Vermont Public Interest Research & Education Fund Inc

League of Conservation Voters Education Fund

Washington, DC

LCVEF funds public education, civic engagement, voter participation, grassroots organizing, and state-affiliate capacity building focused on climate action, environmental justice, and democracy. In 2024, grants ranged from $10,000 to $43 million, with a median of $136,900; it works nationally through state partners, though most 2024 funding went to DC. The available information does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

The John Merck Fund

Harrison, NY

The John Merck Fund supported work on intellectual and developmental disabilities, climate and clean energy, food systems, and health and the environment, with climate and food grants focused in New England. Its 2022 grants ranged from $26,000 to $1,862,165, but it has wound down and stopped grantmaking. It accepted requests only from preselected organizations and did not accept unsolicited requests.

The Harvey & Ruth Gelfenbein Charitable Foundation Inc

Louisville, KY

The foundation’s 2023 grants supported other charitable foundations, along with organizations focused on environmental conservation, rainforest protection, and health; awards ranged from $100 to $704,982, with a median of $1,766. Most grant dollars went to Vermont and Kentucky, and the foundation says it has distributed all its assets and stopped grantmaking. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected organizations.

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.

Toxic-Free Future F/K/a Washington Toxics Coalition

Seattle, WA

As a national leader in environmental health research and advocacy, toxic- free future uses the power of science, education, and activism, to drive strong laws and corporate responsibility that protect the health of all people and the planet. We believe everyone deserves the right to healthy environments. Toxic-free future wins ground-breaking protections to prevent toxic chemicals and pollution from contaminating our homes, water, food, communities, and wildlife.

Frank and Brinna Sands Foundation

East Thetford, VT

The Frank and Brinna Sands Foundation supports a range of charitable work, including health care, education, housing and hunger services, public media, trails, environmental projects, and cultural organizations. In 2025, grants ranged from $150 to $25,000, with a median of $2,500, and went mainly to organizations in Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as New York, Utah, and Maine. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Jane's Trust Foundation

Boston, MA

Jane’s Trust Foundation funds climate and environmental work, social justice, and trustee-selected projects, with much of its giving going to New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine. In 2024, grants ranged from $750 to $200,000, with a median of $75,000. It accepts applications by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Patagoniaorg

Ventura, CA

PATAGONIAORG funds environmental organizations working on direct action, root causes of environmental problems, conservation, climate, and protecting affected communities, with grants reported across the U.S. and international programs including Australia. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,000 to $5,174,555, with a median of $15,000. It states that it funds preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

The Jatoma Charitable Foundation

Mamaroneck, NY

The Jatoma Charitable Foundation supports a range of charitable organizations, including educational, cultural, health, and community groups, with most 2025 grant dollars going to Connecticut and New York. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $42,250, with a median of $2,000. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

The Ferrao Foundation

Naples, FL

Ruth Brown Foundation

Moab, UT

The Ruth Brown Foundation supports environmental and governmental work, including climate action, clean energy, social justice, and equal justice, with recent grants concentrated in California, Colorado, New York, Washington, DC, and Vermont. In 2025, grants ranged from $1,000 to $250,000, with a median of $10,000. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept 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.