Vermont Education Grants

The Vermont Community Foundation's grant program seeks proposals from Vermont villages, towns, and cities to close the opportunity gap by fostering inclusion and belonging for people of all races and backgrounds. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's mission to support local governments in removing structural barriers and building a more inclusive and diverse state. Developed in collaboration with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and Vermont’s Office of Racial Equity, the program primarily supports communities participating in the IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Action, and Leadership) Vermont program, though limited grants are also available for non-participating communities. The target beneficiaries of this program are all people within Vermont communities, particularly those who may feel excluded, discriminated against, or fear visiting, living, or conducting business due to a reputation for exclusion, intolerance, or bias. The program specifically aims to benefit Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals by ensuring they feel safe and supported, thereby enabling their recruitment and leadership in businesses and local governing bodies. The overall impact goal is to cultivate communities where all residents feel connected and safe, regardless of their background or how long they have resided there. The program prioritizes a range of activities designed to meet locally defined community needs. These include funding for consultant-led work, such as introductory and implicit bias trainings, equity assessments, planning efforts, and reviews of hiring practices. Additionally, the program focuses on supporting community-wide conversations, the creation and work of municipal equity committees, and providing stipends for community members to ensure their involvement is appropriately compensated (e.g., for time off work, childcare, or transportation). This flexible approach acknowledges that communities are at different stages in their equity journey and require varied support. Expected outcomes include a reduction in feelings of fear or exclusion within communities, increased recruitment and leadership of BIPOC individuals in local businesses and governance, and enhanced capacity for educators, students, local leaders, and families to address discrimination and bias effectively. Measurable results will stem from the progress municipalities make in their learning and actions related to equity and inclusion. While not explicitly detailing a 'theory of change,' the Foundation's strategic priority is clearly to empower local governments as leaders in fostering a more equitable and inclusive Vermont by providing resources that facilitate ongoing progress rather than expecting a single project to resolve all challenges.

This grant provides funding for research projects that enhance the health of the Lake Champlain Basin, focusing on climate change adaptation, water quality, and community resilience, and is open to universities, nonprofits, and businesses in Vermont and New York.

This funding opportunity supports local organizations in underserved states and territories to implement educational programs that encourage youth aged 10 to 19 to avoid non-marital sexual activity and promote healthy life choices.

This grant provides financial support to schools, nonprofits, and municipal entities in Poultney and nearby communities for projects that enhance educational opportunities, family services, and community sustainability.

This grant provides financial and technical support to Vermont schools and early childhood education centers to improve student health and nutrition by connecting them with local farmers and enhancing farm to school programs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Vermont-based early childhood education centers and K-12 schools to develop programs that integrate local agriculture into their educational environments, enhancing child nutrition and community engagement.

This program provides funding to early-career researchers in New England to support innovative studies that improve child health outcomes.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations and schools in New Hampshire and Vermont to create engaging literacy projects that inspire children and their families to develop a love for reading and writing.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Vermont municipalities, nonprofits, and government entities for the development, restoration, and maintenance of public recreational trails, including projects for both motorized and non-motorized use.

This grant provides funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in specific regions to support programs that assist low- to moderate-income individuals and families in areas such as community development, education, health services, arts, and the environment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that empower youth through physical fitness, literacy, and community engagement initiatives, particularly in New England.

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 supports organizations providing high-quality developmental and educational services for young children from birth to age five, particularly in underserved areas of Vermont and specific New Jersey counties.

This grant provides funding for Vermont schools and nonprofit arts organizations to create high-quality, multi-day arts experiences for preK–12 students, fostering collaboration with teaching artists to enhance creative learning and address educational disparities.

This grant provides funding to local nonprofits, schools, and municipal entities in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties to support community-driven projects that enhance the quality of life for residents.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Rutland County, Vermont, that address critical community needs in health, education, and financial stability.

This grant provides financial support for charitable projects in Vermont, focusing on the arts, education, historic preservation, and social services, particularly for underserved populations in Addison County and Brandon.

This grant provides matching funds to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in Vermont for various historic preservation projects, such as exterior restoration and structural repairs.

This grant provides funding for Vermont-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and municipalities to integrate public art into community infrastructure projects, enhancing local vibrancy and identity.