Best Youth Sports Grants in Vermont

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

The Aimlee Laderman Student Grant, offered by the Society for Ecological Restoration, supports emerging professionals in ecological restoration research. Established in 2005, this biennial grant is dedicated to Aimlee Laderman, a founding member of SER-NE. Applicants must be enrolled in or recently graduated from a relevant program, and their work must be completed by August 30, 2024. The next application cycle is anticipated in early 2025.

The Vermont Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is designed to enhance existing conservation efforts on agricultural lands. It provides financial and technical support to producers aiming to improve soil health, enhance wildlife habitats, and increase resilience against environmental challenges. Participants can receive annual payments for implementing conservation practices tailored to their specific goals, with opportunities for contract renewal and additional enhancements. This program fosters sustainable agricultural practices while benefiting both the environment and agricultural productivity.

Kiwanis Foundation of New England

The Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) was established in 1953 to be the fundraising arm of the New England District of Kiwanis. Since its inception, KFNE has raised and distributed millions of dollars.The Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) has as its essential mission “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”. KFNE has a long history of providing a variety of programs and community service projects that benefit the youth of New England.

Kiwanis Foundation of New England Grant Program

• The Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) Club Grant Program is open to any Kiwanis Club of the New England and Bermuda District in good standing. Requesting clubs should submit a written proposal no more than three pages in length.

• The greatest consideration/weight will be given to those proposals that benefit the largest number of children.

• Additional weight will be assigned to those requests that are original or innovative in nature (i.e. a dream or something the writer/submitter has always wanted to do but was restricted due to financial constraints) vs. those that are for supplies or basic materials.

• Extra weight will be also be assigned to those projects/programs where matching funds would be used to leverage the grant that would be received.

• Awards will be limited to no more than $1,000, although the Committee reserves the right to recommend higher amounts in extraordinary circumstances. No Kiwanis Club may receive more than $1,000 in grants within a three-year period.

• The committee will bring its recommendations to the KFNE Board meeting three times a year.

The Kiwanis Foundation of New England End Hunger Grant supports Kiwanis Divisions and SLP Administrators in their efforts to combat hunger in New England. By contributing $1,500 towards a $4,000 meal packing project, participants can access $2,500 in funding for projects aimed at providing 10,000 meals. This initiative not only fosters community involvement but also ensures that vital resources are allocated to fight hunger effectively.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

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.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

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 Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

SerVermont VISTA Program RPF

This cohort will begin service on August 10, 2026.

AmeriCorps VISTA members are made available through SerVermont through a VISTA Supervision Grant from AmeriCorps, the federal agency that oversees National Service. SerVermont has administered the VISTA Umbrella Project on behalf of AmeriCorps since 2011 (now in its 15th year) and is currently the only VISTA project in Vermont. The statewide SerVermont VISTA project seeks to end poverty in Vermont by building capacity in organizations that address homelessness, provide job training, invest in food security, provide nutrition education, and promote disaster resiliency. In the 2026-2027 Program Year, SerVermont is anticipating the availability of up to 21 VISTA member positions.

SerVermont is especially interested in partnering with organizations with a focus on disaster mitigation, recovery and resilience, in addition to organizations that address housing security and support workforce development initiatives.

Every VISTA Project Host Site must fall within the VISTA Programming Framework:

Anti-Poverty Focus - The purpose of VISTA is to support efforts to eliminate poverty. The goal of every project must be to help individuals and communities move out of poverty, not simply make poverty more tolerable. The project should focus on long-term solutions rather than short-term services.

Community Empowerment - VISTA Project Sponsors and Host Sites must ensure that their project engages residents of the low-income community in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating the project. The project must be responsive and relevant to the lives of residents in the community, and should tap into inherent community assets, strengths, and resources.

Sustainable Solutions - As originally designated in the Domestic Volunteer Service Act and reinforced in the Serve America Act, VISTA members are a short-term (one-year) resource who serve to build the long-term sustainability of anti-poverty programs. All VISTA projects should be developed with a goal to phase out the need for VISTA members and strengthen the ability of the project to continue without them. VISTA projects typically last three years, occasionally longer. From the beginning of the project planning process, the sponsor and community must think about how to use the VISTA project to phase in other resources and systems to replace the VISTA resource.

Capacity Building - Through activities such as fundraising, establishment of volunteer recruitment and management systems, community outreach, and partnership development, VISTAs help sponsors achieve lasting solutions to poverty. In order to build capacity, VISTAs do not perform direct service. Direct service is defined as activities that immediately address individual clients’ needs, and these activities are usually focused on short term goals. Ideally, VISTAs work their position out of existence and create systems that remain long after their service ends. 

