Open Funding Opportunities

Funding Entity:  Vermont Economic Development Authority

Eligible Activities:  Provide loans for startup broadband projects and expansion of existing broadband networks. Eligible project costs include working capital, construction, and infrastructure/installation.

Funding Tool:  Loan

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Email

Link:  https://www.veda.org/broadband-loan-program

Note:  Feasibility study and/or a detailed business plan is required.

Funding Entity:  USDA Rural Development Rural Utilities Service

Eligible Activities: Provide service at or above the Broadband Grant Speed to all premises in rural, economically challenged communities where broadband service does not exist. The cost of providing broadband service free of charge to critical community facilities, such as public schools, fire stations, and public libraries for 2 years is an eligible cost. Up to 10% of the grant amount or up to $150,000 may be used for the improvement, expansion, construction, or acquisition of a community center that provides online access to the public.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  $100,000 to $5 million

Match:  15% of the grant

Application Closing Date:  04/21/25

Apply Via:  Grants.gov

Link: 

• Program: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/telecommunications-programs/community-connect-grants
• Application:  https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html and search Funding Opportunity Number RDRUS-CC-2023

Note:  This program assists rural communities to extend access where broadband service is least likely to be commercially available.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Department of Economic Development

Eligible Activities:  Remediation of brownfield sites for eligible sites

Funding Tool:  Grant to non-profits and municipalities; loans to private developers, nonprofits, and municipalities

Min/Max Funding:  Maximum $200,000 per parcel for DED’s federally funded program. No maximum limit for State funded program.

Match:  Required, but amount not specified for DED’s federally funded program. Match is 10% for State funded program.

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Online form submitted via email

Link:  https://accd.vermont.gov/economic-development/funding-incentives/brownfieldrevitalizationfundfederalprogram

Note:  Applicants must have completed a Phase 1 environmental site assessment prior to site acquisition and be enrolled in the Brownfields Reuse and Environmental Liability Limitation Program (BRELLA)

Funding Entity:  Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation

Eligible Activities:  Assessment and remediation of brownfield sites for eligible sites

Funding Tool:  Grant and/or loan

Min/Max Funding:  Not specified on program website. Funding is gap funding.

Match:  Unknown. Application requests information about other funding sources.

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Online form submitted via email

Link:  https://dec.vermont.gov/waste-management/contaminated-sites/brownfields/apply/technical-assistance-program

Note:  Applicants can have neither caused nor contributed to the contamination nor be connected to any person or organization that has caused or contributed to the contamination

Funding Entity:  Regional Planning Commissions

Eligible Activities:  Assessment and/or remediation of brownfield properties

Funding Tool:  Grant for assessment; grant and/or loan for remediation

Min/Max Funding:  Maximum $200,000 per parcel for federally funded program. No maximum limit for State funded program.

Match:  Varies by regional planning commission

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Online form submitted via email

Link:  Find the Regional Planning Commission (RPC) serving your municipality at https://www.vapda.org/regions.html. Several RPCs have revolving loan funds for remediation. These programs can assist sites throughout the state.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Emergency Management (State ARPA)

Eligible Activities:  Buyout of developed properties (conditions apply), purchase of vacant at-risk parcels or vacant (conditions apply), developable parcels, structural elevation or relocation projects,  restoring natural floodplain access, dam removal projects, natural infrastructure and nature-based solutions for flood storage or improved floodplain and river function, green infrastructure and low-impact development to manage stormwater and reduce future flooding (must be ineligible for other funding sources), community flood risk reduction assessments for communities within the Lake Champlain Basin, project scope for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) or other flood risk reduction grant programs, planning or education and outreach initiatives that improve understanding of flood risk, other innovative applications that reduce future flood risk, non-federal match for FEMA project applications under the Hazard Mitigation Assistance program (based on need), and management of awarded projects.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  No maximum award listed

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Rolling, until funds are allocated; next - and potentially final - application review is July 31, 2023

Apply Via:  Online form

Link:  https://vem.vermont.gov/flood-resilient-communities-fund

Note: Projects for municipal and/or public infrastructure require the municipality to have a currently approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)

Funding Entity:  Vermont Emergency Management

Eligible Activities:  Typical hazard mitigation projects include: mitigation of local roads and bridges, home acquisition (buyout), structural elevations or relocations, replacement of undersized culverts, mitigation outreach and education, planning, development of a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, etc. Project proposals do not need to be directly connected to damages incurred from the most recent declared disaster. 

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  No maximum award listed

Match:  Management costs are 100% federally funded. Due to the recently passed state budget for FY2025, there will be no local match requirement. The program typically requires a 25% local match.

Application Closing Date:  Rolling, until funds are allocated. Pre-Application Forms submitted by 04/30/25 receive priority for funding. Pre-Applications will be evaluated for eligibility, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness. Projects found to meet these requirements will then be invited to apply, provided technical assistance (if requested), and submitted to FEMA once completed.

Apply Via: Pre-application form

Link:  https://vem.vermont.gov/funding/mitigation 

Notes:

• Communities must have a FEMA approved and adopted Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) and Local Emergency Management Plan (LEMP) to receiving a project award. Applications can be submitted without these plans, but awarded funds will not be released until the plans are in place.
• Communities must be in good standing with the National Flood Insurance Program if a special flood hazard area (SFHA) has been identified in the community and if the proposed project is located within the SFHA.
• Landslide buyouts must have a letter from the State Geologist (imminent risk).
• A FEMA Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) is required, except for most property buyouts and elevations. Some assistance is available for completing a BCA. Submit the Pre-Application Form to access assistance.
• VEM staff are available, upon request, to provide technical assistance at any point in the process. Contact dps.hazardmitigation@vermont.gov.

Funding Entity:  Federal Emergency Management Agency

Eligible Activities: Provides technical support for hazard mitigation planning and BRIC grant project support. Support is tailored to communities through a range of activities and from pre-application to grant closeout. Project types from past BRIC Direct Technical Assistance requests include:

• General support in the areas of grants management, project scoping, and hazard mitigation planning.
• Technical assistance and evaluation for climate risk assessment and nature-based solutions projects.
• Natural hazards project scoping activities such as for flooding, drought, fire, typhoon, and erosion.

Funding Tool:  Grant of technical assistance

Min/Max Funding:  None. This is a grant of technical services.

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  04/18/25

Apply Via:  Online form

Link:  https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/building-resilient-infrastructure-communities/direct-technical-assistance 

Note: A VLCT web brief about this opportunity is available.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Council on Rural Development

Eligible Activities:  Supports to three to five communities annually, focusing on local climate action solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy efficiency, build climate resilience, and fortify the local climate economy. Services provided, such as community engagement, strategic planning, technical assistance, and project implementation, are adaptable to each community's unique needs.

Funding Tool:  Technical Assistance

Min/Max Funding:  Not applicable. This is a grant of services.

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  01/16/24

Apply Via:  Online application

Link:  https://www.vtrural.org/climate-economy/climate-economy-resilient-communities/?emci=e30df02c-76a9-ee11-bea1-0022482237da&emdi=0dcd53dd-76aa-ee11-bea1-0022482237da&ceid=11072291#1671733160954-bd00e366-67a7

Note:  Priority will be given to projects showcasing collaboration, equitable engagement, increased resilience, emissions reduction, and economic strengthening, with the potential to serve as models for other Vermont communities. Eligible entities include Town Energy Committees, Energy Coordinators, municipal leadership, or Climate Catalysts.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

Eligible Activities:  

• Supports conservation projects of statewide significance, including natural areas that support vital ecological or conservation functions and values; provide habitat for rare or endangered species; or have physiographic or geological features of statewide significance (waterfalls, caves, gorges, river deltas, etc.).
• Supports conservation of locally significant projects for outdoor public recreation, natural area protection, historic preservation, agricultural land preservation, and the maintenance of a community’s scenic integrity or definition of its identity. Multi-purpose projects are most competitive.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $150,000 plus associated costs (ex. appraisals, options, closing costs)

Match:  ⅓ of total project costs

Application Closing Date:  Reviewed as received

Apply Via:  Online application portal

Link:   https://vhcb.org/our-programs/conservation/apply-for-funding

Note: 

• Applicants are requested to call VHCB staff to discuss their project prior to completing an application.
• Program does not fund construction of buildings or recreational facilities.
• Conservation easement or other VHCB Board-approved legal mechanism to protect a property in perpetuity required.

Funding Entity:  Addison County Regional Planning Commission

Eligible Activities:  Supports getting landowners, municipalities, and other partners "on board" with projects to improve water quality and to move those projects towards design and implementation. Eligible activities include reviewing and prioritizing projects in existing plans, contacting landowners, reviewing permit needs, meeting with municipalities, estimating phosphorus reduction potential, and developing basic concept drawings.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $34,000

Match:  None specified

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply via:  Email

Link:  https://acrpc.org/grants-rfps/#:~:text=Development%20Block%20Grants-,Water%20Quality%20Project%20Development%20Block%20Grants,-ACRPC%20is%20administering

Note:  Funds cannot be used for any project requiring a 3-acre permit or any project obligated under the law.

Funding Entity:  Northwest Regional Planning Commission

Eligible Activities:  Supports scoping work on any non-regulatory project type to determine feasibility, constraints, and overall suitability for implementing the project. Project development focuses on evaluating and preparing a project for potential implementation. Projects can be general scoping to create a list of projects worthy of further development or specific project development to gather information and secure commitments to assess a project’s feasibility and readiness to proceed.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Application Closing Date:  06/30/25

Min/Max Funding:  $10,000 for applicants in the Missisquoi Basin; $5,000 for applicants in the Lamoille Basin

Match:  Not mentioned

Apply Via:  Online form

Link:  https://www.nrpcvt.com/about-nrpc/rfp-rfq-rfb/

Notes:  Applicants must be on NRPC’s Prequalified Partners list, which includes the Towns of Westfield and Georgia. Other towns must work through other eligible entities listed in Section C of the Call for Applications.

Funding Entity:  Northwest Regional Planning Commission

Eligible Activities:  Supports project identification and assessment, project development, preliminary (30%) design, final (100%) design, and implementation/construction of best management practices or other programs designed to improve water quality. Eligible project types include stormwater projects on developed land that are not required by a permit; river corridor restoration and protection; floodplain restoration and protection; wetland restoration and protection; riparian and lakeshore corridor protection and restoration; natural woody buffers associated with riparian and lakeshore; projects on agricultural land if the farm in question does not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the Required Agricultural Practices; natural resource restoration projects on a jurisdictional farm if confirmed by the VT Agency of Agriculture.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  None listed; Cost versus phosphorus reduction ratio is considered

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Multiple opportunities to submit. Next application deadlines are 05/08/25 and 11/13/25.

Apply via:  Email

Link:  https://www.nrpcvt.com/about-nrpc/rfp-rfq-rfb/ 

Note:  Projects must not be required by a permit (10 VSA, Chapter 47), or subject to the requirements of Vermont Agricultural Water Quality statutes (6 V.S.A, Chapter 215). Funding may be available for the portion of projects that exceed requirements set forth in the statutes above.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

Eligible Activities:  Supports project identification and assessment, project development, preliminary (30%) design, final (100%) design, and implementation/construction of best management practices or other programs designed to improve water quality. Eligible project types include sub-jurisdictional practices related to developed lands; river corridor restoration and protection; floodplain restoration and protection; wetland restoration and protection; riparian and lakeshore corridor protection and restoration; natural woody buffers associated with riparian, lakeshore, and wetland protection and restoration; forestry projects that provide water quality protection and restoration beyond the requirements of the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation Acceptable Management Practices; projects on agricultural land if the farm in question does not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the Required Agricultural Practices; natural resource restoration projects on a jurisdictional farm if confirmed by the VT Agency of Agriculture.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  None listed; Cost versus phosphorus reduction ratio is considered

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:   Multiple opportunities to submit. Next application deadlines are 10/03/25 and 12/05/25.

Apply via:  Email

Link:  https://vhcb.org/our-programs/conservation/memphremagog-basin-clean-water-service-provider

Note: Projects must not be required by a permit (10 VSA, Chapter 47), or subject to the requirements of Vermont Agricultural Water Quality statutes (6 V.S.A, Chapter 215). Funding may be available for the portion of projects that exceed requirements set forth in the statutes above.

Funding Entity:  Northwest Regional Planning Commission

Eligible Activities:  Supports project identification and assessment, project development, preliminary (30%) design, final (100%) design, and implementation/construction of best management practices or other programs designed to improve water quality. Eligible project types include stormwater projects on developed land that are not required by a permit; river corridor restoration and protection; floodplain restoration and protection; wetland restoration and protection; riparian and lakeshore corridor protection and restoration; natural woody buffers associated with riparian and lakeshore; projects on agricultural land if the farm in question does not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the Required Agricultural Practices; natural resource restoration projects on a jurisdictional farm if confirmed by the VT Agency of Agriculture.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  None listed; Cost versus phosphorus reduction ratio is considered

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Multiple opportunities to submit. Upcoming application deadlines are 05/21/25 and 09/17/25.

Apply via:  Online application

Link:  https://www.nrpcvt.com/about-nrpc/rfp-rfq-rfb/ 

Note:  Projects must not be required by a permit (10 VSA, Chapter 47), or subject to the requirements of Vermont Agricultural Water Quality statutes (6 V.S.A, Chapter 215). Funding may be available for the portion of projects that exceed requirements set forth in the statutes above.

