Funding Now Available Through the Vermont Community Foundation’s Spark Connecting Community Grant Program

Funding is now available for organizations and projects across Vermont through the Spark Connecting Community competitive grant program at the Vermont Community Foundation. Spark supports emerging grassroots projects that nurture community and build social capital—the connective tissue of our communities. Spark values community resilience and strength, increased civic engagement, and collaboration among organizations.

The program will accept applications from new hyperlocal, place-based projects or new statewide/regional projects that support a community of individuals with a shared identity or interest. In 2026, Spark will prioritize place-making initiatives in under-represented counties in grantmaking. All counties in Vermont are welcome to apply, and priority consideration will be given to:

·        Applications from Essex, Grand Isle, and Franklin counties

·        Applicants with operating budgets of $500,000 or less

Spark awards grants of $500-$5,000. First-time grant writers are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Applicants will be notified about grant decisions by late April 2026.

The Spark Connecting Community grant program will offer one competitive grant round in 2026. Visit vermontcf.org/spark to learn more and apply.

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The Vermont Community Foundation was established in 1986 as an enduring source of philanthropic support for Vermont communities. A family of more than 1,000 funds, foundations, and supporting organizations, the Foundation makes it easy for the people who care about Vermont to find and fund the causes they love. The Community Foundation and its partners put nearly $80 million annually to work in Vermont communities and beyond. The heart of its work is closing the opportunity gap—the divide that leaves too many Vermonters struggling to get ahead, no matter how hard they work. The Community Foundation envisions Vermont at its best—where everyone can build a bright, secure future. Visit vermontcf.org or call 802-388-3355 for more information. Give where your heart lives.