Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Program

The Vermont Community Foundation administers the Nonprofit Capacity Building (NPCB) grant program as part of its mission to support the strength and sustainability of nonprofit organizations and municipalities throughout Vermont. With a longstanding commitment to fostering impactful community-based initiatives, the Foundation recognizes that strong internal planning and consulting support are critical for long-term organizational resilience. This grant program is part of its wider efforts to increase the effectiveness of local nonprofits in delivering services aligned with their missions. The purpose of the NPCB grant is to fund consultant-led capacity-building initiatives that support strategic and financial planning, leadership development, and organizational sustainability. Eligible projects include strategic planning, financial diversification, board and leadership training, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policy work, and merger exploration. As of February 2025, the program has been expanded to support consultant-led planning in response to challenges arising from federal funding or policy changes. This includes exploring new staffing models, re-evaluating programs, or revisiting financial sustainability strategies. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how the proposed activity will increase organizational effectiveness and must show evidence of board support. Grants are awarded up to a maximum of $5,000 and must be used solely to cover consultant fees. This funding is not intended to cover the full cost of the services and should supplement other funding sources. Applicants are required to show both pending and secured funding in their project budget, and the Foundation welcomes use of its grants as challenge funds to leverage additional support. Ineligible expenses include marketing or event planning, startup costs, grant writing, construction, staff training, and any retrospective expenses. The program does not fund organizations with annual operating budgets exceeding $1 million, and prioritizes those with budgets under $250,000. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and municipalities that serve the people of Vermont. Organizations must comply with the Foundation’s General Applicant Guidelines. Repeat applicants are permitted only if three years have passed since their last grant under this program. While past recipients are not given priority, they are encouraged to discuss new proposals with Foundation staff prior to reapplying. The NPCB grant program accepts applications on a rolling basis and is currently open. Applicants are advised to allow up to 8–10 weeks between submission and notification during the winter and spring months. All activities funded through this program must occur within one year of the award date. Grant funds cannot be used for activities that have already been conducted. Notifications, both for approvals and denials, are issued via email to the address used during application submission. Applicants may also check the status of their applications through the Foundation’s Online Grants Manager portal. For more information, potential applicants are encouraged to contact Jane Mulcahy at jmulcahy@vermontcf.org or by phone at 802-388-3355 ext. 381. The Vermont Community Foundation is located at 3 Court Street, Middlebury, VT 05753.