Funding Entity:  Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission

Eligible Activities:  Supports project identification and assessment, project development, preliminary (30%) design, final (100%) design, and implementation/construction of best management practices or other programs designed to improve water quality. Eligible project types include sub-jurisdictional practices related to developed lands; river corridor restoration and protection; floodplain restoration and protection; wetland restoration and protection; riparian and lakeshore corridor protection and restoration; natural woody buffers associated with riparian, lakeshore, and wetland protection and restoration; forestry projects that provide water quality protection and restoration beyond the requirements of the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation Acceptable Management Practices; projects on agricultural land if the farm in question does not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the Required Agricultural Practices; natural resource restoration projects on a jurisdictional farm if confirmed by the VT Agency of Agriculture.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  None listed; Cost versus phosphorus reduction ratio is considered. At this time, projects with a projected cost-efficiency of greater than $50,000 per kilogram-of-phosphorus (P) reduction over a 15-year lifespan (i.e. Engineering + Construction Costs / kilograms-P-reduced) will generally not be funded. Such projects will be addressed on a case-by-case basis using a pre-proposal.

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply via: Email

Link:  https://www.ccrpcvt.org/northern-lake-champlain-cwsp/

Note:  Projects must not be required by a permit (10 VSA, Chapter 47), or subject to the requirements of Vermont Agricultural Water Quality statutes (6 V.S.A, Chapter 215). Funding may be available for the portion of projects that exceed requirements set forth in the statutes above.

Funding Entity:  Addison County Regional Planning Commission

Eligible Activities:  Supports project identification and assessment, project development, preliminary (30%) design, final (100%) design, and implementation/construction of best management practices or other programs designed to improve water quality. Eligible project types include sub-jurisdictional practices related to developed lands; river corridor restoration and protection; floodplain restoration and protection; wetland restoration and protection; riparian and lakeshore corridor protection and restoration; natural woody buffers associated with riparian, lakeshore, and wetland protection and restoration; forestry projects that provide water quality protection and restoration beyond the requirements of the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation Acceptable Management Practices; projects on agricultural land if the farm in question does not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the Required Agricultural Practices; natural resource restoration projects on a jurisdictional farm if confirmed by the VT Agency of Agriculture.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Based on total phosphorus load reductions achieved versus project cost

Match:  None

Application Closing Date: Multiple opportunities to submit. Deadlines usually are the second Wednesday of January, April, July, and October, except the January deadline is the third Wednesday of December. Next application deadlines are 07/09/25 and 10/08/25. Verify deadlines on ACRPC website at https://acrpc.org/grants-rfps/#:~:text=Transportation%20Alternatives%20Program-,RFPs%20and%C2%A0RFQs,-ACRPC%20posts%20all as each date draws nearer.

Apply via:  Online form submitted via email

Link:  https://acrpc.org/grants-rfps/#:~:text=Otter%20Creek%20Basin%20Clean%20Water%20Service%20Provider%20Call%20for%20Proposals

Note: Projects must not be required by a permit (10 VSA, Chapter 47), or subject to the requirements of Vermont Agricultural Water Quality statutes (6 V.S.A, Chapter 215). Funding may be available for the portion of projects that exceed requirements set forth in the statutes above.

Funding Entity:  Rutland Regional Planning Commission and Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District

Eligible Activities:  Supports project identification and assessment, project development, preliminary (30%) design, final (100%) design, and implementation/construction of best management practices or other programs designed to improve water quality. Eligible project types include sub-jurisdictional practices related to developed lands; river corridor restoration and protection; floodplain restoration and protection; wetland restoration and protection; riparian and lakeshore corridor protection and restoration; natural woody buffers associated with riparian, lakeshore, and wetland protection and restoration; forestry projects that provide water quality protection and restoration beyond the requirements of the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation Acceptable Management Practices; projects on agricultural land if the farm in question does not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the Required Agricultural Practices; natural resource restoration projects on a jurisdictional farm if confirmed by the VT Agency of Agriculture.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  None listed; Cost versus phosphorus reduction ratio is considered

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Applications may be submitted at any time.

Apply via:  Online form submitted via email

Link:  https://www.rutlandrpc.org/programs/clean-water-service-provider/#:~:text=DATED%20OPPORTUNITIES-,BID%20REVIEW%20DATES,-FUNDING%20QUALIFICATION%20ROUNDS 

Note: Projects must not be required by a permit (10 VSA, Chapter 47), or subject to the requirements of Vermont Agricultural Water Quality statutes (6 V.S.A, Chapter 215). Funding may be available for the portion of projects that exceed requirements set forth in the statutes above.

Funding Entity:  Watersheds United Vermont

Eligible Activities:  Supports implementation of high priority, cost-effective, native riparian woody buffer plantings. Riparian forest buffers must be of sufficient width, intercept sediment, nutrients, pesticides, and other materials in surface runoff and reduce nutrient and other pollutants in shallow subsurface water flow. Projects involving the installation of woody buffers along rivers and streams must have a minimum buffer width of 35 feet and a minimum planting density of at least 300 stems/acre.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $300,000

Match:  None required.

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Email

Link:  https://watershedsunitedvt.org/resources/block-grants#:~:text=2024%20Woody%20Buffer%20Block%20Grant%20%2D%20Active%20Grant%20Round

Funding Entity:  US Environmental Protection Agency

Eligible Activities:  This program will help eligible entities develop an application for EPA Community Change Grants by providing grant application support, project planning and development, outreach and engagement, and general capacity building.

Funding Tool:  Grant of technical assistance

Min/Max Funding:  None. This program provides technical assistance for the Community Change Grant application.

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Online form

Link:  https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/community-change-grants-technical-assistance

Note:  If you are awarded a Community Change grant, the program also provides grants management and reporting support.

Funding Entity:  US Environmental Protection Agency

Eligible Activities:  This program will help eligible entities develop an application for EPA Community Change Grants by providing free design and project development assistance, community engagement, and partnership development workshops that support climate resilience and environmental justice activities in disaster-prone areas. Climate resilience projects must have a direct benefit to disadvantaged communities and could include retrofits to community-serving buildings; design or redesign of public parks, open space, and waterways; redesign of streets; or other projects that address climate resilience and environmental justice.

Funding Tool:  Grant of technical assistance

Min/Max Funding:  None. This program provides 4 to 5 months of technical assistance.

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Online form

Link:  https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/community-change-equitable-resilience-technical-assistance

Note:  Eligible sites for this technical assistance must in a disaster-prone area and benefit a disadvantaged community.

Funding Entity:  Fruit Tree Planting Foundation

Eligible Activities:  Provides high-quality fruit trees and shrubs to create an orchard and equipment, on-site orchard design expertise and oversight, horticultural workshops, and aftercare training and manuals to support long-term maintenance and health of the orchard.

Funding Tool:  Grant of supplies (trees/equipment) and technical services

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Min/Max Funding: $

Match:  Grant recipients must provide mulch for planting day.

Apply Via:  Email

Link:  https://www.ftpf.org/apply

Notes:  Recipients must either a) own the planting site, b) have a long-term lease in place, or c) work with a nonprofit or government entity that owns the planting site with a long-term usage agreement in place.

Funding Entity:  US Fish and Wildlife Service

Eligible Activities:  Supports projects that restore and conserve fish and wildlife habitat

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $750,000

Match:  Not required, although USF&WS strives to achieve a minimum 1:1 cost share on selected projects

Application Closing Date:  12/31/24

Apply Via:  Grants.gov

Link: 

• Program: https://www.fws.gov/program/partners-fish-and-wildlife 
• Notice of Funding Opportunity: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html and search Opportunity Number F24AS00021

Note:  Applicants are requested to consult with a local Partners’ Program office before developing or submitting an application.

Funding Entity:  Northern Borders Regional Commission

Eligible Activities:  Supports community development projects, workforce training and development projects, marketing/communication and education projects, business planning and technical assistance projects, and public infrastructure (transportation, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and energy) that directly support the forest industry, diversified use of forests, and use of wood products.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Application Closing Date:  08/29/25 Pre-Application; 10/10/25 Application (by invitation only)

Min/Max Funding:  $1 million

Match:  20% Distressed counties; 50% Transitional counties; 50% Isolated Areas of Distress

Apply Via:  Multi-step process. Project Interest Form. Meet with State Program Manager. Pre-Application and Application are submitted through NBRC’s Grant Management System.

Link:  https://www.nbrc.gov/content/FEP

Notes:

• Projects must be consistent with the Program investment priorities of the Forest Economy Program and the Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap.
• This grant has unique requirements after an award is made, but before a Notice to Proceed is issued. Applicants are advised to fully review all program guidance and the Grant Administration Compliance Manual to understand budget, workplan, and pre-approval requirements. 

Funding Entity:  Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program

Eligible Activities:  Supports small (1 to 10 trees), specialized tree planting projects. Eligible expenses include tree purchase and delivery and tree irrigation supplies (mulch, watering devices, etc.)

Funding Tool:  Grant of technical assistance and trees

Application Closing Date:  Rolling; applications will be reviewed 09/12/25

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $2,000

Match:  None required

Apply Via:  Online form

Link:  https://vtcommunityforestry.org/municipal-assistance/financial-assistance/community-tree-fund

Notes: 

• Tree planting location must be identified in application.
• Preference will be given to projects planted on public land. Projects on private land are allowed if there is a demonstrated public benefit.
• VT UCF staff will purchase tree(s) and facilitate delivery.

Funding Entity:  National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

Eligible Activities:  Supports planning, design, and implementation of nitrogen prevention or reduction projects in the Connecticut River watershed. Example projects include green infrastructure, riparian buffers, freshwater wetland and in-stream restoration, installation of decentralized on-site wastewater treatment systems, agricultural practices, low-cost wastewater treatment facility retrofits, right-sizing culverts, improving road crossing, etc. 

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Design/Planning $50,000 to $500,000; Implementation $50,000 to $1.5 million; Education and Public Participation $50,000 to $250,000

Match:  50% of the “Requested Amount” from the Fund (ex. Requesting $100,000 then Match is $50,000)

Application Closing Date:  05/29/25

Apply Via:  easygrants.nfwf.org

Link:  https://www.nfwf.org/programs/long-island-sound-futures-fund/long-island-sound-futures-fund-2025-request-proposals

Note:  Applicants are eligible for two types of one-to-one assistance: 1) feedback and guidance on proposal ideas (registration required) and 2) fostering development of water quality improvement proposals (via Throwe Environmental, the grant Field Liaison, at lisff@throwe-environmental.com/).

Funding Entity:  Mount Ascutney Regional Commission

Eligible Activities:  Supports project development, preliminary (30%) engineering design, final (100%) engineering design, and implementation of clean water projects with a primary purpose of mitigating sediment and nutrient pollution to surface waters. 

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  None noted

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  05/01/25

Apply via:  Email

Link:  https://www.marcvt.org/clean-water-design-and-implementation-block-grant.html 

Notes: 

• Contact cwbg@marcvt.org to confirm project eligibility and availability of funds before applying.
• All projects must be non-regulatory. 

Funding Entity:  Vermont Council on Rural Development

Eligible Activities:  Provides new and emerging leaders with opportunities to build peer connections, strengthen leadership skills, and receive project development support.

Funding Tool:  Learning opportunity

Min/Max Funding:  N/A

Match:  N/A

Application Closing Date:  05/01/25

Apply Via: Online form

Link:  https://www.vtrural.org/climate-economy/climate-catalysts-leadership-program/

Notes: 

• This six-month program engages participants with in-person and virtual gatherings and one-on-one support.
• Applicants commit to developing a project or interest, which can be as a community volunteer, part of paid work, or something they are doing as an elected municipal committee member.

Funding Entity:  Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions

Eligible Activities:  Provide seed money and/or matching funds for specific projects in the broad categories of land conservation, education and outreach, stewardship and management, and planning.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $700

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  04/18/258

Apply Via: Form submitted via email

Link:  https://vtconservation.com/tiny-grants/

Note:  Eligible applicants are conservation commissions or local committees/groups that are working towards becoming a conservation commission in Vermont and paid members of AVCC.

Funding Entity:  National Endowment for the Humanities

Eligible Activities:  Supports operational assessments and strategic planning efforts to sustain and protect historical, cultural, educational, intellectual, and physical assets from the risks of climate change.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $300,000

Match:  50% of total project cost

Application Closing Date:  09/17/25

Apply Via:  Grants.gov

Link:  

• Program: https://www.neh.gov/program/climate-smart-humanities-organizations-0
• Funding Opportunity:  https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html  and search Funding Opportunity Number 20240912-CLI

Note:  Expected product is a climate action and adaptation planning document.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Humanities

Eligible Activities:  Supports “pop-up” opportunities that offer humanities experiences and require a quick response.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $1,000

Match:  None indicated

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Online application form

Link:  https://www.vermonthumanities.org/grants/rapid-response-grants/ 

Note:  See samples of past awards.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Humanities

Eligible Activities:  Supports new or existing community and curriculum development projects. Fundable projects include:

• Community programming that invites participation in humanities discourse
• Curriculum development with plans to share the work to increase access to the humanities
• Humanities experiences designed to support a specific affinity group or to encourage interaction among more than one affinity groups

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $5,000

Match:  None indicated

Application Closing Date:  Multiple grant cycles with deadlines of 05/21/25 and 09/10/25

Apply Via:  Online application form

Link:  https://www.vermonthumanities.org/grants/for-applicants/project-grants/ 

Note:  Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the funder ahead of applying, especially for new projects.

