Vermont Private Grants

The Research and Education Grant program funds projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The focus on farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $250,000. Grant Period Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligible Applicants Research and Education Grants are open to anyone who works with farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, for-profit business entities (such as private consultants, farmers and veterinary practices), etc. Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation is requesting applications for its Equity & Justice Grant. Donor Name: Ben & Jerry’s Foundation State: Vermont County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Each summer, the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation offers grants of up to $15,000, with an average grant size of $10,000, to Vermont-based, Vermont-focused, non-profit organizations working to address racial, economic, social, and environmental disparities and injustice in Vermont. They will seek out innovative programs that are working toward fundamental change in Vermont and that approach their work through the lens of social justice and equity. Priorities  Funding preference will be given to organizations whose areas of interest may include, but are not limited to: Equity in education and early childcare Equity in access to safe and affordable housing Criminal justice reform Workers’ rights and Equity in access to healthy and affordable food. Eligibility Requirements  To be considered for funding, each applicant organization must be: Located in Vermont. A Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization. Represented by a fiscal agent with 501(c)(3) status. Organizations with Total Annual Operating Budgets under $350,000. Ineligibility  Unfortunately, they cannot consider requests for: Programs that solely provide direct services to individuals Discretionary or emergency requests Schools Colleges or universities Individuals or scholarship programs Research, litigation or legal expenses Capital or endowment campaigns State agencies or government-sponsored programs Businesses or business associations Religious activities One time events Other foundations or regranting organizations Organizations or programs that are focused or based outside the state of Vermont. For more information, visit BJF.

The Tarrant Foundation awards between 50 – 70 competitive grants annually. Because we believe we can have the most impact by concentrating these funds in Vermont, applications are accepted only from Vermont organizations. Working-Age Adults: Employment and Financial Independence We support strategies that promote and facilitate the journey to economic independence, and that ultimately reduce reliance on public assistance. Our focus includes: job training/retention, financial literacy, homelessness prevention, and community-based addiction recovery.

This grant provides financial support to schools, nonprofits, and municipal entities in Poultney and nearby communities for projects that enhance educational opportunities, family services, and community sustainability.

This program provides financial support to established small businesses in Portsmouth to help them grow and expand their operations.

This funding opportunity supports licensed dairy processors and brands in the Northeast to initiate or expand co-packing arrangements, scale production, and enhance their product offerings.

This program provides funding to early-career researchers in New England to support innovative studies that improve child health outcomes.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations and schools in New Hampshire and Vermont to create engaging literacy projects that inspire children and their families to develop a love for reading and writing.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations focused on wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and outdoor recreation projects in Northern New England, particularly in the Northern Forest and Gulf of Maine regions.

This funding initiative supports Vermont-based nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and community groups in creating interactive arts projects that promote community engagement and social connection, particularly for historically marginalized groups.

This award recognizes and rewards private landowners in New England who implement exceptional conservation practices that improve soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on their farms, ranches, or forestlands.

This grant provides financial support to Vermont organizations that offer business services to agricultural and forestry businesses, as well as to producer associations that promote and represent the state's agricultural and forestry products.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, governments, and educational institutions for projects that restore and sustain healthy rivers, forests, and grasslands to support diverse wildlife in the Northeast.

This grant provides funding for Vermont schools and nonprofit arts organizations to create high-quality, multi-day arts experiences for preK–12 students, fostering collaboration with teaching artists to enhance creative learning and address educational disparities.

This grant provides funding to local nonprofits, schools, and municipal entities in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties to support community-driven projects that enhance the quality of life for residents.

This program provides funding for applied research and demonstration projects that utilize advanced wood materials in transportation infrastructure, prioritizing initiatives that enhance resilience to extreme weather and support economically distressed communities.

This grant provides financial support for organizations in Chittenden County, Vermont, to present high-quality public performances of classical music, with a focus on accessibility for underserved communities.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Rutland County, Vermont, that address critical community needs in health, education, and financial stability.

This grant provides financial support to dairy farmers and related organizations in the Northeast to improve farm operations, enhance milk quality, and address climate challenges.

This funding opportunity provides $200,000 each to nonprofit organizations and local government entities that help low- to moderate-income homeowners overcome challenges related to maintaining their homes.