Vermont Grants

The "Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2024 Vermont" is a funding opportunity offering up to $1,000,000 to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in Vermont, with individual awards not exceeding $200,000, and applications are due by September 30, 2024.

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.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program aims to advance sustainable agriculture practices by enhancing the knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support sustainable agriculture through education and professional development. The grant focuses on empowering professionals who work with farmers, enabling them to teach, advise, or assist in the adoption of sustainable methods. The program seeks to create a ripple effect, where trained service providers then apply their learned expertise to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable food system within the Northeast region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are agricultural service providers, including those in non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension, and other entities that serve the farming community. Additionally, the program extends its reach to other service providers such as real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys, who can indirectly influence farmers. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in the Northeast by equipping these professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge. Expected outcomes include increased adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers, improved ecological and economic resilience to climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The program prioritizes a wide array of topics, encompassing marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture, and traditional ecological knowledge. A significant focus is placed on climate-smart agriculture practices, which are intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as reduced and no-till farming, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with addressing contemporary agricultural challenges through education and practical application. Northeast SARE actively encourages projects from, or in collaboration with, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Furthermore, it encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusivity in agricultural development. The theory of change behind these priorities is that by supporting a diverse range of voices and institutions, the program can foster more innovative and equitable solutions for sustainable agriculture, leading to broader and more effective adoption of sustainable practices across the region. The expected measurable results include an increase in the number of service providers trained in sustainable agriculture, a documented increase in farmers adopting climate-smart practices, and the successful implementation of projects that demonstrate improved ecological, social, and economic resilience. Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, with project lengths usually spanning 2 to 3 years, and a maximum allowed duration of 3.5 years. The program's geographical focus is exclusively on the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., ensuring targeted and localized impact within this specific area.

The Walter Cerf Community Fund (WCCF), administered by The Vermont Community Foundation, offers grants to address various charitable needs throughout Vermont. Its mission aligns with the Foundation's goal of supporting communities by focusing on key areas like the arts, education, historic preservation, and social services. A significant aspect of the WCCF's strategic priority is to support initiatives that address the needs of underserved populations within these focus areas. The fund also prioritizes proposals that foster cooperation, collaboration, and community building, reflecting a theory of change that emphasizes collective impact for broader community benefit. The WCCF aims to benefit organizations serving either a statewide constituency with a unique contribution to Vermont, or those located in or serving the populations of Addison County or Brandon. Approximately 70% of available funds are allocated to programs and projects in/or serving the Addison County/Brandon area, with the remaining 30% supporting statewide initiatives. This targeted approach seeks to achieve impact goals of strengthening local communities while also addressing broader state-level needs. Expected outcomes include enhanced access to arts, improved educational opportunities, preserved historical sites, and strengthened social services, particularly for underserved groups. The fund offers both small ($500-$5,000) and large (up to $25,000) grant requests. Small grants can be used for program/project support or general operating support, while large grants are strictly for program/project-specific initiatives and are reserved for organizations serving Addison County or Brandon. This structured approach to grant sizing and scope allows for both flexible support for smaller, local needs and more substantial, focused investments in specific projects with measurable results in the designated areas. The WCCF typically will not fund an entire project, preferring projects that demonstrate support from a variety of sources, which encourages broader community investment and sustainability. Eligibility for WCCF grants requires organizations to be located in or serve the people of Vermont, and to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a public agency or municipality in Vermont. Nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply with a fiscal sponsor. The foundation maintains a strict non-discrimination policy based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, political affiliation, military service, and physical or mental ability, ensuring that its funding initiatives are inclusive and equitable. This commitment to non-discrimination reflects a core strategic priority to foster an inclusive Vermont where all individuals have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from community programs.

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is inviting applications for the Hardman Fund, aimed at enriching the lives of residents in North Adams, Florida, Clarksburg, MA, and Stamford, VT, by supporting nonprofit organizations that focus on arts, culture, historic preservation, health, human and social services, education, and the environment, with a special interest in initiatives that assist people in difficult economic circumstances and enrich the cultural and natural environment.

This program provides funding to organizations in New England for projects that preserve and share the diverse histories of their communities through the conservation of buildings, landscapes, and collections.

