The Fanny Allen Foundation Grant, administered by the Vermont Catholic Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations that align with the mission of the Religious Hospitallers of Saint Joseph. Rooted in a legacy of Catholic health care, this mission is centered on serving people who are sick, poor, or otherwise economically disadvantaged, with compassion and a commitment to human dignity. The foundation prioritizes programs that enhance the quality of life for vulnerable populations, particularly those experiencing homelessness, economic hardship, or barriers to health and stability.
This funding opportunity is geographically focused on Vermont, with a strong emphasis on Chittenden County. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with verified tax-exempt status and must demonstrate a clear alignment with Catholic ethical and religious directives, particularly those applicable to health care services. Organizations must also show that their proposed project reflects the compassion of Christ in serving the sick and the poor. The foundation seeks projects that foster collaboration among multiple nonprofits working toward similar goals and encourages proposals that leverage outside funding.
The grant supports a wide range of programmatic efforts rather than capital projects or multi-year initiatives. Fundable activities include improving access to healthcare, providing affordable childcare, addressing emergency needs such as food and shelter, developing life skills and job training opportunities, and addressing other financial instability barriers. Funding is restricted to one-year project periods. No more than 10% of the grant may be used for administrative costs, and no more than 40% of the total project budget can be funded by this grant.
All applications must be submitted through the foundation’s online grant management system hosted by Foundant Technologies. Applicant organizations are required to create an account in the system before applying. For the Fall 2025 cycle, applications opened on September 1, 2025, and are due by October 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Applications are also accepted annually in the Spring, with a second deadline on April 15 each year.
Each application is evaluated based on a variety of criteria, including consistency with the foundation’s mission, the demonstrated need for the project, clarity of objectives, and the applicant’s ability to execute the program. Additional emphasis is placed on collaborative projects and those that show broader community involvement or matching support. The foundation does not fund capital campaigns, political activity, research, legal services, or projects that conflict with Catholic social teaching.
Ensure services are congruent with Catholic health care directives. Leverage partnerships and outside support to stay within the 40% funding cap.