Funding Entity:  Preservation Trust of Vermont

Eligible Activities:  Supports condition assessments for historic barns by qualified contractor.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  $375 to $500

Match:  Up to 50% of total project cost

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Contact Field Service Representatives and set up a site visit

Link:  https://ptvermont.org/our-work/barn-grants/ 

Funding Entity:  Vermont Arts Council

Eligible Activities:  Supports enhancing, creating, or expanding the capacity of an existing building to provide cultural activities for the public. Cultural activities are defined broadly as activities that enhance artistic, creative, aesthetic, historic or scholarly appreciation by members of the public. This includes performances, exhibits, readings, film screenings, displays, workshops, etc. Example projects include wiring, heating, accessibility features, lighting, and stage improvements; building improvements; permanent display panels or exhibit cases; permanent infrastructure or fixed equipment; hazard mitigation efforts such as flood gates, rain gutters, sprinkler systems, and energy efficiency upgrades.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  $1,000 to $30,000

Match:  $1 in match for every $1 in grant funds

Application Closing Date:  05/15/25

Apply Via: Online portal

Link:  https://www.vermontartscouncil.org/grants/find-a-grant/organizations/cultural-facilities/

Notes: 

• Applicants must own a facility that is at least 10 years old, and it must be physically located in Vermont.
• The application requires two estimates so start gathering them early.
• Contact Michele Bailey at mbailey@vermontartscouncil.org or 802-402-4614 prior to preparing your application to assure that your project is eligible for funding consideration.
• This grant will fund accessibility improvements, including new construction. It will not fund routine maintenance, such as painting, or major structural repairs to foundations, roofs, windows, etc.
• Multi-purpose municipal facilities, such as libraries, town halls, and churches, will compete more successfully if they demonstrate a significant commitment to cultural activities that are open to the public.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Arts Council

Eligible Activities:  Supports projects that add vibrancy to Vermont communities and equal and abundant access to the arts. Example projects include performances, exhibits, fairs, festivals, public art projects, creative experiences, and accessibility accommodations that enable people with disabilities to participate in arts programs. Priority projects include expanding access to arts and cultural activities, creative placemaking, and addressing issues related to disaster recovery.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  $1,000 to $4,000

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  05/20/25

Apply Via:  Online portal

Link:  https://www.vermontartscouncil.org/grants/find-a-grant/organizations/arts-project/

Funding Entity:  Vermont Community Foundation

Eligible Activities:  Supports projects and events in the visual, performing, music, and literary arts that create opportunities for positive social interaction, engagement, and collaboration. Projects should strengthen belonging and community cohesion in ways that are likely to persist and grow. Example projects include participatory mural projects, artists residencies, public arts installations, interactive performances, new choral collaborations, talent shows, hands-on workshops, and free public classes and events. Audience and community participation in the project or event is essential.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $12,000 with an average grant size of $7,500

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  05/08/25 Letter of Interest. Application by invitation only.

Apply Via:  Online portal

Link:  https://vermontcf.org/funds/arts-social-cohesion/

Funding Entity:  Federal Emergency Management Agency

Eligible Activities:  Provides supplemental Federal grant assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and specific facilities of certain types of private nonprofit organizations. There are seven categories of assistance, one or all are federally authorized for any disaster event. Encourages protection of damaged facilities from future incidents by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Based on FEMA-established minimum and large project thresholds for a fiscal year. For CY 2023, small project min/max is $3,800 to $999,999, and large project is ≥$1 million.

Match:  25% of total project cost; a portion of this match will be paid by the State of Vermont based on a municipality’s Emergency Relief Assistance Fund rate. Find your municipality’s rate on Flood Ready Vermont.

Application Closing Date:  30 days from the date the area (county, municipality) was designated in the declaration (the July 2023 flood event date varies for different counties in Vermont)

Apply Via:  FEMA Grants Portal

Link:

     Program:  https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public

     VLCT-Compiled Resources: https://www.vlct.org/fema-public-assistance-program-pa

Note:  Work funded through Public Assistance MUST include a contract provision encouraging (not requiring) the contractor to provide a preference for the purchase, acquisition, or use of goods, products or materials produced in the United States. This includes, but is not limited to, iron, aluminum, steel, cement, and other manufactured products. This requirement also must be included in all subawards.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Emergency Management

Eligible Activities:  Provides public assistance to municipalities to repair damaged infrastructure after a presidentially declared disaster.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  State share of FEMA Public Assistance 25% required local match: 7.5%, 12.5% or 17.5% based on municipal disaster preparedness actions

Match:  Municipality provides the remaining share of FEMA Public Assistance required local match

Application Closing Date:  None

Apply Via: No application required; the State of Vermont pays its FEMA match contribution to the municipality based on FEMA payment to municipality and municipality’s ERAF rate

Link: 

• Flood Ready Vermont ERAF: https://floodready.vermont.gov/find_funding/emergency_relief_assistance
• ERAF Rule: https://floodready.vermont.gov/sites/floodready/files/documents/CVR%2010-000-001%20Final%20ERAF%20Rule%202015.pdf

Funding Entity:  Vermont Agency of Transportation

Eligible Activities:  Supports repair or reconstruction of Federal-aid highways and roads on Federal lands which have suffered serious damage because of natural disasters or catastrophic failures from an external cause. 

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Not specified

Match:  10% for interstate highways; 20% for all other Federal-aid highways and roads on Federal lands; 0% for Federal Lands Management Agencies

Application Closing Date:  To be determined; VTrans must submit an application to the Federal Highways Administration within two calendar years of the date of the disaster

Apply Via: VTrans (process to be determined)

Link:  https://vtrans.vermont.gov/emergency-management#:~:text=FHWA%20%E2%80%93%20Emergency%20Recovery%C2%A0

Funding Entity:  Vermont Agency of Transportation

Eligible Activities:  Repair, build, or reconstruct Class 1, 2, or 3 town highways and for repair or replace drainage structures including bridges on Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 town highways damaged by natural or man-made disasters. Drainage structures on Class 4 roads are eligible if the town documents it has completed prior maintenance.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding: 

• Minimum: Damages must be greater than 10% of the town's overall highway budget excluding winter maintenance.
• Maximum: The greater of either a) 90% of repair/replacement costs or b) eligible repair/replacement costs, minus an amount equal to 10% of the overall total highway budget, minus the town’s winter maintenance budget.

Match:  10% of eligible costs

Application Closing Date: 

Apply Via:  Contact VTrans District Office

Link:  19 V.S.A. § 306(d)

Notes: This program is State aid for non-federal disasters. The disaster cannot qualify for assistance from FEMA Public Assistance or from FHWA Emergency Relief programs, and the Secretary of Transportation must determine that the disaster is of such magnitude that State aid is both reasonable and necessary to preserve the public good. 

Funding Entity:  USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Eligible Activities:  Offers technical and financial assistance to help local communities relieve imminent threats to life and property caused by natural disasters that impair a watershed. Planning, design, and construction oversight are part of this program. Eligible activities include: 

• removing debris from stream channels, road culverts and bridges;
• reshaping and protecting eroded streambanks;
• correcting damaged or destroyed drainage facilities;
• establishing vegetative cover on critically eroding lands;
• repairing levees and structures;      
• repairing certain conservation practices; and
• purchasing EWP Buyouts.

Commonly eligible projects include head-cutting gullies, severely eroded stream banks and drainage ditches, wildfire damage, debris in channels, sediment deposits in creeks and drainage ditches, channel stabilization at culverts and bridges, and landslides causing a watershed impairment. 

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  None specified

Match:  25% of construction costs; NRCS may provide up to 100% of costs for purchase of floodplain easement and restoration project.

Application Closing Date:  Project sponsors must submit a formal Request for Assistance within 60 days of the disaster occurrence or 60 days from the date when access to the sites becomes available. 

Apply Via:  A Request for Assistance letter directed to VT’s NRCS office

Link:  https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/ewp-emergency-watershed-protection 

Notes: 

• NRCS staff conduct damage survey site visits after a Request for Assistance is submitted.
• Program assistance is only used to relieve a threat to infrastructure, not to repair the infrastructure.
• Project sponsors may require the property owner to provide the match.

Funding Entity:  US Economic Development Administration

Eligible Activities:  Supports disaster recovery activities including economic recovery strategic planning grants, public works construction projects including broadband and resiliency projects, workforce development, capitalization of revolving loan funds, and economic development projects that enhance density in the vicinity of other economic development

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  No minimums or maximums are listed

Match:  20% 0f eligible costs, but factors such as project scale, extent of disaster impact, total project cost, relative community distress, and geographic distribution of funds can lower the match rate

Application Closing Date:  Rolling until funds have been expended

Apply Via:  EDGE

Link:

• Notice of Funding Opportunity: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html  and search Funding Opportunity Number EDA-DISASTER-2023
• EDGE grants portal: https://sfgrants.eda.gov   

Note:  Supports recovery in areas where a Presidential disaster declaration was issued in calendar years 2021 and 2022. For Vermont, this includes a Severe Storm and Flooding (4621-DR-VT; statewide) in July 2021 and Tropical Storm Henri (3567-EM-VT; Bennington and Windham Counties) in August 2021.

Funding Entity:  USDA Rural Development

Eligible Activities:  Helps eligible communities prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. Applicants must show that a major decline in quantity or quality of water occurred within two years of the date of the application. Grants are also awarded when a significant decline in quality and quantity of water is imminent. 

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding: 

• Water transmission line grants up to $150,000 to construct waterline extensions, repair breaks or leaks in existing water distribution lines, and address related maintenance necessary to replenish the water supply
• Water source grants up to $1,000,000 for the construction of new wells, reservoirs, transmission lines, treatment plants, and/or other sources of water (water source up to and including the treatment plant)

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  RDApply; Contact Rebecca Schrader, Lead Community Program Specialist, Rebecca.schrader@usda.gov, before pursuing an application

Link:  https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/emergency-community-water-assistance-grants/vt

Note:  Eligible entities are rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less. Must also have a median household income of no more than 100 percent of a state’s non-metropolitan median household income.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Emergency Management

Eligible Activities:  Typical hazard mitigation projects include: mitigation of local roads and bridges, home acquisition (buyout), structural elevations or relocations, replacement of undersized culverts, utility resilience, mitigation outreach and education, planning, development of a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, etc. Project proposals do not need to be directly connected to damage incurred from the most recent declared disaster. 

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  None listed

Match:  Management costs are 100% federally funded. Due to the recently passed state budget for FY2025, there will be no local match requirement. The program typically requires a 25% local match.

Application Closing Date:  Rolling, until funds are allocated. Pre-Application Forms submitted by 04/30/25. Pre-Applications will be evaluated for eligibility, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness. Projects found to meet these requirements will then be invited to apply, provided technical assistance (if requested), and submitted to FEMA once completed.

Apply Via:  Pre-application form

Link:  https://vem.vermont.gov/funding/mitigation 

Notes:

• Communities must have a FEMA approved and adopted Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) and Local Emergency Management Plan (LEMP) to receive a project award. Applications can be submitted without these plans, but awarded funds will not be released until the plans are in place.
• Communities must be in good standing with the National Flood Insurance Program if a special flood hazard area (SFHA) has been identified in the community and if the proposed project is located within the SFHA.
• Landslide buyouts must have a letter from the State Geologist (imminent risk).
• A FEMA Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) is required, except for most property buyouts and elevations. Some assistance is available for completing a BCA. Submit the Pre-Application Form to access assistance.
• VEM staff are available, upon request, to provide technical assistance at any point in the process. Contact dps.hazardmitigation@vermont.gov.

Funding Entity:  AmeriCorps (the federal agency for national service and volunteerism)

Eligible Activities:  Provides a team of 8-12 AmeriCorps NCCC members to participate in disaster response, recovery, and mitigation. Examples of service activities include, but are not limited to, supporting disaster recovery centers, shelters, and facilities; preparing and distributing meals or water; mucking and gutting flood or storm-damaged homes and buildings; debris removal; roof tarping; home and other infrastructure rebuilding; flood mitigation; surveying community assets; increasing disaster preparedness and resilience to adapt to climate change; and distributing educational materials and preparedness kits.

Funding Tool:  Grant of community service

Min/Max Funding:  Not applicable. This is a grant of assistance.

Match:  Sponsors provide adequate indoor or outdoor lodging with showers and cooking facilities for an 8-12 member team with separate female and male sleeping facilities.

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via: Online application

Link:  https://americorps.gov/partner/how-it-works/americorps-nccc 

Notes: Length of team service usually is 3 to 13 weeks and at least 40 hours of service activities each week. A sponsor may request  assistance for up to 60 weeks, contingent upon application approval.

Funding Entity:  VT Department of Environmental Conservation via its Clean Water Workforce Capacity Development Initiative Block Grant Program Administrator

Eligible Activities:  Supports organizational or community-level flood relief and recovery efforts via activities such as replacing lost or damaged equipment, technology or tools; moving expense due to loss of workspace; participating in forums on flood response or recovery; organizing river clean-up events; performing preliminary assessment of clean water project losses and workload planning/priority setting; covering refund expenses or revenue losses due to forestalled or cancelled programming or projects; and covering otherwise unbillable personnel time spent on flood-related efforts like filing insurance paperwork of consulting with landowners on how to “build back better”.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Unknown at this time

Match:  Unknown at this time

Application Closing Date:  Rolling through 07/31/24

Apply Via:  Application materials will be posted when the Block Grant Program Administrator contract is awarded.