This funding opportunity supports grassroots community groups with limited resources to launch new environmental projects or significantly shift existing ones, focusing on those that amplify diverse voices and address environmental justice issues.

The Walter Cerf Community Fund offers large grants up to $25,000 for project-specific initiatives that align with Vermont's charitable needs in arts, education, historic preservation, and social services. This funding supports projects that promote community building and address the needs of underserved populations, specifically in Addison County or Brandon. Large grants require a focus on project-specific funding and do not support general operational costs.

Farm Credit East recognizes the significance of farmers’ markets for both producers and consumers. In support of this vital marketing channel, we are offering Farmers' Market Grants of up to $500 to eligible applicants. These grants can be utilized to support participating farmers, enhance markets, improve marketing efforts, and implement programs aimed at aiding disadvantaged communities or enhancing access to fresh, local food. Please note that these grants are intended for public markets where multiple farms sell products, not for individual farm markets. Eligibility: Farmers' markets must be located within Farm Credit East’s eight-state territory: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Preference will be given to first-time applicants and markets serving underserved communities with limited access to fresh, local food. Awards will be granted at the sole discretion of Farm Credit East. How to Apply/Application Requirements: The 2024 application cycle is currently open. Please submit the Farmers' Market Grant Application by 4:00 PM on May 31. Recipients will be notified by late June.

The 2024-25 Physical and Digital Infrastructure Security Grant (DF) Program for Health Care Facilities, offered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), aims to enhance physical and digital security for healthcare facilities in California. This program aligns with the foundational mission of protecting vital health services and ensuring the safety of facilities that provide abortion-related and reproductive healthcare, which are often targets of violence and vandalism. The grant seeks to mitigate these threats, thereby supporting the continuity and accessibility of critical healthcare services across the state. The target beneficiaries of this grant are currently licensed community health centers, tribal health programs, non-profit hospitals not part of large health systems, and non-profit organizations whose membership includes such licensed facilities. All eligible applicants must be located in California and provide abortion-related services (or referrals) and reproductive healthcare services. The impact goal is to strengthen the security infrastructure of these facilities, creating safer environments for both patients and staff, and ensuring uninterrupted access to essential healthcare. The program's priorities and focuses include providing funding for physical facility enhancements, such as improved security measures for buildings, and digital security enhancements to protect against cyber threats and data breaches. The grant specifically targets facilities that may be vulnerable to violence and vandalism due to the nature of the services they provide. The funding aims to directly address these vulnerabilities, thereby safeguarding the operational capacity of these crucial healthcare providers. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a demonstrable improvement in the physical and digital security posture of funded facilities. This could involve a reduction in incidents of vandalism or violence, enhanced data protection, and increased patient and staff safety. The grant period is from September 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026, during which time facilities are expected to implement and integrate these security upgrades. Applicants can request up to $750,000 from the total available funding of $7,798,822. While specific "Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" are not explicitly detailed for Cal OES in the provided text, the underlying theory of change for this grant program appears to be that by providing targeted funding for security enhancements, the state can directly reduce risks to essential healthcare infrastructure. This proactive investment is expected to lead to greater resilience for healthcare facilities, particularly those offering sensitive services, thereby upholding public health and safety and ensuring that all Californians have access to necessary medical care without fear or disruption.

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.

