Special and Urgent Needs

The Vermont Community Foundation's Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) grant program provides financial assistance to Vermont-based nonprofit organizations responding to time-sensitive, unexpected challenges or unanticipated opportunities that affect their ability to fulfill their mission. The SUN program is part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting essential community organizations and helping them remain resilient in the face of emergencies or evolving needs. The Vermont Community Foundation, located in Middlebury, Vermont, supports a broad range of charitable efforts and strategic initiatives across the state, with a specific emphasis on equity, sustainability, and capacity-building for community service organizations. The SUN grant is designed specifically for nonprofits serving basic human needs, such as food access, social services, housing, and health-related services. Grants from this fund are intended to address immediate problems that were not predicted or planned for during the organization’s annual budgeting process. This includes, for example, sudden structural or mechanical failures (like a roof collapse or failing water supply system), unexpected equipment or technology breakdowns essential to service delivery, and staff needs that emerge during high-stress periods. The fund may also support time-limited mental health or wellness initiatives for staff and volunteers under duress, as well as opportunities that arise unexpectedly but would significantly advance an organization’s mission. The Foundation outlines clear limits on what the SUN program will support. It does not provide funding for deferred maintenance or upgrades, planned capital projects, fundraising campaigns, religious purposes, individual support, or debt servicing. Applications related to budget shortfalls or revenue gaps are also ineligible, and the Foundation typically does not fund projects that have already been completed. Only Vermont-serving nonprofits are eligible, with funding preference given to those with annual operating budgets under $500,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, with decisions issued within 20 business days of receipt. Due to a scheduled software upgrade, applicants approved in March or April 2025 will not receive disbursement checks until May 1, 2025. Once awarded, grant-funded activities must be completed within one year. The Foundation encourages applicants to apply as soon as the need and a plan for addressing it are identified, emphasizing timeliness and mission impact in the review process. Evaluation criteria for the SUN program include the project's time sensitivity, demonstrated community support, the alignment with the applicant’s core mission, and geographic distribution across the state. Applicants must provide detailed financial information to support their request, demonstrating both the urgency of the need and the organization’s financial sustainability. Preference is given to projects that would not have been addressed through regular operational or capital improvement planning. The Foundation also may share applications with other interested funders unless applicants request otherwise. Interested applicants may direct questions to Jane Mulcahy, who manages the SUN program. She can be reached at jmulcahy@vermontcf.org or 802-388-3355 ext. 381. The Vermont Community Foundation is located at 3 Court Street, Middlebury, Vermont, 05753. EIN: 22-2712160.