Vermont Women’s Fund

The Vermont Women’s Fund, a component fund of the Vermont Community Foundation, was established in 1994 with the goal of serving as a dedicated philanthropic resource for women and girls in Vermont. The Fund is the first of its kind in the state and works to address the economic, educational, and social needs of young women and girls in Vermont. The Fund’s advisory council is composed of women from around the state who participate in grantmaking, fundraising, and leadership activities. The Fund aims to create long-term improvements in the lives of women and girls by fostering statewide partnerships, supporting research, and funding programs that contribute to their well-being. The Vermont Women’s Fund primarily focuses on addressing systemic barriers to economic well-being, particularly those that disproportionately affect women and girls based on race, gender identity, sexuality, class, age, and ability. The Fund is also committed to supporting the sustainability of the organizations it funds, focusing on how these grants can contribute to long-term change, viability, and creativity. The Fund awards both single and multi-year grants to support programmatic expenses for both pilot and established programs, as well as general operating costs. Proposals for funding may address projects at any stage of development, including new initiatives. The Fund is particularly interested in projects that align with its mission of addressing systemic barriers to economic well-being and are focused on creating pathways for women and girls to access livable wage jobs, career development, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Priority will be given to initiatives that address economic security and career prospects for unemployed women or those earning less than a living wage. Projects that aim to advance strategies that remove systemic barriers to thriving in Vermont, such as education, childcare, transportation, healthcare access, and paid family leave, are encouraged. Proposals that address the needs of women and girls who are disproportionately impacted by systemic racism and sexism will be prioritized. This includes initiatives for BIPOC women, trans women and non-binary individuals, women living with disabilities, and older women. The Fund is also particularly interested in collaborative approaches and strategies that are grounded in research or best practices. Additionally, proposals should include a clear vision for the program at the end of the grant term, as well as a reflection and evaluation process. The Vermont Women’s Fund does not provide funding for personal financial support, scholarships, campaigns for public office, businesses, business startup funds, fundraising events, capital campaigns, or organizational debt. Additionally, proposals that include indirect expenses exceeding 10% of the project budget will not be considered. Eligibility for funding is limited to organizations located in or serving the people of Vermont. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a public agency, school, or municipality in Vermont. Nonprofit organizations or community groups without 501(c)(3) status may apply through an eligible fiscal sponsor. Organizations applying must also ensure that their staff and services are provided without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, military service, or physical or mental ability. Applications for funding are accepted through the Vermont Community Foundation’s Online Grants Manager. Applicants can preview the application process on the Online Grants Manager website, and questions can be directed to the grants team via email or phone. The application window opens on January 7, 2025, and closes on March 4, 2025, at 5 p.m. Grant decisions will be announced in May 2025. Grants will support activities starting in May 2025 and can be used through May 2026. Awards will be made up to $15,000.