Community Grants Program

Photo of volunteers passing food to one another.

The Vermont Foodbank offers grants to its community and network partner organizations. This is to support our mission: To gather and share quality food and nurture partnerships so that no one in Vermont will go hungry.

Grant funds are available through various programs at different times of the year. Each grant opportunity supports different activities and purchases. Expand the sections below to learn more about each grant opportunity. If available, some grant opportunities will have downloadable application forms and instructions.

If you have any questions, please email info@vtfoodbank.org.

The Vermont Foodbank’s Capacity Fund is intended to empower VF network, program, and community partners to implement, experience and understand ways to meet persistent and emerging needs. With the return of our Competitive Capacity Fund, the Vermont Foodbank plans to re-distribute $550,000 to our partner organizations across the state by July 1st, 2024. All organizations addressing hunger and root causes of food insecurity throughout Vermont are encouraged to apply. If you are addressing food insecurity throughout Vermont but do not have a pre-existing relationship with the Vermont Foodbank, we encourage you to reach out to Zach Hebert at zhebert@vtfoodbank.org.  To apply for a grant, please download the following application and informational materials. When complete, please submit your application and supporting materials to VFCapacityFund@vtfoodbank.org

Download The Competitive Capacity Fund FAQ (.pdf)

Download an Application (.pdf)

Download the Reporting Form (.pdf)

Download the Scoring Rubric (.pdf)

Download the 2023 Grants Summary (.pdf)

If you have a capacity need which falls outside of the scope or grants timeframe of the Competitive Capacity Fund, a smaller grant award may be available for emergent needs. Funds can be awarded to support a broad range of requests up to $2,500 per year. Applications are by referral and will be reviewed as they are submitted. Applications must be submitted no later than August 31st of the given fiscal year. If you wish to request a referral, contact Amy Davidson at adavidson@vtfoodbank.org

Through the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters (VFV) Mini Grants, Vermont Foodbank network and community partners are awarded grant funding to purchase fresh Vermont grown produce, meat, dairy and eggs directly from local farmers. VFV leads to improved health for Vermonters facing hunger, security for farmers, a stronger Vermont economy, and a reduced environmental footprint. The VFV Mini Grant cycle occurs once a year and is due in mid-January. Please reach out to Rbertola@vtfoodbank.org for more information.

Click Her For More Information(.pdf)

VT Fresh grants aim to increase access to, and the availability and consumption of, fruits and vegetables. These grants accomplish this through transforming food environments and distribution sites in a way that “nudges” visitors to choose produce. Vermont Foodbank network partners and VeggieVanGo sites are awarded funding or in-kind purchases for refrigeration, shelving, displays, cooking class materials, taste test supplies, home delivery support and more! The VT Fresh Mini Grant cycle occurs once a year and is due in mid-January. Please reach out to Rbertola@vtfoodbank.org for more information.

Click Here For More Information(.pdf)