The Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth awards grants for creative and effective initiatives that empower and support teenagers in Bennington, North Bennington, Pownal, Shaftsbury, and Woodford.
Donor Name: Vermont Community Foundation
State: Vermont
Town: Pownal, Shaftsbury, and Woodford
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 09/09/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
The Fund supports programs that benefit teenagers entering or enrolled in 6th through 12th grades (typically ages 12 to 18) including students at Mount Anthony Middle or High School and/or those who live in the communities served by those schools.
In 2025, the Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth aims to support spaces, activities, and opportunities for youth to gather, connect, feel a sense of belonging, or participate in or learn a new activity. The four priority areas of the grant program include youth-led or youth-focused events, programs, or projects that:
- Bring youth together, especially those that introduce a new activity and/or have a low barrier to access. Examples include:
- Themed camp
- Festival/celebration
- Intramural sport
- Casual club or extracurricular;
- Create, maintain, or expand spaces or places that allow youth to gather, connect, and share experiences in formal and informal ways;
- Provide opportunity and access for youth facing hardships;
- Encourage feelings of belonging and increase inclusion.
Funding Information
Beginning in 2025, the fund will consider both small ($500-$5,000) and large (up to $10,000) grant requests, and will only award up to one large grant each year.
Grant Period
Grant activities must take place between October 2025 and October 2026 to be eligible for funding.
Eligibility Criteria
- Grassroots organizations and community groups are encouraged to apply. Nonprofit organizations or community groups that do not have 501(c)(3) status may apply for grant awards if another tax-exempt organization, school, or municipality acts as a fiscal sponsor.
- An organization serving as fiscal sponsor for an Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth applicant or grantee does remain eligible to submit their own application for a different project.
For more information, visit VCF.
