Financial Services Education Standard Grants and Micro-Grants

The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) has resumed its financial services education grant program for 2026, offering funding to eligible organizations within Vermont to support initiatives that enhance consumer financial literacy and prevent fraud. This initiative is grounded in the authority of 9 V.S.A. § 5601 and § 5616 and is financed through the Vermont Financial Services Education and Victim Restitution Special Fund. This fund was established to retain a portion of settlements from enforcement actions, enabling DFR to further its mission of consumer education and protection. The program offers two categories of funding for the 2026 calendar year. Standard one-year grants provide up to $50,000 per applicant for comprehensive education efforts, while micro-grants of up to $5,000 are intended for pilot initiatives, one-time events, or other short-duration projects. All applications must be submitted electronically by 5:00 PM EST on January 30, 2026. Awards are anticipated to be announced in Spring 2026. Eligibility is restricted to governmental or nonprofit organizations, including public schools and public institutions of higher education, that are not regulated by DFR. Additional criteria include the ability to pass pre-award eligibility and risk-based assessments conducted by the Agency of Administration. In some cases, high-risk applicants may still be considered if the Commissioner determines that a grant is in the best interest of the State. Funded projects must aim to increase the financial awareness and knowledge of Vermonters. This can include education around responsible use of financial services and the prevention of scams and fraud. Programs must demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes and be made available to the broader public, specific geographic areas, or historically underserved populations. Applications must specify performance targets that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. The application process involves submitting a structured response to 24 detailed questions, covering organizational background, the initiative’s goals, staffing, delivery methods, publicity plans, and compliance mechanisms. Indirect costs for standard grants are capped at 15% unless a higher state-approved rate is in place, while micro-grants cannot include indirect costs. The Department has emphasized a preference for proposals that serve unique populations, demonstrate innovation, show strong collaboration with other organizations, and fulfill a need not addressed by other funding sources. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Mary Richter at [email protected]. The official application and submission requirements are available through the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation website, with full instructions provided in the downloadable PDF.