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.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals for the Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund (NEFRF), a program dedicated to restoring and sustaining healthy rivers, forests, and grasslands to provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations. This initiative aligns with NFWF's broader mission to protect and restore native wildlife species and their habitats, leveraging public and private funding to achieve significant conservation outcomes. The NEFRF, formerly known as the New England Forests and Rivers Fund, represents a strategic investment in the ecological health of the Northeast region, fostering biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The program's target beneficiaries include various fish and wildlife populations such as river herring, Atlantic salmon, brook trout, wood turtles, golden-winged warblers, New England cottontails, and bobolinks. Beyond wildlife, the program also aims to benefit agricultural producers, particularly those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by helping them design and implement conservation practices. The impact goals are centered on improving habitat quality and connectivity, enhancing forest conditions, and promoting hayfield management conducive to successful grassland bird breeding. NEFRF's priorities and focuses are outlined in NFWF’s Northeast Watersheds Business Plan (March 2023), specifically targeting strategies for Stream and Riparian Habitat, and Upland Forests and Grasslands. Key implementation strategies for 2024 include restoring stream and riparian habitats, improving forest management for age and structural diversity, and promoting hayfield management. A significant portion of funding, approximately $625,000, is set aside for projects that assist agricultural producers in adopting conservation practices beneficial to target species like northeast turtles and golden-winged warblers, while also increasing Farm Bill program participation. Additionally, the program encourages projects that involve community outreach, engagement, collaborative management, and the incorporation of traditional knowledge and community input. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved habitat for specific fish and wildlife species, enhanced age and structural diversity in forest blocks, successful grassland bird breeding, and increased participation of agricultural producers in conservation programs. Projects are expected to contribute to measurable conservation benefits through community input, co-design processes, and engagement with community-level partners (e.g., municipalities, NGOs, community organizations, community leaders) to ensure project design, implementation, maintenance, and long-term sustainability post-grant award. The grant duration is three years, with projects expected to start no later than six months after the award date. The NFWF's strategic priorities for the NEFRF reflect a theory of change that posits by investing in targeted habitat restoration, improved land management, and community engagement, ecological health will be restored and sustained, benefiting both wildlife and human communities. Funding is provided by a consortium of partners including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Zoetis Foundation, and Sylvamo, underscoring a collaborative approach to conservation. The program encourages a holistic view of conservation, integrating scientific best practices with local community needs and traditional knowledge to achieve robust and lasting environmental improvements across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and parts of New York.

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 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.

Northeast Delta Dental is accepting applications for grants focused on increasing access to, and the quality of, oral health care in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Grants are available to organizations that meet specific criteria, including having nonprofit status (501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4)), not discriminating on the basis of race, sex, religion, or other protected classes, and being involved in projects that address oral health needs. Funding will support initiatives such as educational programs on oral health, preventive oral health care programs, dental clinics aiming to make care more accessible, education and continuing education of dental health professionals, and research to improve oral health.

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.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based non-profit organizations to support projects that promote Japanese arts and culture, particularly in areas with limited access to such events.

The Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation (JBSF) grant program aims to foster and support both emerging and established sculptors, as well as writers who engage with sculpture. The foundation's mission is directly aligned with encouraging fresh perspectives and critical thinking on the history, aesthetics, purposes, imagination, or situation of sculpture. This commitment is reflected in its alternating grant cycle, supporting writing in even years and sculpture in odd years, demonstrating a holistic approach to the art form and its intellectual discourse. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are individual writers who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, or hold an O-1 Visa, and have had at least one piece of writing published for the first time within the last five years. The program specifically targets those generating new writing and thinking on sculpture, with supported categories including magazine, catalogue, and book essays, as well as research or manuscripts for books currently in process or nearing completion. The impact goals are to cultivate new scholarly and creative works that enrich the understanding and appreciation of sculpture. The program prioritizes writing that demonstrates strength and relevance to project proposals, accepting up to three published writing samples, with a maximum length of 2,500 words per sample. Emphasis is placed on original, independently produced work, excluding pre-publication material, collaborative writing, news reporting, social media posts, essays on one's own art, and student publications. This focus ensures that the grant supports independent thought and high-quality, impactful scholarship and criticism. The expected outcomes include the completion and publication of insightful essays and books on sculpture, contributing to the broader academic and artistic discourse. Measurable results would be the successful publication of works funded by the grant and the continued development of the grantees' careers. The JBSF offers one $20,000 grant per year, enabling writers to dedicate time to their projects by covering eligible expenses such as writer’s fees, research travel, living expenses (including childcare), image permission fees, reproduction costs, and editing, transcription, or translation expenses. The foundation's strategic priorities are to provide direct financial support that enables deep engagement with sculptural themes, fostering an environment where critical and creative exploration can thrive. Their theory of change posits that by investing in individual writers, they can stimulate intellectual growth and contribute to a richer public understanding of sculpture's multifaceted roles and meanings. This direct support for individuals, coupled with clear guidelines on eligible and ineligible expenses, ensures that the funding directly facilitates the creation of new works that align with the foundation's mission.