VCF: Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth Grant

The Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth, established by the Vermont Community Foundation, aims to empower teenagers in several communities through grants for innovative programs. Set to begin in 2025, the fund will support youth-led events and initiatives that foster connection and belonging. Grant amounts range from $500 to $10,000, encouraging grassroots organizations and first-time applicants to apply. This initiative addresses the needs of youth facing hardships and promotes inclusive opportunities.

About the Vermont Community Foundation
We are a family of hundreds of funds and foundations created by Vermonters to serve their charitable goals. Together, our funds and programs put more than $60 million a year to work in Vermont and beyond, through grants and investments.
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.
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.
Grant PrioritiesIn 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 campFestival/celebrationIntramural sportCasual 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.
Grant Size
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. Applicants who apply for and are not awarded a large grant will still be considered for a small grant.
The fund welcomes proposals for up to $10,000 for a capital project, a new program, or a large program or capital expansion that fits within the guidelines above.

Eligibility

The Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth is a permanently endowed fund that makes annual grant awards to support organizations offering dynamic and innovative youth programs in Bennington, North Bennington, Pownal, Shaftsbury, and Woodford.First time applicants are encouraged to apply. 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.All applicants to programs at the Vermont Community Foundation must meet the guidelines outlined in the General Applicant Guidelines and Requirements found on our For Nonprofits page.

Ineligibility

Grant funds cannot cover activities that have already taken place.