Vermont Grants

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, funded by the USDA, allocates approximately $2 million for infrastructure grants to Vermont businesses and organizations aiming to strengthen local and regional food systems. The grants support projects that improve the aggregation, distribution, manufacturing, processing, storing, transporting, and wholesaling of Vermont food products. This track encourages development of Vermont value-added products and promotes fair wages and job creation. A 50% match is required, which can be reduced to 25% for historically underserved farmers. Grants range from $100,000 to $500,000 and are available from fall 2024 through February 2027.

This track of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program provides approximately $1 million for grants aimed at purchasing equipment necessary for the middle of the food supply chain activities in Vermont. The grants range from $30,000 to $100,000 with no match requirement. Applications for this track are set to open in late August 2024 and close in early October 2024, with grant activities beginning in early 2025.

Music Drives Us is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that strives to inspire New England’s musicians of tomorrow by supporting their music opportunities today. Since 2006, Music Drives Us has donated millions in grants to hundreds of individuals, organizations, and schools throughout New England – empowering them to better teach the next generation of musicians. Now, in partnership with the State of Vermont, Music Drives Us is thrilled to provide grants to schools across the Green Mountain State to support their music programs, up to $100,000! Public and approved independent schools located in Vermont are welcome to apply below. Applications will be accepted from April 15 - May 13, 2024.

The Vermont Creative Aging FY2024 grant aims to support organizations in providing skill-based artistic activities that engage older adults aged 60 and above. The program encourages the creation of art and social interaction among seniors, with a funding scope that allows for activities led by experienced teaching artists. Grants of up to $6,000 are available for project activities scheduled between January 1, 2024, and August 31, 2024. The grant supports programs that enhance emotional well-being, cognitive and physical health, and social engagement of older adults through art. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities within Vermont, promoting collaborations that increase accessibility and engagement in creative endeavors for seniors. Grant renewed every year.

The Arts Operating Grant provides financial support to arts organizations in Vermont, aimed at those offering year-round, high-quality arts programs and services that align with the mission of advancing arts and creativity throughout the state. This initiative supports Outcome Three of the Arts Council's Strategic Framework, focusing on building vibrant and creative communities through organizations and artists. For FY2025, the grant offers one-year operating funds to eligible organizations demonstrating significant community involvement and partnerships with civic, non-arts, and educational entities to ensure broad access to arts and creativity. Applicants must choose between applying for an Arts Operating Grant or an Arts Project Grant and cannot be current three-year operating grantees. Grant renewed every year.

The Cultural Facilities Grants are designed to support Vermont nonprofit organizations and municipalities in enhancing, creating, or expanding the capacity of existing buildings to offer cultural activities to the public. These activities broadly include artistic, creative, aesthetic, historic, or scholarly events such as performances, exhibits, readings, film screenings, workshops, and more. Eligible projects may involve improvements to wiring, heating, lighting, plumbing, accessibility features, stage enhancements, permanent display installations, environmental controls, hazard mitigation, and energy efficiency upgrades. The grant period is set from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, and includes a mandatory match on a 1:1 basis with specific requirements for cash and in-kind contributions. Applications are encouraged from entities that own a facility in Vermont that has been in existence for at least ten years.

The Town of St. Johnsbury is accepting applications for its 2024-25 Rental Housing Improvement Program. Donor Name: Town of St. Johnsbury State: Vermont Town: St. Johnsbury Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of the Rental Housing Improvement Program is to encourage landlords to improve rental housing in St. Johnsbury resulting in more livable, sustainable, and marketable rental units for everyone. Universal Design, energy efficiency improvements, and Fire Life and Safety improvements are strongly encouraged.  Program Features A reimbursement grant is provided to landlords who complete capital improvement projects that result in more livable, sustainable, and marketable rental units for everyone. The maximum grant amount is $6,000 per unit, and a budget with supporting estimates must be submitted at the time of grant application. A 1:1 cash match is required (e.g., a grant of $6,000 requires at least a $6,000 cash match from the property owner), and the grant is reimbursement for funds spent. Grant funds must be used for capital improvements to real property. Please NOTE: Personal property, such as appliances, may be used as matching funds provided that the personal property purchased supports Universal Design Modifications and energy efficiency. The program is managed by the Town. Program Requirements Property must be an existing residential rental housing unit or result in a newly registered rental-ready unit in St. Johnsbury by June 1st , 2025. Property owner must have an up-to-date rental housing registration for all existing rental properties owned in St. Johnsbury; the property must be available for occupancy by June 1st; the property owner must not have any outstanding health or safety violations; and the property for which a grant is sought must have been inspected by the Town Code Compliance Officer. Property owner must be current on all property taxes (and/or agreements), water-sewer bills, civic fees and fines, and parking fees & fines. The Town of St. Johnsbury must review all cost estimates and approve the budget for the project. Finished work must be inspected and approved by the Code Compliance Officer before grant money is released. One grant award per rental housing unit. A single property owner is eligible for a maximum of three awards per award year. In the event that all funding has not been utilized, this restriction may be waived. For more information, visit Town of St. Johnsbury.

