Please check back in May for updates regarding the 2026 Special Program or Project Grant.
Please read the guidelines below, then login or register at the bottom of the page to begin your application.
THE VERMONT CHILDREN’S TRUST FOUNDATION IS PLEASED TO OFFER A SPECIAL PROGRAM OR PROJECT GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 TO A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION SERVING VERMONT CHILDREN.
ABOUT THIS GRANT:
We seek to fund a well-conceived, primary prevention program or project, conceptualized locally. A successful grant application shall clearly explain how a community need will be addressed and how the children served will benefit. We will consider construction projects.
ABOUT VCTF:
The Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation supports primary prevention programs, serving children ages 0-18. We fund prevention programs or projects aimed to reduce the likelihood of juvenile delinquency, truancy, substance abuse, child abuse and other socially destructive behaviors before intervention by authorities, through strength-based activities in a community-based setting. The program or project shall:
- Affirm and promote positive family functioning;
- Work to positively impact societal forces that affect parents, children and youth;
- Strive for coordinated and effective youth services, including service to at-risk youth
- Advance the equity and inclusion of underrepresented populations you serve.
APPLICATION TIMELINE:
- June: Applications available online
- July 16, 2025: Applications due July 16, 2025
- August: Notifications sent to all applicants
- September, 2025: Funding available to grant recipient provided we have received a signed grant agreement and all required documentation.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR VCTF APPLICATIONS:
- VCTF will not fund organizations that discriminate against certain groups or individuals in the delivery of programs and service on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.
- VCTF does not fund endowment campaigns, sporting events, fraternal or religious organizations, individuals or for-profit organizations.
- Participation in programs is voluntary, open to the general public. Participation cannot be mandated by authorities.
- Applicants must be in good standing with respect to, or in full compliance with, all taxes due the State of Vermont.
- All regulated child care programs must be in good regulatory standing with the Child Development Division in order to receive funding.
- Applicants must be up to date with the filing of all reports for any previous VCTF grants awarded.
- If you received a Special Program or Project Grant in 2024, you are not eligible to apply in 2025.
COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION:
- Once registered, you may begin your application. Please save your work often as you progress through the steps. You may pause and save your application at any point and return to your saved application by logging into your application dashboard. Once you finalize and submit your application, you will not be able to edit or add to your application.
- All applications are required to be submitted electronically. You may prepare answers offline, then copy and paste into the online application.
- Attachments will not be accepted after the application has been submitted.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:
- The organization selected for funding will be responsible for providing VCTF with mid-year and final reports.
- The organization selected for funding shall participate in a site visit once during the grant period and will complete a corresponding site visit report.
HOW WE EVALUATE YOUR APPLICATION:
To assist you in understanding our decision-making, here are factors we will consider:
MISSION FIT: How does the program/project advance VCTF’s mission?
CONFIDENCE in SUCCESS: Are the project’s objectives clear and realistic? Is there a plan for future sustainability? Will the project impact be significant?
CLARITY of PROPOSAL: Is it clear from the application that the funding is directed toward a specific project or proposal? Is it clear how the proposed project/program will address community need? Is the impact on the children being served explained?
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Does the application explain how the funds will be used? Has the organization managed a project with a similar scope? Are we confident the funds will be used as proposed and accounted for properly?
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: For questions about the grant applications please contact Theo Clark at theo@vtchildrenstrust.org or call 802-951-8604.
For a summary of past Special Program or Project grants awarded, click here.