The Vermont Italian Cultural Association (VICA) offers an annual grant opportunity designed to support individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of Italy, encompassing the Italian-American experience, Italian language, arts, music, history, and culture. The program aligns with VICA’s mission of preserving and promoting Italian culture in Vermont and is open to those with a demonstrable affiliation with the state, including residents, workers, or students at accredited Vermont schools. Immediate family members of VICA Board or Grant Committee members are ineligible.
The 2026 grant cycle opens on November 1, 2025, and the deadline for submission is March 1, 2026. Applicants are required to submit a written application in Word or PDF format, along with two letters of reference. Applications should respond to specific prompts regarding the project’s objectives, planned activities, cultural relevance, and budget. Letters of recommendation must be submitted directly by the referees. Applications and letters may be submitted electronically or via postal mail.
Grants awarded by VICA range from $500 to $1,500, and up to three individuals may be funded in each cycle. The application process includes review by the VICA Grant Committee, which makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for final approval. Successful applicants will be notified by April 15, 2026.
Special consideration is available through the Senator and Marcelle Leahy Award, which requires applicants to demonstrate Italian heritage. Eligible individuals must indicate interest on the main application form and provide heritage details. While travel to Italy may be included in the proposed project, the application must clearly articulate how travel serves educational or cultural objectives beyond personal enrichment.
Recipients are expected to share their project outcomes with the broader community within six months of completion. Acceptable formats include live presentations, written articles, digital media, or other creative methods approved by VICA. These deliverables allow VICA to showcase funded initiatives and affirm its commitment to cultural education and exchange.
Align your project with VICA’s mission; clearly describe the cultural relevance of your proposal; use concise responses.