Link:  https://dec.vermont.gov/water-investment/cwi/grants#:~:text=View%20the%C2%A0Summer%202023%20Flood%20Response%20and%20Recovery%20Addendum

Notes: 

• This is a program pre-announcement to allow entities to prepare for the grant. Pre-award costs related to flood relief and recovery efforts starting on 07/10/23 are eligible.
• Until a Funding Program Administrator is selected, questions may be submitted to the Clean Water Initiative Program at ANR.CleanWaterVT@vermont.gov.
• This program should be a last resort once insurance and FEMA assistance for these types of replacement costs are fully capitalized. Funds from this program cannot supplant other sources.
• This opportunity will be updated as the program evolves.

Funding Entity:  USDA Rural Utility Services

Eligible Activities:  Supports restoration, repair, or rebuilding of water infrastructure systems, include drinking water, wastewater, solid waste, and stormwater projects related to damages from Presidentially Declared Disasters that occurred between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. Also supports development of water infrastructure system capacity and resiliency to reduce or eliminate long term risks from hazards resulting from the eligible declared disaster. Costs reimbursed by insurance, FEMA, other EPA programs, state programs, and other programs cannot be covered by this program.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  No minimum or maximum award amount

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Rolling, until funds are exhausted

Apply Via:  RDApply. Contact USDA Vermont Office prior to applying.

Link: 

• Program: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/calendar-year-2022-disaster-water-grants-program
• Funding Opportunity:  https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html  and search Funding Opportunity Number RD-RUS-CY22DISASTER.

Notes:  Eligible Vermont municipalities are those located in Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grant Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Washington Counties (Vermont Severe Storm and Flooding (DR-4695-VT) with a population ≤35,000.

Funding Entity:  USDA Rural Development

Eligible Activities:  Supports repair of essential community facilities in rural areas that were damaged by Presidentially Declared Disasters in Calendar Year 2022. Example “essential community facility” includes, but it not limited to, health care facilities, town offices/halls, streets, public works, community and childcare centers, fairgrounds, public safety, libraries, museums, utility services, and local food systems (community gardens, food pantries, food banks, etc.). Repairs also include the replacement of damaged equipment or vehicles, and the purchase of new equipment to undertake repairs to damaged facilities.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  There is no minimum or maximum award amount.

Match:  25% of total project cost

Application Closing Date:  When funds are exhausted

Apply Via: Contact a Community Programs Specialist in theVermont USDA RD office at 802-828-6000

Link:   https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-program-disaster-repair-grants/vt-nh-0#overview

Notes: 

• Eligible Vermont municipalities are those located in Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grant Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Washington Counties (Vermont Severe Storm and Flooding (DR-4695-VT) with a population ≤20,000. The facility to be repaired must have been damaged in the declared disaster.
• Requirements of USDA’s regular Community Facilities Direct Grant and Loan Program apply.

Funding Entity:  Federal Emergency Management Agency

Eligible Activities:  Provides funding for local governments to operate their essential community services after substantial revenue loss caused by a disaster. Essential services include police and fire protection, revenue collection, hazard insurance, trash collection, and public facilities maintenance. The funding can be used to carry on existing essential municipal services or to expand such services to meet disaster-related needs.

Funding Tool:  Loan

Min/Max Funding:  The cumulative estimated revenue loss for the fiscal year of the disaster and the subsequent three fiscal years, or up to 25 percent of a municipality’s annual operating budget for the fiscal year, or $5 million, whichever is less.

Match:  None

Application Closing Date:  The close of your municipality’s next fiscal year after the last day of the presidential disaster declaration incident period.

Apply Via: Undetermined at this time

Link:  https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public/community-disaster-loan 

Notes: 

• Revenue loss must be greater than or equal to five percent. Audited financial statements for the fiscal year of the disaster and the three previous fiscal years, and an original operating budget for the fiscal year of the disaster, a projected operating budgets for the subsequent fiscal year, and three-year post disaster revenue projections are required to apply.
• The loan term is five years. It can be extended to 10 years. The applicant selects the payment schedule. The interest rate is determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.
• From the second year through the life of the loan (5-10 years maximum), a municipality must provide audited financial statements to FEMA. The loan may be cancelled if the municipality can show it has a cumulative operating deficit.

Funding Entity:  Federal Emergency Management Agency

Eligible Activities: Provides technical support for hazard mitigation planning and BRIC grant project support. Support is tailored to communities through a range of activities and from pre-application to grant closeout. Project types from past BRIC Direct Technical Assistance requests include:

• General support in the areas of grants management, project scoping, and hazard mitigation planning.
• Technical assistance and evaluation for climate risk assessment and nature-based solutions projects.
• Natural hazards project scoping activities such as for flooding, drought, fire, typhoon, and erosion.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  None. This is a grant of technical services.

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  04/18/25

Apply Via:  Online form

Link:  https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/building-resilient-infrastructure-communities/direct-technical-assistance 

Note: A VLCT web brief about this opportunity is available.

Funding Entity:  US Economic Development Administration

Eligible Activities:  Supports construction, non-construction, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects under EDA’s Public Works (infrastructure, facilities and buildings, brownfields) and Economic Adjustment Assistance (CEDS development and implementation) programs

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  ~$600,000 to $5 million; average award has been $1.4 million

Match:  20% to 50% based on the region’s 24-month unemployment rate and/or per capita income

Application Closing Date:  Rolling until funds have been expended

Apply Via:  EDGE

Link:

• Notice of Funding Opportunity: https://www.eda.gov/funding/funding-opportunities/fiscal-year-2023-public-works-and-economic-adjustment-assistance
• EDGE grants portal: https://sfgrants.eda.gov

Funding Entity:  US Economic Development Administration

Eligible Activities:  Supports disaster recovery activities including economic recovery strategic planning grants, public works construction projects including broadband and resiliency projects, workforce development, capitalization of revolving loan funds, and economic development projects that enhance density in the vicinity of other economic development

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  No minimums or maximums are listed

Match:  20% 0f eligible costs, but factors such as project scale, extent of disaster impact, total project cost, relative community distress, and geographic distribution of funds can lower the match rate

Application Closing Date:  Rolling until funds have been expended

Apply Via:  EDGE

Link:

• Notice of Funding Opportunity: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html and search Funding Opportunity Number EDA-DISASTER-2023
• EDGE grants portal: https://sfgrants.eda.gov

Note:  Supports recovery in areas where a Presidential disaster declaration was issued in calendar years 2021 and 2022. For Vermont, this includes a Severe Storm and Flooding (4621-DR-VT; statewide) in July 2021 and Tropical Storm Henri (3567-EM-VT; Bennington and Windham Counties) in August 2021.

Funding Entity:  Northern Borders Regional Commission

Eligible Activities:  Projects that address transportation, telecommunications, energy, and basic public infrastructure; business and workforce development; health care, nutrition and food security, and other public services; resource conservation; tourism; recreation; and open space preservation consistent with economic development.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding: Non-infrastructure up to $500,000; Infrastructure up to $1 million or up to $3 million for certain construction projects

Match:  20% Distressed counties; 50% Transitional counties; 50% Isolated Areas of Distress

Application Closing Date:  08/29/25 Pre-Application; 10/10/25 Application (by Invitation Only)

Apply Via:  Multi-step process. Project Interest Form. Meet with State Program Manager. Pre-Application and Application are submitted through NBRC’s Grant Management System.

Link:  https://www.nbrc.gov/content/Catalyst

Notes: 

• Projects must be consistent with the economic development goals of the region and advance a combination of NBRC and member state priorities. Projects included as a priority on their region’s Project Prioritization List are most competitive.
• Priority is given to 1) projects that demonstrate direct benefits to rural communities with populations of less than 5,000 and underserved communities; 2) projects that address municipal needs across eligible categories; and 3) projects that adapt to changing conditions and extreme weather events.
• This grant has unique requirements after an award is made, but before a Notice to Proceed is issued. Applicants are advised to fully review all program guidance and the Grant Administration Compliance Manual to understand budget, workplan, and pre-approval requirements. 

Funding Entity:  Northern Borders Regional Commission

Eligible Activities:  Supports community development projects, workforce training and development projects, marketing/communication and education projects, business planning and technical assistance projects, and public infrastructure (transportation, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and energy) that directly support the forest industry, diversified use of forests, and use of wood products.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Application Closing Date:  08/29/25 Pre-Application; 10/10/25 Application (by invitation only)

Min/Max Funding:  $1 million

Match:  20% Distressed counties; 50% Transitional counties; 50% Isolated Areas of Distress

Apply Via:  Multi-step process. Project Interest Form. Meet with State Program Manager. Pre-Application and Application are submitted through NBRC’s Grant Management System.

Link:  https://www.nbrc.gov/content/FEP

Notes:

• Projects must be consistent with the Program investment priorities of the Forest Economy Program and the Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap.
• This grant has unique requirements after an award is made, but before a Notice to Proceed is issued. Applicants are advised to fully review all program guidance and the Grant Administration Compliance Manual to understand budget, workplan, and pre-approval requirements.

Funding Entity:  National League of Cities

Eligible Activities:  Supports the advancement of economic mobility for residents. Making less than 200% of the federal poverty level. Grants can be used to test ideas and begin planning for projects that respond to community needs, or to expand existing initiatives. Efforts must be focused on creating quality employment opportunities, equitable support to strengthen or start small businesses, or helping residents connect with government-sponsored residential services or public benefit programs. Municipalities as small as 1,800 residents have participated in this program.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Application Closing Date:  04/30/25

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $20,000

Match:  Not required

Apply Via:  Submittable online portal

Link:  https://www.nlc.org/initiative/grant-opportunity-advancing-economic-mobility

Notes:  

• Must join NLC’s Economic Mobility Peer Network (EMPN), which is open to all NLC members. NLC members can join at no cost.
• Municipalities selected for the grant opportunity will benefit from a comprehensive support package in addition to the grant funding. The support package includes monthly coaching calls with NLC staff, engagement with the EMPN and training on key economic mobility resources, including Opportunity Insights’ Opportunity Atlas, Results for America’s Economic Mobility Catalog, and the Urban Institute’s Upward Mobility Framework.
• See NLC’s Economic Mobility Toolkit, which highlights different roles municipalities might plan in advancing economic mobility in their community. 

Funding Entity:  Vermont Association of Conservation Districts

Eligible Activities:  Installation of new dry hydrants and other types of rural water supplies (priority), repair/upgrade, replacement, relocation of existing rural water supplies (whether previously grant funded or not), and development of drafting sites (access, stepping stones for portables, etc.)

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  up to $10,000; maximum grant could be up to $20,000 if the project meets other criteria

Match:  25% of total project cost

Application Closing Date:  April 1, June 1, and August 1, 2024

Apply Via:  Online application sent via email

Link:  https://www.vacd.org/programs/rural-fire-protection/

Note:  The installation of NEW dry hydrants & other types of rural water supplies is still the priority of the program, but eligible projects also include repair/upgrade, replacement, relocation of existing rural water supplies (whether previously grant funded or not) and drafting site development (access, stepping stones for portables, etc.)

Funding Entity:  US Department of Justice

Eligible Activities:  Supports conducting outreach, educating practitioners and the public, enhancing victim reporting tools, and investigating and prosecuting hate crimes. There are three categories of projects: Category 1: City or County Demonstration Projects; Category 2: State or Regional Initiatives; and Category 3: Strategic and Resiliency Planning.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding: Category 1 Up to $725,000; Category 2 Up to $2 million; Category 3 Up to $150,000

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  This opportunity requires a two-step process: Grants.gov 04/17/25 and JustGrants 04/24/25

Apply Via:  This opportunity requires a two-step application. Two forms are submitted through Grants.gov, and the full application is submitted in JustGrants.

Link: 

• Program:   https://bja.ojp.gov/program/shepard-byrd-hate-crimes-program/overview
• Notice of Funding Opportunity: https://grants.gov/search-grants and search Funding Opportunity Number O-BJA-2025-172359.

Note: Hate crimes (sometimes called bias-motivated crimes) are defined as criminal offenses motivated by some form of bias toward victims based on their perceived or actual race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability.

Funding Entity: US Department of Energy

Eligible Activities: Provides access to short-term technical assistance. This program matches a participating community with a relevant expert who will provide 40–60 hours of expert advice and technical services to communities on clean energy topics such as clean power, mobility, buildings, and the grid.

Funding Tool:  Technical Assistance

Min/Max Funding:  Grant of technical assistance services by the National Renewable Energy Lab, other national laboratories, and select organizations

Match:  None

Application Closing Date: Rolling

Apply Via: Online application

Link: 

• Clean Energy to Communities Program:  https://www.energy.gov/eere/clean-energy-communities-program
• Clean Energy to Communities Program: Expert Match:  https://www.nrel.gov/state-local-tribal/c2c-expert-match.html

Funding Entity: US Treasury Department

Eligible Activities: Zero emissions renewable energy generation

Funding Tool:  Direct pay tax credit (tax refund)

Min/Max Funding:  Maximum credit is determined by energy production

Match:  None

Application Closing Date:  Annually at close of calendar year. Project must be placed in service after 12/31/2024

Apply Via:  Internal Revenue Service forms (under development)

Links:  

• Learn More:  https://www.vlct.org/article/tax-incentives-municipalities-can-use-further-their-energy-goals
• IRS Forms:  https://www.irs.gov/credits-and-deductions-under-the-inflation-reduction-act-of-2022

Funding Entity: Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development

Eligible Activities: Supports comprehensive turnkey services which includes technical assistance, a design for sighting of the chargers, completion of a full plan for installation, make-ready upgrades, charging hardware, and full installation of the chargers for Vermonters at locations such as workplaces, multiunit homes, and public areas.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Level 1 chargers up to $3,600 per site for design and make ready and up to $500 per OCPP compliant port. Level 2 chargers up to $20,000 per site for design and make ready, up to $3,000 per OCPP compliant port, and up to $2,000 per non-OCPP compliant port.

