Guidelines

Grant Making Guidelines

{Please review these guidelines along with the important points found on the application page.}

  • The majority of the Foundation's grantmaking is focused in Vermont, although, occasionally, exceptions are made.
  • All applicants must have tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit organization as defined by the IRS (churches & schools excepted).
  • Grants generally range from a few thousand dollars up to $20,000. In unique circumstances, the Foundation might consider a more significant grant for a program having a major impact in one or more of its areas of interest.



  • Of particular interest to the Foundation are organizations that promote partnerships and collaborative efforts among multiple groups and organizations.
  • The Foundation encourages pilot initiatives that test new program models.
  • Priority will be given to requests that show specific plans for funding beyond the present.
  • The applicant must have an active board of directors with policy-making authority. The board should demonstrate competence in the sound financial management of the organization.
Screening Process
  • Applications are accepted throughout the year. Upon arrival, grant applications are reviewed for completeness by the Foundation's staff and then forwarded to the Foundation's Directors prior to the start of their quarterly board meetings.
  • After evaluating an application, the Board will choose to: decline, approve, request additional information, schedule a site visit, or invite the applicant in for an interview.
  • Applicants, if declined, may re-apply no sooner than the next calendar year (from the date of the declined application) unless the nature or circumstances surrounding the request changes significantly. The subsequent application should describe these changes in full.

    • Areas of Exclusion
  • The Foundation generally will not provide grants to the following: organizations not determined to be tax-exempt under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code; individuals; government agencies; international organizations; or organizations that subsist mainly on third party funding and have demonstrated no ability or expended little effort to attract private funding.

    • Helpful Tips
  • Whenever possible, grant requests should be made using the Online Grant Application Form.
  • Prior to proceeding to the On-line Grant Application module, please review the Foundation's Mission & Guidelines to ensure that the application will receive the consideration that it deserves.
  • Applicants should be as concise as possible when responding to all grant application questions. It may be helpful to formulate responses in a separate word processing program and then copy that information directly into the appropriate place on the application.
  • Please preview the formatting of your budgets before uploading. If you would like tips on formatting budgets, see our Budget Prep Guide.
  • Should any questions remain after reviewing the Foundation's Mission, Application Instructions, FAQs, and Guidelines, the applicant may contact Foundation Services prior to submitting its grant application.