Vermont Public Interest Research & Education Fund Inc

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.

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.

The Ferrao Foundation

Naples, FL

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.

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.

L Z Francis Foundation Ima

Cleveland, OH

In 2024, the L Z Francis Foundation supported land conservation, sustainable agriculture, environmental projects, youth services, and humanitarian response, with 90% of its grant dollars going to Vermont. Grants ranged from $2,500 to $119,000, with a median of $15,000; it gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.