Match:  Varies by applicant from 0% to 10%.

Application Closing Date:  Incentives are issued on a first-come, first served basis to eligible applicants until 01/15/26 or until funds are fully expended, whichever comes first.

Apply Via:  Online pre-application form

Links:  https://www.vermontevchargers.com/

Note:  

• This statewide program is administered by Green Mountain Power.
• Pre-approved electrical contractors and local electric utilities will also offer technical assistance to help applicants who may have limited experience with EV charging.
• To ensure fair distribution, there will be caps on the total incentives issued per applicant, per site, and per county.
• Incentive can be combined with federal, state, and utility incentives with project cost limits reflective of match required.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA)

Eligible Activities:  Construction or reconstruction of highways, roads, bridges, and pedestrian facilities, certain facilities related to rail or public transit, and electric vehicle charging stations and natural gas refueling stations available for public use

Funding Tool:  Loan

Min/Max Funding:  Based on borrower’s ability to carry debt

Match:  10% to 20% equity contribution

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Email

Link:  https://www.veda.org/financing-options/other-financing-option/state-infrastructure-bank-program/  

Funding Entity: US Treasury Department

Eligible Activities: Storage or dispensing of a clean-burning fuel into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle propelled by such fuel if the storage or dispensing of the fuel is at the point where such fuel is delivered into the fuel tank of the motor vehicle, or the recharging of motor vehicles propelled by electricity. Clean-burning fuels include natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, electricity, and any other fuel at least 85 percent of which is methanol, ethanol, any other alcohol, and/or ether. Property must be located in a low-income census tract as defined under IRC § 40D9(e) or a non-urban census tract.

Funding Tool:  Direct pay tax credit (tax refund)

Min/Max Funding:  $100,000 per item of property

Match:  N/A

Application Closing Date:  Annually at close of calendar year. Project must be placed in service between 2023 - 2032.

Apply Via:  Internal Revenue Service forms

Links:  

• Learn More:  https://www.vlct.org/article/tax-incentives-municipalities-can-use-further-their-energy-goals
• IRS Forms:  https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8911

Funding Entity: US Treasury Department

Eligible Activities: Purchase of a qualified motor vehicle or mobile machinery as defined in IRC 4053(8) (including vehicles that are not designed to perform a function of transporting a load over a public highway)

Funding Tool:  Direct pay tax credit (tax refund)

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $7,500 and up to $40,000 depending on gross vehicle weight

Match:  None

Application Closing Date:  Annually at close of calendar year. Vehicle must be placed in service between 2023 - 2032.

Apply Via:  Internal Revenue Service forms

Links:  

• Learn More:  https://www.vlct.org/article/tax-incentives-municipalities-can-use-further-their-energy-goals
• IRS Forms:  https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/commercial-clean-vehicle-credit#:~:text=Businesses%20and%20tax-exempt%20organizations%20that%20buy%20a%20qualified,vehicle%20is%20not%20powered%20by%20gas%20or%20diesel%29

Funding Entity: US Treasury Department

Eligible Activities: Zero emissions solar energy property, geothermal property, fiber-optic solar property, fuel cell property, microturbine property, small wind property, offshore wind property, combined heat and power property, waste energy recovery property, energy storage technology, biogas property, microgrid controllers, dynamic glass, linear generators, microturbine projects, and geothermal heat pump projects.

Funding Tool:  Direct pay tax credit (tax refund)

Min/Max Funding:  Maximum credit is determined by eligible energy investment

Match:  No

Application Closing Date:  Annually at close of calendar year. Construction begin and end dates vary by technology.

Apply Via:  Internal Revenue Service forms (under development)

Links:  

• Learn More:  https://www.vlct.org/article/tax-incentives-municipalities-can-use-further-their-energy-goals
• IRS Forms:  https://www.irs.gov/inflation-reduction-act-of-2022

Funding Entity: US Treasury Department

Eligible Activities:  New or retrofit buildings that increase their energy efficiency by at least 25 percent will be able to claim this deduction, with bonuses for higher efficiency improvements.

Funding Tool:  Transfer of tax credit to qualified project designer

Min/Max Funding:  Maximum credit is determined by IRS annually

Match:  No

Application Closing Date:  Annually at close of calendar year. Project must be placed in service after 12/31/2022. Credit expires 12/31/31.

Apply Via:  Internal Revenue Service forms 

Links:  

• Learn More:  https://www.vlct.org/article/tax-incentives-municipalities-can-use-further-their-energy-goals
• IRS Forms:  https://www.irs.gov/inflation-reduction-act-of-2022

Funding Entity:  Vermont Agency of Transportation

Eligible Activities:  Provides a rebate for the purchase or lease of any of the following: battery all-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, electric bicycles and electric cargo bicycles, adaptive electric cycles, electric motorcycles, and electric snowmobiles. Base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) limits apply. Fleet owners are eligible for up to 20 incentives over the life of the program.

Funding Tool:  Rebate

Min/Max Funding:  Up to 25% of a vehicle's purchase price (maximum $2,500)

Match:  Up to 75% of a vehicle’s purchase price

Application Closing Date:  First come, first served through 06/30/25

Apply Via:  Online form

Links: 

• Website: https://vtrans.vermont.gov/planning/climate-change/Electrify-Your-Fleet
• Application: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ElectrifyYourFleet

Notes: 

• Grantee shall order approved vehicle(s) within 30 days of an executed grant agreement with VTrans and shall enter into a lease or purchase agreement for said vehicle(s) within 90 days of an order. Exceptions (e.g., due to supply chain delays) may be granted after submitting a written request to the Agency for permission to extend the allowable timeframe.
• Applicants are encouraged to pursue related federal tax credits and local utility rebates.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Bond Bank

Eligible Activities:  Supports energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, such as lighting, waste heat recovery, solar energy generation, appliance upgrades, building envelope improvements, water heaters, motor systems, fuel switching, and more.

Funding Tool:  Loan

Min/Max Funding:  At least $3,000

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Contact Vermont Bond Bank loan officer, Ken Linge.

Links:  https://www.vtbondbank.org/energy

Notes: 

• Loans must achieve measurable energy use or cost savings. The target is 15%, although projects above 5% savings will be considered. Term is up to 10 years.
• Loans through this program are compatible with the federal elective pay energy refund. The Bond Bank engaged Clifton Larson Allen on a fixed fee basis to assist in the filing of elective pay documentation with the IRS for borrowers. The fee may be included in the loan amount.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Council on Rural Development

Eligible Activities:  VCRD supports three to five communities each year working on local climate action solutions that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy use, increase climate resilience, and/or strengthen the local climate economy. Services are adaptable based on the community’s needs and can include support with community engagement processes, strategic planning, technical assistance, and/or project implementation.

Funding Tool:  Grant of technical services

Min/Max Funding:  Direct funding is not provided to the community. This is a grant of technical services.

Match:  None required.

Application Closing Date:  01/07/25

Apply Via:  Online form

Link:  https://www.vtrural.org/climate-economy/resilient-communities/

Notes:  All selected projects must have a letter of support from the municipal Legislative body (ex. Selectboard, City Council, Trustees, etc.). The letter is not required at the time of application but must be in place for VCRD to begin work.

Funding Entity:  Efficiency Vermont

Eligible Activities:  Supports energy efficiency improvements

Funding Tool:  Loan

Min/Max Funding:  None listed; Efficiency Vermont runs a cost-savings analysis to ensure that the proposed improvements reduce your operating costs. They also verify available incentives.

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Make an in-person appointment with an Energy Advisor by calling 888-921-5990, email Efficiency Vermont at info@efficiencyvermont.com, or use the online Contact Us form

Link:  https://www.efficiencyvermont.com/services/financing/businesses-and-institutions

Notes:  Options to work with your existing lender or a third-party lender. If third-party, participation requires EastRise Credit Union, membership, which is available to anyone.

Funding Entity:  US Department of Energy

Eligible Activities:  Supports the demonstration of energy technologies that provide clean, resilient, reliable, affordable power, while also aiming to increase local energy independence and economic development. Eligible projects must address at least one of the following:

• Improving overall cost-effectiveness of energy generation
• Transmission, or distribution systems
• Siting or upgrading transmission and distribution lines
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation in rural or remote areas
• Providing or modernizing electric generation facilities
• Developing microgrids; or increasing energy efficiency
• Increasing energy efficiency

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  $2 to $50 million

Match:  5% to 20% depending on project topic area

Application Closing Date:  Concept papers 02/27/25. Full applications 08/28/25.

Apply Via:  OCED eXCHANGE

Link:  https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/356630

Notes:  This program serves rural and remote communities with 10,000 people or fewer. 

Funding Entity:  Vermont Department of Public Service

Eligible Activities:  Supports key electric grid infrastructure improvements that demonstrably improve the resilience of the electric grid by reducing the frequency and duration of electricity outages. Eligible types of investments are listed in the Request for Proposal.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Funding has been allocated proportionally to each of the Distribution Utilities service territories. Applicants may submit multiple project proposals that exceed their formula allocation and may also submit proposal for less than their allocation.

Match:  Required; listed in the body of the application

Application Closing Date:  04/28/25

Apply Via:  Contact Andrew Chase at Andrew.chase@vermont.gov for information.

Link:  https://www.gotomygrants.com/Public/Opportunities/Details/b8fcf9a0-ce5f-4784-b4f7-cd9e6fa087ff

Funding Entity:  US Economic Development Administration

Eligible Activities:  Supports construction, non-construction, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects under EDA’s Public Works (infrastructure, facilities and buildings, brownfields) and Economic Adjustment Assistance (CEDS development and implementation) programs

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  ~$600,000 to $5 million; average award has been $1.4 million

Match:  20% to 50% based on the region’s 24-month unemployment rate and/or per capita income

Application Closing Date:  Rolling until funds have been expended

Apply Via:  EDGE (EDA's grant portal)

Link:

• Notice of Funding Opportunity: https://www.eda.gov/funding/funding-opportunities/fiscal-year-2023-public-works-and-economic-adjustment-assistance
• EDGE grants portal: https://sfgrants.eda.gov

Funding Entity:  US Economic Development Administration

Eligible Activities:  Supports disaster recovery activities including economic recovery strategic planning grants, public works construction projects including broadband and resiliency projects, workforce development, capitalization of revolving loan funds, and economic development projects that enhance density in the vicinity of other economic development

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  No minimums or maximums are listed

Match:  20% 0f eligible costs, but factors such as project scale, extent of disaster impact, total project cost, relative community distress, and geographic distribution of funds can lower the match rate

Application Closing Date:  Rolling until funds have been expended

Apply Via:  EDGE

Link:

• Notice of Funding Opportunity: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=347414&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=
• EDGE grants portal: https://sfgrants.eda.gov 

Note:  Supports recovery in areas where a Presidential disaster declaration was issued in calendar years 2021 and 2022

Funding Entity:  Northern Borders Regional Commission

Eligible Activities:  Projects that address transportation, telecommunications, energy, and basic public infrastructure; business and workforce development; health care, nutrition and food security, and other public services; resource conservation; tourism; recreation; and open space preservation consistent with economic development.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding: Non-infrastructure up to $500,000; Infrastructure up to $1 million or up to $3 million for certain construction projects

Match:  20% Distressed counties; 50% Transitional counties; 50% Isolated Areas of Distress

Application Closing Date:  08/29/25 Pre-Application; 10/10/25 Application (by Invitation Only)

Apply Via:  Multi-step process. Project Interest Form. Meet with State Program Manager. Pre-Application and Application are submitted through NBRC’s Grant Management System.

Link:  https://www.nbrc.gov/content/Catalyst

Notes: 

• Projects must be consistent with the economic development goals of the region and advance a combination of NBRC and member state priorities. Projects included as a priority on their region’s Project Prioritization List are most competitive.
• Priority is given to 1) projects that demonstrate direct benefits to rural communities with populations of less than 5,000 and underserved communities; 2) projects that address municipal needs across eligible categories; and 3) projects that adapt to changing conditions and extreme weather events.
• This grant has unique requirements after an award is made, but before a Notice to Proceed is issued. Applicants are advised to fully review all program guidance and the Grant Administration Compliance Manual to understand budget, workplan, and pre-approval requirements. 

Funding Entity:  USDA Rural Development

Eligible Activities:  Provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial, or business undertakings. Examples of essential community facilities include: health care facilities; public facilities; community support services; public safety services; educational services such as museums, libraries or private schools; utility services such as telemedicine or distance learning equipment; and local food systems.

Funding Tool:  Grant, loan, and loan guarantee

Min/Max Funding:  No minimum or maximum noted

Match:  None

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Email

Link:  https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program/vt#to-apply

Note: 

• Eligibility is dependent on population size and area income.
• Projects are issued a grant, a loan, or (in rare instances) a grant/loan combination. Grant eligibility by town is at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program/vt#to-apply:~:text=Grant%20Eligibility%20by%20Town.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Bond Agency (a.k.a. Vermont Bond Bank)

Eligible Activities:  Finances long-term capital projects undertaken by municipalities, school districts, and other districts. Common uses include facility renovation and construction, road and highway improvements, sidewalks and streetscapes, energy efficiency upgrades, equipment purchases, water, sewer, and stormwater, and refinancing FEMA or USDA debt.

