Vermont Arts Council Cultural Facilities Grant / Paul Post Fund / Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Minigrant / A.D. Henderson Foundation / The Turrell Fund / Verizon Foundation / Ben and Jerry's Foundation / Vermont Public Library Foundation / USDA Community Facilities

Vermont Arts Council Cultural Facilities Grant

The Vermont Arts Council administers the Cultural Facilities Grant Program. The grants are intended to help Vermont nonprofit organizations and municipalities enhance, create, or expand the capacity of an existing building to provide cultural activities for the public. 

Examples of recent grants include:

• Improvements such as wiring, heating, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) features, lighting and stage work.
• Building improvements, permanent display panels, exhibit cases, permanent infrastucture or fixed equipment expenses.

Wireless/broadband capacity will be eligible only for the purpose of enhancing programming capacity. New construction may be considered if it is the only option for making access improvements to a historic building. The grant will only cover expenses directly related to the accessible component of the project. 

The Cultural Facilities Grant will not cover:

• Expenses related to a temporary exhibit
• Multi-year projects
• Routine maintence requiring regulary scheduled upkeep
• Appliances, moveable furniture or rugs
• Major structural repairs to foundations, roofs, windows, etc.

Contact:

Amount: $1,000 - $30,000

Deadline: Spring 2016

To Apply:  Applications should be submitted to the Vermont Arts Council's online form.

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Paul Post Fund

The Paul Post Fund supports Vermont libraries to encourage and enhance reading by young adults. Any school, municipality or public nonprofit library may apply for support. 

Contact:

Amount: $250 - $1000

Deadline: No deadline, applications are accepted all year on a rolling basis.

To Apply:

Submit proposal, no longer than two pages, via email to the above contact. Include the following information:

• Name, address, and website for your library
• Name, email, and phone number of contact for the application
• Amount requested
• Project narrative covering topics of:
  • Goal - What you hope to achieve
  • Problem - Why this work is important
  • Activities - What you will do during this project
  • Evaluation - How will you know if you have succeeded
• Itemized budget for project, including expected income and expenses

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Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Minigrant

The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation will accept applications from public schools and libraries anywhere in the United States. Some examples of creative programs funded in the past are:

• Inter-generational journals
• Art projects culminating in art shows, murals, or quilts
• Bookmaking
• Creation and performance of puppet shows

Funds will not be granted for:

• General operating costs
• Administrative costs
• Transportation of the audience
• Purchase of books, tapes, software or equipment unrelated to the specific program described

Contact:

Amount: $500

Deadline: March 15, every year

To Apply:

Online applications and instructions can be found on the Ezra Jack Keats website.

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A.D. Henderson Foundation

The A.D. Henderson Foundation provides grants in support of improving the lives of children through education. The mission of the Foundation is to provide an opportunity for all children to succeed, with a special interest in promoting literacy for children and families. They also seek to improve the effciency and effectiveness of the nonprofit sector to serve the interests of our communities. 

Contact:

Amount: Not Listed

Deadline: None

To Apply:

Applicants must contact the Program Director prior to a formal submission to discuss their project idea. If the idea is a potential match with the Foundation's funding priorities, the applicant will be asked to submit an application.   

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The Turrell Fund

Grants from the Turrell Fund are awarded to agencies providing direct services to disadvantaged children in Vermont, and in four counties in New Jersey. While exceptions can be made, the Fund emphasizes programs serving and advocating for children birth to age five. 

Funds will not be granted for:

• Cultural activities
• Advocacy work
• Endowment funds
• Individuals
• Most hospital and health care services

Contact:

Amount: Not Listed

Deadline:  Applications accepted January 1st - February 1st and July 1st - August 1st

To Apply: Visit the Turrell Fund website for an application.

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Verizon Foundation

Grants from the Verizon Foundation will be made in the areas of education, literacy, domestic violence prevention, healthcare and accessibility, and Internet safety. 

Contact:

Amount: Not Listed

Deadline: Ongoing

To Apply: Grant applications are by invitation only. Contact your Community Relations Manager to see if you are eligible to apply.

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Ben and Jerry's Foundation

Ben and Jerry's Foundation supports projects which are grassroots models for progressive social change. The Foundation focuses on children and families, disadvantaged groups, and the environment.

Contact:

Amount: $1,001 - $15,000

Deadline: None

To Apply:

Submit two copies of a letter of interest. If selected, the foundation will request a full proposal. Detailed guidelines are available on the Foundation's website.

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USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program in VT

The USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program in Vermont provides affordable funding to essential community facilities in rural areas.

Eligible applicants include:

• Public bodies
• Community-based non-profit corporations
• Federally-recognized Tribes

Vermont contacts:

Misty Sinsigalli
481 Summer Street, Suite 203
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
802-748-8746 x 122
Misty.sinsigalli@vt.usda.gov
Covers: Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties

Andrea Ansevin-Allen
28 Vernon Street, Suite 333
Brattleboro, VT 05301
802-257-7878 x 113
Andrea.ansevinallen@vt.usda.gov
Covers: Bennington, Rutland, Windham and Windsor Counities

Jim Plouffe
87 State Street, Suite 304
P O Box 249
Montpelier, VT 05601
802-828-6004
James.plouffe@vt.usda.gov
Covers: Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, and Washington

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