interested in moving to their area. Grantees activities can also include the creation of regional marketing assets to assist with out-of-state advertising campaigns.

Retention Track: Grantees will organize events and/or conduct activities that help new residents feel welcome in their new community. Outreach to recently relocated families and individuals will include invitations to participate in events such as mixers, young professionals’ groups and/or the Vermont Welcome Wagon programming.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

Local Food for Schools and Child Care Food Hub Grant 

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) is seeking applications from non-profit food hubs in Vermont to provide local food to eligible School Food Authorities. This funding opportunity is part of the Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Program and is funded by a one-time state appropriation for Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC) grants.

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide local food to Vermont K-12 students through non-profit food hubs. This opportunity is open to non-profit food hubs headquartered in Vermont. This opportunity is modeled after the Vermont Local Food for Schools program, which was piloted in School Year 2023-2024, using one-time funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Food hubs will apply for grant funding to work with a particular subset of School Food Authorities (SFAs) that they have capacity to reach with distribution. Each SFA has a pre-determined amount of grant funding that they will access through this program. The amount of grant funding allocated to each SFA is based on enrollment data from the Vermont Agency of Education. Grant request amounts will be directly tied to the specific mix of SFAs that a food hub is applying to serve. 

If awarded, the SFA’s assigned food hub will make available the allocated amount as credit at the food hub, which the SFAs can use to purchase local food from the food hub’s catalogue.

The review committee will ensure that every eligible SFA in Vermont is served by a local food hub and provided access to free, local food. This grant opportunity is effectively using food hubs as a pass-through entity to provide local food funding to SFAs directly. Food purchased with LFSCC funds must meet the Vermont local definition (Act 129 of 2020).

A total of $300,000 is available through this competitive funding opportunity. There is no award minimum or maximum for this grant. Grantees will have up to two years to complete projects. Pre-award costs may also be available, with permission from the grant program manager. No matching funds are required for this grant.

Focused on wellness and recovery, Bob Woodruff Foundation invites Vermont organizations serving veterans and first responders to seek support for mental health, rehabilitation, and holistic wellness programs. Youth sports and fitness programs that provide therapeutic, adaptive, or strength and conditioning services for this community may be eligible for funding across participating states.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public institutions can seek funding for community programs, operations, and capacity-building projects that improve quality of life. Windham Foundation awards up to US $10,000 for initiatives in areas like agriculture and food, arts and education, the environment, and resilient, healthy communities, which may include youth sports–adjacent wellness or outdoor activities.