Funding Tool:  Loan

Min/Max Funding:  Up to 100% financing of project costs based on overall debt capacity of the borrower

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Rolling; Loans are made in the winter and summer following the receipt of an application and approval by the Bond Bank’s Board. Applications generally are due two months prior to the loan closing dates of ~February 28 and July 31 annually.

Apply Via:  Online form

Link:   https://www.vtbondbank.org/pooled-loan-progra

Note:

• Loans are primarily funded through the issuance of highly rated tax-exempt bonds by the Bond Bank.
• Requires evidence of voter approval and authority and a legal opinion from local bond counsel. List of approved legal counsels in available on the program webpage.
• Green energy and energy efficiency lending program anticipated to be available by late 2023. Solar installations, storage, and related expenses will likely be eligible.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

Eligible Activities:  Supports pre-development costs and feasibility analysis for housing and conservation projects. Eligible activities include appraisals, financial planning/evaluation, site design and land use planning, specialized studies approved by VHCB, percolation and other septic suitability tests, environmental analysis, water quality tests, market studies, options or purchase and sales contracts, and energy analysis.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $10,000 for a single project; up to $15,000 for scattered housing site projects; up to $50,000 for high complexity or uncertainty projects

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Reviewed as received

Apply Via:  Email

Link:  https://www.vhcb.org/our-programs/conservation/apply-for-funding#:~:text=For%20Conservation%20Organizations-,FEASIBILITY%20FUNDS,-The%20Board%20provides

Note: 

• Grant funds are for compensated contracted services, not the applicants staff time.
• Some degree of site control is required at the time of application.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development

Eligible Activities:  Supports planning and implementation of housing, economic development, public facilities, public services, and accessibility modifications. Project must primarily benefit persons of low and moderate income.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding: 

• Accessibility Modification: $5,000 to $100,000
• Planning: $3,000 to $60,000
• Implementation: $50,000 to $1 million
• Scattered Site: $50,000 to $1 million

Match:  Varies by program and project type

Application Closing Date:  Rolling; application submission is September, February, and April annually

Apply Via:  GEARS

Link:   https://accd.vermont.gov/community-development/funding-incentives/vcdp

Note:  It is very helpful to contact the program staff for your region prior to initiating an application.

Funding Entity:  AmeriCorps (the federal agency for national service and volunteerism)

Eligible Activities:  Provides a team of 8-12 AmeriCorps NCCC members to meet critical community needs in the areas of natural and other disasters, infrastructure improvement, environmental stewardship and conservation, energy conservation, and urban and rural development. Examples of service activities include, but are not limited to, preparing for, mitigating of, responding to, and recovering from the effects of natural disasters; constructing and rehabilitating low-income housing; building and repairing trails; planting trees; removing invasive plant species; leading and managing community volunteers; installing energy efficient modifications to homes and public facilities; and addressing other local needs.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Not applicable. This is a grant of service.

Match:  Not mentioned in program materials

Application Closing Date:  Applications accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis through 12/31/23

Apply Via: Email

Link:  https://americorps.gov/partner/funding-opportunities

Notes: 

• Sponsoring organization is required to provide lodging for the team, and where applicable, is responsible for any fees associated with the lodging space. Specific accommodation requirements are outlined in the application instructions. Camping is permissible.
• Length of team service usually is 3 to 13 weeks of at least 40 hours of service activities each week.

Funding Entity:  T-Mobile

Eligible Activities:  Supports shovel-ready projects that foster local connections, like technology upgrades, outdoor spaces, the arts, and community centers. Only physical builds or improvements are eligible.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $50,000

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31

Apply Via:  Online portal

Link:   https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants#:~:text=Here%27s%20how%20to%20apply%3A%201%20%20Project%20plan,%20Details%20on%20permits%20needed%20or%20already%20obtained

Note:  Applicants are notified within 60 days after the quarter close, and work must be completed and all funds used within 12 months of award.

Funding Entity:  AmeriCorps

Eligible Activities:  You define services projects that the AmeriCorps team can complete to respond to local needs. The team of 18-26 year-olds and typically serve in one area for 3 to 13 weeks and serve for 40 hours per week. A sponsor may receive assistance for up to 60 weeks, contingent upson application approval.

Min/Max Funding:  None. This is a grant of assistance.

Match:  Sponsors provide adequate indoor or outdoor lodging with showers and cooking facilities for an 8-12 member team with separate female and male sleeping facilities.

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via: Online application

Link:  https://americorps.gov/partner/how-it-works/americorps-nccc

Funding Entity:  AmeriCorps

Eligible Activities:  Entities serving as site hosts define services projects that an AmeriCorps volunteer can complete. Depending on the service project type, prospective site hosts can connect with one or more of the following AmeriCorps VISTA State organizations:

• Environmental Careers and Opportunities AmeriCorps – Implement strategies to protect and improve water quality in the Lake Champlain watershed, and to prevent recyclable and compostable materials from entering our landfills throughout Vermont.
• Vermont Housing and Conservation Board AmeriCorps - Provide housing placement and independent-living services, connect individuals and families with services to improve food access, and steward the natural environment to improve the ecosystem and increase access throughout Vermont.
• Vermont Youth Conservation Corps AmeriCorps - Complete projects in conservation and agriculture, increasing food access, developing recreational resources, and improving and protecting natural resources throughout Vermont.
• SerVermont – End poverty in Vermont by building capacity in organizations that address homelessness, provide job training, fight hunger, provide nutrition education, and address the opioid epidemic. Projects can relate to housing, employment/workforce development, federal benefit access, obesity and food resources, access to health care, energy efficiency, environmental awareness and stewardship, education, and veteran and military families.
• Lyndon Economic Opportunity AmeriCorps Program - Deliver a variety of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) educational programming to youth from PreK through 12th grade to improve childhood literacy, farm-to-school education, outdoor and natural sciences education, college preparation, and more at Lyndon State College area nonprofit organizations.

Min/Max Funding:  None. This is a grant of assistance.

Match:  Varies by State sponsor. In addition to a non-Federal cash match, site hosts must be able to direct the project, supervise the VISTA member, and provide necessary administrative support.

Application Closing Date:  Each program has its own application closing date.

Apply Via: Email

Links:  To learn about becoming a host site, visit the organization whose service area matches your project:

• Environmental Careers and Opportunities AmeriCorps (ECO VT)
• Vermont Housing and Conservation Board AmeriCorps
• Vermont Youth Conservation Corps AmeriCorps
• SerVermont
• Lyndon Economic Opportunity AmeriCorps Program (LEAP)

Note:  Volunteers typically serve at a host site for one year. 

Funding Entity:  VLCT Property And Casualty Intermunicipal Fund (PACIF)

Eligible Activities:  Certain equipment, facility improvements, and related items that have the primary benefit of reducing the potential for workers’ compensation, property, auto, or liability insurance claims. A sample list of eligible and ineligible equipment and services is included in the PACIF Grant Rules.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  $300 to $6,000; maximum award amount is based on the member’s PACIF contribution

Match:  

• 50% match if a) all high level PACIF Loss Control recommendations addressed and b) at least 50% of recommendations addressed from Loss Control visits that occurred between January 1, 2023 and the date an application is received.
• 60% match if less than 50% Loss Control recommendation completed.

Application Closing Date: Rolling from January 1 through October 31 or when funds have been fully committed.

Apply Via:  Online form submitted via email

Link:  https://www.vlct.org/resource/pacif-grants

Note:  

• Members that have outstanding high priority PACIF Loss Control recommendations are ineligible for this grant until all high priority items have been completed or unless the application will correct the open recommendation.
• Only one application per municipality is allowed per calendar year.
• Members with an unused 2024 award must close it out before applying for a new grant.
• Contact Lia Gerrish at lgerrish@vlct.org for feedback on the eligibility of your request prior to submission

Funding Entity:  VLCT Property and Casualty Intermunicipal Fund (PACIF)

Eligible Activities:  Host or send employees to safety workshops, risk management seminars, and other training programs related to public entity risk management and/or safety. Eligible expenses include registration, textbooks and study materials, travel by bus or airplane, and lodging.

Can be used for individual attendees or for group training. Group training typically is an onsite structured training using onsite or online training.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Individual $100 to $500. Group up to $2,500. Cumulatively, a municipality is eligible for up to $2,500 annually whether through multiple scholarships for individuals or a single group training.

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date: Rolling

Apply Via:  Online form submitted via email

Link:  https://www.vlct.org/resource/john-lawe-scholarships

Note:  

• Must be PACIF member.
• Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the intended training.
• Municipalities may collaborate and submit dual group applications to pool their scholarships to cover more expensive group trainings, such as The Game of Logging or law enforcement training.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Natural Resources Council

Eligible Activities:  Provides seed money for catalyzing community-based initiatives related to smart growth. Project might address activities such as advocacy for better land use, advancing transportation choices, supporting housing choice and affordability, promoting downtown or village center revitalization, conservation and natural resources, and public outreach and engagement.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $1,500

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date: Rolling

Apply Via:  Online application form submitted via email

Link:  https://vnrc.org/small-grants-for-smart-growth/

Note:  This grant cannot be used as match to other grants.

Funding Entity:  Grassroots Fund

Eligible Activities: 

Seed Grants:  Provides seed money to grassroots organizers to launch new projects or start to significantly change the direction of an existing project. A key focus is Environmental Justice.

Grow Grants:  Supports groups to deepen their work by further developing a community vision, lowering barriers to participation, identifying new stakeholders and working to bring more voices and lived experiences into core decision-making processes.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Seed Grants: $500 to $1,000. Grow Grants: $1,000 to $4,000.

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Seed Grants: Rolling. Grow Grants: 3^rd Tuesday in March and September.

Apply Via:  Online form

Link:  https://grassrootsfund.org/grant-programs

Note:  Generally, for Seed Grants a “new” project should be active less than two years. Grow Grants prioritize support for community groups who represent a broad range of voices in their community and who are not being reached by other funders.

Funding Entity:  Community Heart & Soul

Eligible Activities:  Provides start-up funding for resident-driven groups looking to implement the Community Heart & Soul model in communities with populations under 30,000. The model is a process that engages the entire population of a community in identifying what they love most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it. Eligible uses of funds include coaching, project coordination, and project-related expenses.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  $10,000

Match:  $10,000

Application Closing Date:  Rolling; applications are reviewed monthly

Apply Via:  Schedule a call with staff members to ask questions. Submit an online application for the grant funds.

Links: 

• Program: https://www.communityheartandsoul.org/
• Seed Grants: https://www.communityheartandsoul.org/seed-grants/

Note:  This program is designed for small cities and towns (populations under 30,000). Applications involving more than one municipality are eligible.

Funding Entity:  National Association of Realtors

Eligible Activities:  Supports advancement of programs, policies and initiatives aligned with one or more of the 10 Smart Growth Principles.

• Level 1 supports efforts to educate REALTORS® and community stakeholders about smart growth topics. Activities may include a class or forum, a speaker(s) who can address specific smart growth issues, or a meeting with stakeholders to develop coalition efforts.
• Level 2 supports activities to engage in local land-use, growth and transportation issues with other stakeholders and elected officials which will have an impact on policies. These activities could include community planning and input sessions, development of comprehensive plans and zoning policies, studies, research, and reports.
• Level 3 supports comprehensive initiatives leading to long-term impact in a community with significant REALTOR® and public and private stakeholder involvement.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Level 1 up to $3,000; Level 2 up to $7,500; and Level 3 up to $15,000

Match:  In 2024, the 10% financial commitment requirement is waived.

Application Closing Date:  Rolling through 10/15/24 or until funds are committed, whichever comes first.

Apply Via:  Online portal

Link:  https://realtorparty.realtor/community-outreach/smart-growth/

Note:  Applications can only be submitted by a state or local REALTOR® association so work with your local association. Up to four associations can apply for funding for the same activity.

Funding Entity:  National Association of Realtors

Eligible Activities:  Funds state and local REALTOR® association-led projects that create new, outdoor public spaces and destinations in a community on unused or underused sites. 

• Level 1 funds outdoor demonstration and temporary projects to test a project’s viability or inspire permanent projects that increase community livability and downtown revitalization.
• Level 2 funds the creation of new outdoor public spaces and destinations in a community accessible to everyone and open at all, or most, times such as trails and trailheads, playgrounds, pocket parks, parklets, pedestrian plazas, community gardens, public gardens, dog parks, downtown gathering spots and alley activations. . Improvements to existing placemaking spaces, such as adding street benches, lamps, and/or wayfinding signs, also are eligible.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Level 1 up to $3,000; Level 2 up to $7,500

Match:  In 2024, the 10% financial commitment requirement is waived.

Application Closing Date:  Rolling through 10/15/24 or until funds are committed, whichever comes first.

Apply Via:  Applications can only be submitted by a state or local REALTOR® association so work with your local association.

Link:  https://realtorparty.realtor/community-outreach/placemaking

Funding Entity:  University of Vermont Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships

Eligible Activities: Supports engaged partnerships between organizations and the University of Vermont in these focus areas: regenerative agriculture, community schools, transit and housing solutions, remote and co-working practices, resilient energy systems, healthy ecosystems, access to health care in rural areas, and policy and governance. 

