The Samara Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation is led by a collective of Queer and Trans Vermonters with a mission to support the empowerment, health, and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout Vermont. Rooted in anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and inclusive practices, the Fund specifically champions projects that are LGBTQ+ led, with a focus on intersectionality, transparency, and transformational giving. The fund was established with the vision of redistributing wealth to support people, ideas, and small groups dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community.
The Fund offers grants and scholarships to support a broad range of needs, including general organizational support, project-specific funding, emergent unplanned needs, sponsorship of queer events, and scholarships for LGBTQ+ high school students. Scholarships target students committed to social change for LGBTQ+ individuals and who plan to attend a college, vocational, or technical program. Scholarship award amounts typically range from $1,000 to $2,000.
Grantmaking priorities include projects led by queer and trans individuals, especially those that prioritize BIPOC and/or trans Vermonters, elders, youth, and individuals with disabilities. Additional emphasis is placed on harm reduction work such as HIV/AIDS advocacy, projects outside of Chittenden County, smaller budget initiatives, and long-term efforts.
Grants can be awarded up to $5,000 and must support activities taking place within a year of the award. The 2025 grant cycle is open from May 6 to July 31, with all applications due by 5 PM on July 31. Applicants will be notified of decisions by mid-September. Although the primary cycle follows set dates, funding for emergent needs, early projects, and sponsorships is available year-round on a rolling basis.
Eligibility for the grant includes LGBTQ+ organizations and projects in Vermont. Scholarship eligibility is limited to Vermont residents who are graduating high school seniors or GED recipients planning to pursue further education. They must also demonstrate a commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy through personal experience or public engagement.
For more information about the program or application support, interested parties can contact Elisabeth Marx at emarx@vermontcf.org or call 802-388-3355 ext. 241. The Vermont Community Foundation is located at 3 Court Street, Middlebury, VT 05753.
