The Vermont Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Spark Connecting Community Grants to support grassroots work that builds social capital—the connective tissue of their communities.
Donor Name: The Vermont Community Foundation
State: Vermont
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/07/2023
Size of the Grant: $500-$5,000
Details:
Spark Connecting Community grants put building and nurturing community front and center. Social capital can be described as the value developed from working together, connecting across differences, and sharing common place-based experiences. Higher levels of social capital are correlated with better health outcomes, higher educational achievement, increased civic engagement, and greater resilience—all of which help build community vitality. The program will prioritize applicants with operating budgets of $500,000 or less.
This grassroots grantmaking model focuses on strengthening community connections that lead to action and impact. This is a grant round for local champions who are collaborating with others; we want to help you turn your idea into a reality!
- Organizations are looking to fund projects throughout Vermont.
- Organizations are looking for projects where a small grant can make a big difference.
- Organizations want to collect stories and share them widely, to help create even more sparks that inspire more philanthropy.
Funding Information
Grants will be in the range of $500-$5,000.
What they Fund
The Spark program will accept applications from hyperlocal, place-based projects (applications from a single community or a few towns working in partnership in the same region) or statewide/regional projects that support a community of individuals with a shared identity or interest, such as a project supporting visual artists throughout the state.
This program will prioritize funding projects that:
- Increase Vermonters access to opportunity as outlined in their four focus areas
- Connect people with each other in deep and meaningful ways that are grounded in acts of generosity
- Connect people to the environment around them in ways that encourage stewardship and respect
- Increase opportunities for positive social interaction
- As part of a project budget, the Spark program will support stipends to individuals who otherwise would not be able to participate to ensure more inclusive community processes, programs, and/or events (ex. childcare support, stipends to individuals, or transportation).
Here are some examples of what the program will fund:
- Out of school and/or experiential learning opportunities for students to connect with local community members;
- Community-created public art to support downtown revitalization;
- A nature trail to support environmental education and encourage healthy exercise; and
- A community diversity event and dialogue in a town experiencing changing demographics.
Eligibility Criteria
- First time grant seekers are encouraged to apply and be in touch if any help is needed with the application
- Groups and organizations may apply multiple times but may only receive funding once in a calendar year, even if the organization is applying for funding for projects in different communities or towns
- An organization serving as fiscal sponsor for a Spark grantee does remain eligible to submit another application for a different project
Requirements
- Grant applications will be accepted from organizations that are located in or serve the people of Vermont. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or be a public agency or municipality in the state of Vermont. Nonprofit organizations or community groups who do not have 501(c)(3) status may apply for grant awards if another tax-exempt organization acts as a fiscal sponsor.
- No person in the United States shall, on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity (as defined in paragraph 249(c)(4) of title 18, United States Code), sexual orientation, marital or parental status, political affiliation, military service, physical or mental ability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity funded in whole or in part with funds made available (meaning any funds having a competitive application process) by the Vermont Community Foundation, and any other program or activity funded in whole or in part with funds appropriated for grants, cooperative agreements, and other assistance administered by the Foundation.
- If grant applicants employ staff or engage volunteers, they must do so and provide services without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity (as defined in paragraph 249(c)(4) of title 18, United States Code), sexual orientation, marital or parental status, political affiliation, military service, physical or mental ability
For more information, visit Spark Connecting Community Grants.
