Building a Local Economy

Rights & Democracy Education Fund Inc

Burlington, VT

The Rights & Democracy Education Fund, d.b.a. The rights & democracy institute (RDI), works to advance human rights and a healthy, just, and equitable future for our communities. Through grassroots organizing, transformative policy work, and supporting the development of a new generation of leaders from communities across Vermont and New Hampshire, particularly those that have been most impacted by systems of oppression, RDI is building power for a strong and inclusive multiracial democracy where everyone can thrive.

Vermont Public Health

Burlington, VT

Vermont Public Health Association funds organizations and initiatives advancing health care, wellness, community services, and poverty reduction across Vermont. Its 2023 grants ranged from about $126,000 to $489,000, but no typical grant size is stated; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.

The Argosy Foundation

Milwaukee, WI

The Argosy Foundation funds creative, collaborative programs addressing systemic problems, including STEM, research, education, environmental work, and community projects, with grants across multiple states. Its 2024 grants had a median of $28,750, though awards ranged from $30 to $1,355,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

The Vermont Community Foundation

Middlebury, VT

The Vermont Community Foundation funds nonprofits and community initiatives in areas including economic equity, education, health, climate and the environment, and community leadership, primarily in Vermont. Its 2024 grants had a median of $18,000, though amounts varied widely; application routes differ by program, and RALI grants are invitation-only, while nonprofits may submit a form to introduce themselves to the Foundation.

Public Health Council of the Upper Valley

Lebanon, NH

The Public Health Council of the Upper Valley (PHC) improves the health of Upper Valley residents across New Hampshire and Vermont through shared public health initiatives and services delivered within a robust network of community stakeholders. As one of New Hampshires 13 regional public health advisory councils-and the only entity bridging public health systems across the two states-PHC fosters collaboration amoung more than 200 municipal leaders, health agencies, schools, businesses, and community partners to identify needs, share resources, and deliver effective, equitable health solutions.

Burlington Yoga Equity Project

Burlington, VT

Harris & Frances Block Foundation Inc

Marshfield, VT

The foundation funds small, grassroots nonprofits working on social and economic justice, environmental issues, sustainable agriculture, and food systems, primarily in Vermont, North Carolina, Virginia, and New York City. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,000 to $35,000, with a median of $20,000. It does not accept unsolicited funding requests; it considers inquiries from invited organizations.

Haymarket People's Fund Inc

Jamaica Plain, MA

Haymarket People’s Fund supports grassroots social justice organizing, including anti-racist, housing, immigrant, workers’ and education justice, across the six New England states. Sustaining grants are up to $20,000 a year, and urgent-response grants up to $5,000. It does not accept unsolicited Sustaining Grant applications without a prior staff conversation; urgent-response applicants must also speak with staff first, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis while funds are available.

Ben & Jerry's Foundation Inc

South Burlington, VT

The foundation supports grassroots social and environmental justice organizing nationally and community programs focused on basic needs and equity in Vermont. Its former national program offered grants averaging $20,000, up to $30,000, but that program is closed; 2024 grants had a $2,000 median and ranged widely. It is not accepting applications to the closed national program, and the profile does not state whether other programs currently accept unsolicited requests.

Compton Foundation Inc

San Francisco, CA

Compton Foundation’s final grants supported political and cultural power rooted in racial and gender justice, including reproductive justice, climate solutions, peace, democracy, and reparative action. In 2024, its 13 grants ranged from $5,000 to $292,440, with a median of about $105,000, and went mainly to organizations in California, with some support in Massachusetts and Vermont. It is no longer actively grantmaking and accepts no unsolicited requests.

National Life Group Charitable

Montpelier, VT

National Life Group Charitable primarily funds programs addressing childhood hunger and children’s mental health, with secondary support for community development, especially in central and northern Vermont and the Dallas, Texas area. Its 2024 grants ranged from $20 to $125,000, with a median of $1,040. It accepts online grant applications from January 1 through March 31; sponsorship requests are accepted year-round beginning in January, subject to available funds.

World Learning Inc

Brattleboro, VT

World Learning funds education, international development and exchange, including participant exchanges, study abroad, youth programs, refugee resettlement, scholarships, and related projects. In 2025 it made 127 grants ranging from $5,049 to $1,213,955, with a median of $20,901; its programs reach 162 countries, while reported grants went to recipients across multiple U.S. states. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.