• Capacity Grants catalyze partnership and project development. This is the entry track for organizations who have a vision for positive rural impact but need support to develop a relationship with University of Vermont partners.
• Partnership Grants fund research projects, stakeholder engagement initiatives, student internships and service-learning experiences, and business plan development for early-stage start-ups and non-profit businesses working to address rural challenges.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Capacity Grants: up to $10,000. Seed Grants: up to $250,000.

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Letter of Intent 09/13/24. Proposals (by invitation only) 11/15/24.

Apply Via:  InfoReady (UVM’s grant platform)

Link:  https://www/uvm.edu/ruralpartnerships 

Funding Entity:  Vermont Agency of Education

Eligible Activities:  Supports implementation of Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) activities.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Depends on the services provided. There is a maximum, per county, allocation.

Match:  25% of total federal funds expended

Application Closing Date:  04/25/25

Apply Via:  Proposal uploaded to online portal

Link:  https://education.vermont.gov/student-learning/adult-education/initiatives-and-resources

Note:  Libraries are one of the eligible applicants

Funding Entity:  Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

Eligible Activities:  Supports purchase and conservation of recreational lands for outdoor recreation. Funds also are available for predevelopment costs and analysis for an individual project, such as appraisal services, engineering and environmental studies, options, energy assessments, and marketing analysis.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  None specified

Match:  Not specified

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Email karen.freeman@vhcb.org for application

Link:  https://vhcb.org/our-programs/conservation/non-ag-conservation

Funding Entity:  MVP Health Care

Eligible Activities: Outdoor Fitness Courts®

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Cost of the Fitness Court

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Rolling, with priority given to communities that apply within the first 60 days. Funding is available on a first come, first served basis.

Apply Via:  Online application to pre-qualify

Link:  https://www.nationalfitnesscampaign.com/newyork

Note:  

• The Fitness Court® is an outdoor gym. MVP will fund 15 courts in Vermont for 2024.
• The courts are being designed as kinetic art pieces. Recipients may work with a local artist to customize the court. 

Funding Entity:  The Skatepark Project (formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation)

Eligible Activities:  Supports NEW public concrete skatepark projects, including skatepark construction, skate spot construction (turn-key grants available), skateable art sculptures, permission DIY skatepark construction, active city space conversion (legalizing skateboarding in shared spaces), and accessibility improvements/repairs.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  $1,000 to $300,000 with average awards of $10,000

Match:  Some fundraising must be conducted prior to applying

Application Closing Date:  Letter of inquiry accepted on a rolling basis. Application submission is by invitation only.

Apply Via:  Online portal

Link:  https://skatepark.org/the-skatepark-project-grants/

Notes: 

• Technical assistance is available on design and construction, promotional materials, and other information.
• Focus is underserved communities – defined as communities marginalized by poverty, geography, or racial, gender and other forms of social inequality or discrimination.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

Eligible Activities:  Provides funding to marinas for constructing, renovating, and maintaining tie-up facilities for transient boaters with vessels 26 feet or greater in length. Eligible projects include mooring buoys, day-docks, navigational aids (channel markers, buoys, directional information), transient slips (slips that boaters with nontrailerable recreational vessels occupy for no more than 10 consecutive days), safe harbors for transients, floating docks and fixed piers, floating breakwaters, dinghy docks, restrooms, bulkheads, dockside utilities, pumpout stations, and dockside electric service and water supplies.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Tier 1 up to $100,000; Tier 2 up to $1 million

Match:  25% of total project costs

Application Closing Date:  August 15 annually

Apply Via:  All applicants must call the Department at (802) 828-1000 prior to starting an application

Link:  https://vtfishandwildlife.com/get-involved/apply-for-a-grant/boating-infrastructure-grant 

Notes: Facilities must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Water depth at the facility must be at least 6 feet deep at low water.
• Be open to the public.
• Able to accommodate boats 26 feet in length or greater.
• Within two miles of a public pumpout facility.
• Located on navigable waters.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

Eligible Activities:  Provides funding to marinas for construction, renovation, operation or maintenance costs of their pumpout stations for recreational boaters. Eligible projects include:

• construction, renovation, operation, or maintenance of pumpout stations, pumpout boats, and dump stations used by boaters, and 
• projects that hold and transport boater sewage to sewage treatment plants, such as holding tanks, piping, or hauling and disposal fees.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Tier 1 up to $100,000; Tier 2 up to $1 million

Match:  25% of total project costs

Application Closing Date:  August 15 annually

Apply Via:  All applicants must call the Department at (802) 828-1000 prior to starting an application to ensure project eligibility and obtain the most up-to-date information on funding and the application process.

Link:  https://vtfishandwildlife.com/get-involved/apply-for-a-grant/clean-vessel-act-grant

Funding Entity:  National Forest Foundation

Eligible Activities:  Supports projects that inspire their participants to get personally involved in caring for their public lands. Project must have both a community engagement and stewardship activity. Community engagement might include clean up days, school field trips, outdoor skills training, nature-based therapeutic activities, trail or site ambassador programs, community science projects, and community member implementation of natural resource stewardship projects. Stewardship might include clean up days, tree/shrub planting, trail maintenance, invasive species control, forest and watershed restoration, hazardous fuels reduction, monitoring to inform management decisions, and education related to public land use and sustainable recreation principles.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  None. General award range is $5,000 to $70,000 with a suggested request of no more than $35,000.

Match:  1:1 ($1 for every $1 in grant funds)

Application Closing Date:  07/2025

Apply Via:  Complete a brief eligibility quiz to receive an email with an access code and instructions for the application.

Link:  https://www.nationalforests.org/grant-programs/map

Notes:  

• Projects must take place on US National Forests and Grasslands or adjacent public lands and demonstrate benefit to National Forest System lands. All applications must include a recent letter of support or letter of coordination from the District Ranger of each National Forest or Grassland unit included in a proposal.
• Municipalities must work through a nonprofit organization, university, or Tribal government or organization to access these funds.
• All environmental compliance work must be complete at the time of application, including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) decisions and categorical exclusions, archaeological clearances, and any other mandatory Tribal, federal, state, or local clearances.

Funding Entity:  Northern Borders Regional Commission

Eligible Activities:  Projects that address transportation, telecommunications, energy, and basic public infrastructure; business and workforce development; health care, nutrition and food security, and other public services; resource conservation; tourism; recreation; and open space preservation consistent with economic development.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding: Non-infrastructure up to $500,000; Infrastructure up to $1 million or up to $3 million for certain construction projects

Match:  20% Distressed counties; 50% Transitional counties; 50% Isolated Areas of Distress 

Application Closing Date:  08/29/25 Pre-Application; 10/10/25 Application (by Invitation Only)

Apply Via:  Multi-step process. Project Interest Form. Meet with State Program Manager. Pre-Application and Application are submitted through NBRC’s Grant Management System.

Link:  https://www.nbrc.gov/content/Catalyst

Note: 

• Projects must be consistent with the economic development goals of the region and advance a combination of NBRC and member state priorities. Projects included as a priority on their region’s Project Prioritization List are most competitive.
• Priority is given to 1) projects that demonstrate direct benefits to rural communities with populations of less than 5,000 and underserved communities; 2) projects that address municipal needs across eligible categories; and 3) projects that adapt to changing conditions and extreme weather events.
• This grant has unique requirements after an award is made, but before a Notice to Proceed is issued. Applicants are advised to fully review all program guidance and the Grant Administration Compliance Manual to understand budget, workplan, and pre-approval requirements.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Trails and Greenways Council (VTGC)

Eligible Activities: Evaluates existing trails or proposed sites from the perspective of individuals with mobility challenges and provides practical, professional recommendations to improve and build accessible and adaptive aquatic, pedestrian, and adaptive mountain bike (aMtb) trails

Funding Tool:  Grant of technical assistance

Min/Max Funding:  The assessment is valued at $2,000, which is fully covered by VTGC.

Match:  None required. Your trail’s manager can/should participate in the assessment process.

Application Closing Date: 

Apply Via:  Online form

Links:  https://vermonttgc.org/trail-accessibility-hub/assessments/

Notes: 

• Sample assessment report
• Register here for the April 29, 2025 webinar: Assessing trails: what’s a trail assessment, what’s an audit, what you can do, ahead of time, and when to bring in a professional. 

Funding Entity:  Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA)

Eligible Activities:  Construction or reconstruction of highways, roads, bridges, and pedestrian facilities, certain facilities related to rail or public transit, and electric vehicle charging stations and natural gas refueling stations available for public use

Funding Tool:  Loan

Min/Max Funding:  Based on borrower’s ability to carry debt

Match:  10% to 20% equity contribution

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Email

Link:  https://www.veda.org/financing-options/other-financing-option/state-infrastructure-bank-program/

Funding Entity: Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development

Eligible Activities: Supports comprehensive turnkey services which includes technical assistance, a design for sighting of the chargers, completion of a full plan for installation, make-ready upgrades, charging hardware, and full installation of the chargers for Vermonters at locations such as workplaces, multiunit homes, and public areas.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Level 1 chargers up to $3,600 per site for design and make ready and up to $500 per OCPP compliant port. Level 2 chargers up to $20,000 per site for design and make ready, up to $3,000 per OCPP compliant port, and up to $2,000 per non-OCPP compliant port.

Match:  Varies by applicant from 0% to 10%.

Application Closing Date:  Incentives are issued on a first-come, first served basis to eligible applicants until 01/15/26 or until funds are fully expended, whichever comes first.

Apply Via:  Online pre-application form

Links:  

• Program:  https://www.chargevermont.com/ 
• Application:  https://www.chargevermont.com/apply/

Notes:  

• This statewide program is administered by Green Mountain Power.
• Pre-approved electrical contractors and local electric utilities will also offer technical assistance to help applicants who may have limited experience with EV charging.
• To ensure fair distribution, there will be caps on the total incentives issued per applicant, per site, and per county.
• Incentive can be combined with federal, state, and utility incentives with project cost limits reflective of match required.

Funding Entity: US Treasury Department

Eligible Activities: Storage or dispensing of a clean-burning fuel into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle propelled by such fuel if the storage or dispensing of the fuel is at the point where such fuel is delivered into the fuel tank of the motor vehicle, or the recharging of motor vehicles propelled by electricity. Clean-burning fuels include natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, electricity, and any other fuel at least 85 percent of which is methanol, ethanol, any other alcohol, and/or ether. Property must be located in a low-income census tract as defined under IRC § 40D9(e) or a non-urban census tract.

Funding Tool:  Direct pay tax credit (tax refund)

Min/Max Funding:  $100,000 per item of property

Match:  N/A

Application Closing Date:  Annually at close of calendar year. Project must be placed in service between 2023 - 2032.

Apply Via:  Internal Revenue Service forms

Links:  

• Learn More:  https://www.vlct.org/article/tax-incentives-municipalities-can-use-further-their-energy-goals
• IRS Forms:  https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8911

Funding Entity: State Infrastructure Bank via Vermont Economic Development Authority

Eligible Activities:  Electric vehicle charging stations and natural gas refueling stations available for public use

Funding Tool:  Loan

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $100,000

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Email

Links:  https://www.veda.org/financing-options/vermont-commercial-financing/electric-vehicle-charging-station-loan-program/

Funding Entity: US Treasury Department

Eligible Activities: Purchase of a qualified motor vehicle or mobile machinery as defined in IRC 4053(8) (including vehicles that are not designed to perform a function of transporting a load over a public highway)

Funding Tool:  Direct pay tax credit (tax refund)

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $7,500 and up to $40,000 depending on gross vehicle weight

Match:  None

Application Closing Date:  Annually at close of calendar year. Vehicle must be placed in service between 2023 - 2032.

Apply Via:  Internal Revenue Service forms

Links:  

• Learn More:  https://www.vlct.org/article/tax-incentives-municipalities-can-use-further-their-energy-goals
• IRS Forms:  https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/commercial-clean-vehicle-credit#:~:text=Businesses%20and%20tax-exempt%20organizations%20that%20buy%20a%20qualified,vehicle%20is%20not%20powered%20by%20gas%20or%20diesel%29

Funding Entity:  Vermont Agency of Transportation

Eligible Activities:  Provides a rebate for the purchase or lease of any of the following: battery all-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, electric bicycles and electric cargo bicycles, adaptive electric cycles, electric motorcycles, and electric snowmobiles. Base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) limits apply. Fleet owners are eligible for up to 20 incentives over the life of the program.

Funding Tool:  Rebate

Min/Max Funding:  Up to 25% of a vehicles purchase price (maximum $2,500)

Match:  Up to 75% of a vehicle’s purchase price

Application Closing Date:  First come, first served through 06/30/25

Apply Via:  Online form

Links: 

• Website: https://vtrans.vermont.gov/planning/climate-change/Electrify-Your-Fleet
• Application: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ElectrifyYourFleet

Notes: 

• Grantee shall order approved vehicle(s) within 30 days of an executed grant agreement with VTrans and shall enter into a lease or purchase agreement for said vehicle(s) within 90 days of an order. Exceptions (e.g., due to supply chain delays) may be granted after submitting a written request to the Agency for permission to extend the allowable timeframe.
• Applicants are encouraged to pursue related federal tax credits and local utility rebates.

Funding Entity:  Federal Highway Administration

Eligible Activities:  Supports projects to improve bridge and culvert condition, safety, efficiency, and reliability. Project must be included on the National Bridge Inventory. There are two categories of projects. Bridge Project grants replace, rehabilitate, preserve, or protect one or more bridges on the National Bridge Inventory for projects with total eligible costs not greater than $100 million. This includes bridge bundling and culverts. Eligible costs include development phase activities, construction, and protection of a bridge, including scour protection. Planning grants support planning, feasibility analyses, and revenue forecasting associated with the development of a project that would subsequently be eligible to apply for assistance under the Bridge Investment Program. 