The Lake Champlain Basin Program is inviting proposals for its Artist-in-Residence Grant Programs, aimed at fostering innovative projects that engage artists in utilizing scientific and cultural data to enhance the understanding of the region's natural resources. With approximately $80,000 in funding available, grants of up to $40,000 will be awarded to support sustainable AiR programs. This initiative seeks to promote artistic engagement with the Lake Champlain Basin's ecological and historical context.

The Norwich Lions Club Community Grants Program aims to enhance community welfare by providing financial support ranging from $250 to $1,000 for projects that address local humanitarian needs. This initiative encourages proposals that engage volunteers and involve additional funding sources, particularly those aimed at assisting children, the sick, or the disabled. The program reflects the club's mission to foster peace and understanding through impactful community service.

The Clean Water and Healthy Ecosystems Research Projects, funded by the Lake Champlain Basin Program, aim to enhance water quality and ecological health in the Lake Champlain Basin. These grants support research initiatives aligned with the Opportunities for Action management plan, facilitating community-driven stewardship. Projects may include implementation studies or pilot programs to assess the efficacy of conservation efforts. The program emphasizes collaboration among diverse stakeholders to ensure sustainable management of the basin's natural resources.

The Waterman Fund Grant aims to preserve the ecological, cultural, and recreational values of the alpine regions in Northeastern North America. It supports projects such as trail rehabilitation, alpine education, and research to enhance stewardship of these areas. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government agencies, with a requirement for matching funds. The Fund also encourages long-term sponsorships for impactful educational and conservation initiatives, particularly in alpine ecosystems.

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.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Clarkson Family Scholarship

Applicant must be a current full-time student or a graduating high school senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA, attending a college/university or higher education institution in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island or Vermont). This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens.

Environmental and conservation organizations in Vermont seeking funding for land acquisition or conservation easements can apply for US $100,000 - US $4,000,000 to protect the Lake Champlain Basin’s resources. Lake Champlain Basin Program prioritizes projects that improve water quality, enhance aquatic and shoreline habitat, support native species, and increase flood resiliency; recreation access is considered a co-benefit.

About City Market, Onion River Co-op

City Market, Onion River Co-op, is a community-owned food cooperative with two locations in beautiful Burlington, Vermont. We offer a large selection of local, organic, and conventional foods, and thousands of Vermont-made products.

The Co-op is dedicated to supporting the local economy and strengthening the local food system. We work with over 400 independent Vermont farmers, producers, and Vermont-owned businesses to feature the widest selection of local products we can. We regularly stock over 3,000 Local or Made in Vermont products, and Local and Made in Vermont products account for 40% of our sales. As a Member-owned cooperative, we are accountable to our Members.

Seedling Grants

What Are Seedling Grants?

Through our Co-op Seedling Grant program, City Market grants funding to projects from Vermont non-profit organizations whose work strengthens our local food system. This program is currently funded through our Rally for Change program.

Seedling Grant History

During profitable years, City Market Members receive patronage checks based on their spending as a form of profit-sharing. According to City Market’s By-Laws, any Patronage Refunds that are not cashed within 90 days are donated to organizations supporting our local food system, as directed by our Board. In 2014, City Market created a new program to offer grants through our uncashed Patronage Refund checks – our Seedling Grant Program! Since 2018, this program has been funded through Rally for Change as the Co-op works toward a return to profitability after our South End expansion.

Vermont agricultural and forestry businesses seeking to market Vermont-made products at out-of-state wholesale trade shows can receive $2,000 - $7,500 in matching reimbursements for eligible expenses. Focused on expanding market access, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets supports travel, booth fees, marketing, and related costs, which may benefit youth sports-related food or wood product vendors meeting the criteria.

The Enhancement Dam Removal Design and Implementation Block Grant, administered by Watersheds United Vermont, aims to support community-driven dam removal projects that enhance water quality and habitat. This funding initiative, backed by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, encourages proposals for the design and implementation of effective dam removal strategies, fostering ecological resilience and community engagement across the state.

The Early Childhood Arts Partnership Grants aim to enhance preschool education by integrating arts into early childhood programs. By fostering partnerships between education providers, arts organizations, and teaching artists, the initiative seeks to address equity challenges for underrepresented communities. Grants of up to $6,000 will support creative programming from January to August 2025, ensuring children experience culturally relevant arts education, thereby preparing them for academic success.