The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation is requesting applications for its Equity & Justice Grant. Donor Name: Ben & Jerry’s Foundation State: Vermont County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Each summer, the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation offers grants of up to $15,000, with an average grant size of $10,000, to Vermont-based, Vermont-focused, non-profit organizations working to address racial, economic, social, and environmental disparities and injustice in Vermont. They will seek out innovative programs that are working toward fundamental change in Vermont and that approach their work through the lens of social justice and equity. Priorities  Funding preference will be given to organizations whose areas of interest may include, but are not limited to: Equity in education and early childcare Equity in access to safe and affordable housing Criminal justice reform Workers’ rights and Equity in access to healthy and affordable food. Eligibility Requirements  To be considered for funding, each applicant organization must be: Located in Vermont. A Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization. Represented by a fiscal agent with 501(c)(3) status. Organizations with Total Annual Operating Budgets under $350,000. Ineligibility  Unfortunately, they cannot consider requests for: Programs that solely provide direct services to individuals Discretionary or emergency requests Schools Colleges or universities Individuals or scholarship programs Research, litigation or legal expenses Capital or endowment campaigns State agencies or government-sponsored programs Businesses or business associations Religious activities One time events Other foundations or regranting organizations Organizations or programs that are focused or based outside the state of Vermont. For more information, visit BJF.

This program provides funding to support educational initiatives, local food projects, land conservation, environmental protection, social services, and cultural resources in Vermont communities, particularly benefiting small towns like Grafton.

The State-funded Historic Preservation Grant Program, managed by the Division for Historic Preservation, provides financial assistance to municipalities and non-profit organizations in Vermont for the rehabilitation of historic buildings located in downtowns, villages, and rural communities. The program offers competitive 50/50 matching grants of up to $20,000 for the repair and restoration of historic features in buildings such as town halls, museums, theaters, libraries, and recreation centers. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and municipalities that own properties in Vermont that are at least 50 years old and listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The grants are reimbursement-based, requiring recipients to cover the full project costs upfront, with the State reimbursing them upon project completion and submission of required paperwork. Annually, the program has $200,000 in grant funds available, subject to legislative approval. The next grant cycle will be announced in August 2024, with applications due in October 2024. For notifications and further details, contact Caitlin Corkins, Tax Credits & Grants Coordinator, at 802-828-3047 or [email protected].

The Tarrant Foundation awards between 50 – 70 competitive grants annually. Because we believe we can have the most impact by concentrating these funds in Vermont, applications are accepted only from Vermont organizations. Seniors: Comfort and Dignity in Aging We believe in ensuring that seniors’ most basic needs are met, and in community-based supports that promote wellbeing and fight the premature limitation of independence. Our focus includes: independent living, nutrition, and activity & enrichment.

The Tarrant Foundation awards between 50 – 70 competitive grants annually. Because we believe we can have the most impact by concentrating these funds in Vermont, applications are accepted only from Vermont organizations. Working-Age Adults: Employment and Financial Independence We support strategies that promote and facilitate the journey to economic independence, and that ultimately reduce reliance on public assistance. Our focus includes: job training/retention, financial literacy, homelessness prevention, and community-based addiction recovery.

This grant provides financial support to Vermont-based nonprofits focused on youth development, economic independence for working adults, senior care, and community enhancement initiatives.

Vermont's Farm Agronomic Practice (FAP) Grant Program offers grants of up to $8,000 per farm operation per State fiscal year. The program supports practices such as cover cropping, rotational grazing, conservation tillage, and manure injection to improve water quality and comply with state agricultural water quality regulations. Additionally, the program provides funding for educational and instructional activities aimed at raising awareness about the impact of agricultural practices on water quality.

This funding opportunity supports Vermont libraries in enhancing reading engagement among young adults through the acquisition of materials, enrichment programs, and improvements to library spaces.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that foster collaboration and partnerships to create a significant impact in their communities.

This funding opportunity provides up to $250 for individuals or small groups in Burlington's Old North End to complete neighborhood projects or events that foster community engagement.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits and community initiatives in Vermont that aim to improve economic equity, education, health, and community leadership to help close the opportunity gap.

This program provides small grants to Vermont non-profits and community initiatives that support under-served populations and address basic human needs, with a focus on volunteer-led organizations and innovative projects.

The Green Mountain Fund was established at the Vermont Community Foundation in 1993 to support charitable activities with a special interest in education and the children and families of Lamoille County. Grantmaking has since been expanded to include the neighboring communities of Craftsbury, Greensboro, and Hardwick. What We Fund The Green Mountain Fund’s areas of interest include: children, elderly and family services, education, environment, sustainability, and the arts. The Fund is interested in opportunities where a modest grant will have impact by leveraging a new idea or other dollars, or by making possible something that will benefit the children and families in the grantmaking region. The Fund supports projects in Lamoille County and the neighboring communities of Craftsbury, Greensboro, and Hardwick.