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Up to $20 million for planning. $2.5 million to $80 million bridge projects

Match:  20% of total eligible project costs; planning grants may have a different match per 23 U.S.C. 120.

Application Closing Date:  Rolling. Submission encouraged by 10/01/25 for planning projects and 11/01/25 for bridge projects.

Apply Via:  Grants.gov

Links: 

• Learn More:  https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/bip/index.cfm
• Notice of Funding Opportunity:  https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html and search Opportunity Number 693JJ324NF00006.

Notes: 

• Projects must use FHWAs Benefit-Cost Analysis Tool.
• At least one eligible large bridge project or two eligible bridge (smaller) projects are expected to be awarded in each state. Vermont was not awarded a grant in 2022. Consultation with the Vermont Agency of Transportation and the Vermont office of the Federal Highway Administration is encouraged prior to applying.
• DOT may award no more than 5 percent of funds made available for each fiscal year to eligible projects solely consisting of culvert replacement or rehabilitation.

For bridge construction projects, preliminary engineering must be complete and the project must reasonably expect to begin construction no later than 18 months after FHWA obligates funds for the project.

Funding Entity:  Federal Highway Administration 

Eligible Activities:  Supports non-construction and construction projects that seek to reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. Example projects include research on safety innovations and mitigation effectiveness; mapping tool development; planning studies to identify migration corridors and roadway barriers; public education and outreach on hazards; permitting and right-of-way acquisition to construct a wildlife crossing; adaptation or replacement of a culvert or bridge to accommodate connectivity; and preservation or restoration of habitat necessary to crossing effectiveness.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  No minimum or maximum but projects of $200,000 to $25 million are encouraged

Match:  20% of the total project cost

Application Closing Date:  08/02/25

Apply Via: .Grants.gov

Link:  https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html and search Funding Opportunity Number 693JJ324NF00023

Notes: 

• 60% or more of available funds are expected to be awarded to rural areas.
• Documentation demonstrating consultation with VTrans is required. Examples of documentation includes letters, agreements, and signed meeting minutes.
• If your municipality is considering an application, it can be helpful to contact Jacqui DeMent, Community Planner and Grants Manager, US Department of Transportation Federal Highways Administration - Vermont Division, at Jacqueline.dement@dot.gov or 802-828-4573. While FHWA Division office staff cannot review grant applications, they can discuss process, eligibility, and the general scope of potential projects.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Agency of Transportation

Eligible Activities:  Complete a road erosion inventory on hydrologically connected road segments that currently do not meet standards in compliance with the Municipal Roads General Permit (MRGP)

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  See grant materials for eligible amount funding limit per municipality

Match:  20% of total project cost

Application Closing Date:  First come, first served until available funding has been exhausted or 12/31/24, whichever comes first

Apply via:  Letter of Intent

Links:  https://vtrans.vermont.gov/highway/better-roads

Note:  Must be compliant with the MRGP requirements at the time of award.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Agency of Transportation

Eligible Activities:  Supports correction of a road related erosion problem and/or stormwater mitigation (Cat B), correction of a stream bank, lake shore or slope related problem (Cat C), and new construction or replacement of a structure/culvert 36” diameter or greater (Cat D)

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Cat B up to $20,000; Cat C up to $40,000; and Cat D up to $60,000

Match:  20% of total project cost

Application Closing Date:  12/27/24

Apply via:  Email

Links:  https://vtrans.vermont.gov/highway/better-roads 

Note:  Municipalities may apply for more than one grant but are only eligible for the maximum grant amount for each category. Road BMP upgrades are considered the highest priority for grant funding when road segments are “hydrologically-connected,” currently “not meeting” MRGP standards, and road slopes are greater than 10%.

Funding Entity:  Northern Borders Regional Commission

Eligible Activities:  Supports the use of wood-based materials and composites (advanced wood materials) through applied research and demonstration projects that showcase the suitability of such materials to transportation and transportation adjacent infrastructure. Includes feasibility and implementation projects, such as 

• state or regional inventory assessments of the suitability of wood components to address needed transportation infrastructure improvements and/or new construction.
• architectural and engineering designs, cost analyses, and permitting necessary for implementation of transportation infrastructure projects.
• transportation infrastructure projects which utilize commercialized wood products and advanced wood materials to address climate adaptive transportation improvements.
• design and construction of pilot and demonstration projects that showcase the capabilities and benefits of utilizing advanced wood materials in transportation infrastructure; and transportation-adjacent structures that utilize advanced wood materials.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding: Feasibility Projects: $250,000 to $1 million; Implementation Projects: $1 million to $5 million; Feasibility and Implementation $1 million to $5 million.

Match:  20% Distressed counties; 50% Transitional counties; 50% Isolated Areas of Distress

Application Closing Date:  08/29/25 Pre-Application; 10/10/25 Application (by Invitation only)

Apply Via:  Multi-step process. Project Interest Form. Meet with State Program Manager. Pre-Application and Application are submitted through NBRC’s Grant Management System.

Link:  https://www.nbrc.gov/content/t4t 

Notes: 

• Transportation infrastructure may include roads, railways, airways, waterways, canals and terminals such as airports, railway stations, bus stations, parking, and seaports. They must be open to the general public for use.
• Priority is given to projects that commit to using domestically sourced timber, especially from the Northern Borders region, and to other factors.
• This grant has unique requirements after an award is made, but before a Notice to Proceed is issued. Applicants are advised to fully review all program guidance and the Grant Administration Compliance Manual to understand budget, workplan, and pre-approval requirements.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Treasurer’s Office

Eligible Activities: Supports purchase of construction, fire, emergency or heavy equipment or vehicles.

Funding Tool:  Loan

Min/Max Funding:  Equipment purchase price must be at least $20,000. Loans cannot exceed 75% of the purchase price of the equipment. 

Match:  The balance of the purchase price of the equipment

Application Closing Date:  Rolling. Applications are reviewed April 15 and October 15 annually.

Apply Via:  Online hard copy form submitted via mail

Links:  https://www.vermonttreasurer.gov/accounting-services/municipal-equipment-loan-fund 

Notes: 

• No more than $150,000 can be loaned to a single municipality annually.
• The loan must be repaid in no more than five years.
• For loans to a single municipality the interest rate is two percent. For loans to two or more municipalities jointly purchasing equipment, no interest is assessed.
• Equipment must have a useful life of at least five years. Equipment may be new or used.

Funding Entity:  US Department of Transportation

Eligible Activities: Supports planning, infrastructure, behavioral, and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets involving all roadway users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation, motorists; and commercial vehicle operators. Funding can be used to develop or enhance a comprehensive safety Action Plan or to plan, design, develop, or implement projects identified in an Action Plan.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Generally, $100,000 to $5 million planning and demonstration and $2.5 million to $25 million for implementation grants. Smaller or larger awards will be considered.

Match:  20% of eligible activity costs

Application Closing Date:  06/26/25

Apply Via:  Valid Eval online portal

Link: 

• Program:  https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A
• Notice of Funding Opportunity: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html and search Funding Opportunity Number DOT-SS4A-FY25-01

Note: 

• To apply for an implementation grant, the applicant must have a comprehensive safety action plan that meets program requirements.
• If your municipality is considering an application, it can be helpful to contact Jacqui DeMent, Community Planner and Grants Manager, US Department of Transportation Federal Highways Administration - Vermont Division, at Jacqueline.dement@dot.gov or 802-828-4573. While FHWA Division office staff cannot review grant applications, they can discuss process, eligibility, and the general scope of potential projects.

Funding Entity:  Vermont Trails and Greenways Council (VTGC)

Eligible Activities: Evaluates existing trails or proposed sites from the perspective of individuals with mobility challenges and provides practical, professional recommendations to improve and build accessible and adaptive aquatic, pedestrian, and adaptive mountain bike (aMtb) trails

Funding Tool:  Grant of technical assistance

Min/Max Funding:  The assessment is valued at $2,000, which is fully covered by VTGC.

Match:  None required. Your trail’s manager can/should participate in the assessment process.

Application Closing Date: 

Apply Via:  Online form

Links:  https://vermonttgc.org/trail-accessibility-hub/assessments/

Notes: 

• Sample assessment report
• Register here for the April 29, 2025, webinar: Assessing trails: what’s a trail assessment, what’s an audit, what you can do, ahead of time, and when to bring in a professional. 

Funding Entity:  Vermont Agency of Transportation

Eligible Activities: Provides technical support and grant funding to municipalities to promote the use of erosion control and maintenance techniques that save money while ensuring best management practices are completed in accordance with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Municipal Roads General Permit (MRGP). Eligible BMPs are: 

• Grass and stone-lined drainage ditches and stone check-dams
• Turnouts, cross culverts, and other disconnection and infiltration practices
• Lowering of high road shoulders
• Installation or replacement of drainage culverts and driveway culverts on non-perennial streams within right-of-way and installation of culvert headwalls and outlet stabilization
• Stabilizing conveyance zones
• Addressing gully erosion on Class 4 roads
• Stabilizing catch basin outlets

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  $7,000 to $46,500 for road work. Find the estimated award for your town. 10% of award amount up to $1,500 for administration support.

Match:  20% of total project cost

Application Closing Date:  Letter of participation 05/23/25

Apply Via:  Fillable form submitted via email

Links:  https://vtrans.vermont.gov/highway/Municipal-Grant-in-aid-Program

Notes: Municipalities must be compliant with MRGP requirements at the time of award. Confirm your compliance status at Report Viewer. Annual reports and operating fees were due April 1^st.

Funding Entity:  USDA Rural Development

Eligible Activities:  Supports development and construction of clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage in rural communities with populations of 10,000 or less. Funds may be used for acquisition, construction or improvements, and in some cases, related activities such as legal and engineering fees, land acquisition, permitting, start-up operations and maintenance, and other activities.

Funding Tool:  Grant and loan

Min/Max Funding:  No minimum or maximum noted

Match:  None

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  RDApply

Link:  https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-loan-grant-program/vt

Notes:  

• Eligibility is dependent on population size and area income.
• Grant eligible by town is available on the program website. Contact USDA before starting an application.

Funding Entity:  USDA Rural Development

Eligible Activities:  Supports low-income communities plan and develop applications for proposed USDA Rural Development water or waste disposal projects in rural communities with populations of 10,000 or less and a median household income below the poverty line or less than 80 percent of the statewide non-metropolitan median household income.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  Program materials list conflicting information. Maximum funding is either $25,000 or $60,000 or 75% of the predevelopment planning costs.

Match:  At least 25% of the project cost

Application Closing Date:  This grant notes it is open. Application deadlines are listed as 2022 and 2023. Contact USDA Vermont office to inquire before starting an application.

Apply Via:  RDApply

Link:  https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-predevelopment-planning-grants/vt-nh

Note: 

• Even if your community is not grant eligible based on its Median Household Income (MHI), your project may still be eligible based on the MHI of its service area. Contact USDA Vermont to explore a project-based eligibility determination.
• These grants do not have to be paid back if the application for a USDA-funded project is not successful. If awarded a grant, the grant amount will be subtracted from the total grant eligibility if a USDA grant is awarded for part of the water or waste disposal project.

Funding Entity:  USDA Rural Utility Services

Eligible Activities:  Supports restoration, repair, or rebuilding of water infrastructure systems, include drinking water, wastewater, solid waste, and stormwater projects related to damages from Presidentially Declared Disasters that occurred between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. Also supports development of water infrastructure system capacity and resiliency to reduce or eliminate long term risks from hazards resulting from the eligible declared disaster. Costs reimbursed by insurance, FEMA, other EPA programs, state programs, and other programs cannot be covered by this program.

Funding Tool:  Grant

Min/Max Funding:  No minimum or maximum award amount

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Rolling, until funds are exhausted

Apply Via: RDApply. Contact USDA Vermont Office prior to applying.

Link: 

• Program: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/calendar-year-2022-disaster-water-grants-program 
• Funding Opportunity:  https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html  and search Funding Opportunity Number RD-RUS-CY22DISASTER.

Notes:  Eligible Vermont municipalities are those located in Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grant Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Washington Counties (Vermont Severe Storm and Flooding (DR-4695-VT) with a population ≤35,000.

Funding Entity:  Environmental Protection Agency

Eligible Activities:  Services may include:

• Conducting an assessment of the community’s wastewater needs
• Evaluating the feasibility of wastewater solutions, including performing a rate study
• Identifying funding options, such as grants and financing
• Helping with completing the preliminary engineering and paperwork requirements for funding applications
• Assisting community/county with establishing an ordinance for wastewater management
• Conducting trainings to identify funding and support structures for the long-term operations and maintenance of a wastewater system
• Assisting interested entities in applying for federal funding to make solutions a reality.

Funding Tool:  Grant of consultant services

Min/Max Funding:  There is no direct funding provided to the municipality. EPA and a community will work together to identify and select practical, real-life solutions that work for the community. Participating communities are matched with an EPA contractor or grantee organization that has expertise specific to the community’s needs.

Match:  None required

Application Closing Date:  Rolling

Apply Via:  Complete the WaterTA request form

Links:  https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure/closing-americas-wastewater-access-gap

Note:  Communities that can demonstrate water quality or infrastructure concerns are more competitive. Communities that qualify as a “disadvantaged community” within Vermont or meet affordability criteria as defined by Vermont's Drinking Water or Clean Water State Revolving program are most competitive.