Community Grants Program

Vermont Foodbank offers grants to network and program partner organizations in support of our mission: To gather and share quality food and nurture partnerships so that no one in Vermont will go hungry.

Grant funds are available through various programs at different times of the year. Each grant opportunity supports different activities and purchases.

Photo of a woman cutting the ribbon for the new VGN Mobile Classroom which was funded in part through a grant from Vermont Foodbank.
Photo of a woman cutting the ribbon for the new VGN Mobile Classroom which was funded in part through a grant from Vermont Foodbank.

Explore the sections below to learn more about each grant opportunity. If available, some grant opportunities will have downloadable application forms and instructions.

Competitive Capacity Fund

The Competitive Capacity Fund is intended to empower Vermont Foodbank’s network and community partners to implement, experience, and understand ways to meet persistent and emerging needs.

With the 2024 Competitive Capacity Fund, the Foodbank plans to re-distribute $550,000 to our partner organizations across the state by July 1st, 2024. All organizations addressing hunger and root causes of food insecurity throughout Vermont are encouraged to apply. If you are addressing food insecurity throughout Vermont but do not have a pre-existing relationship with the Vermont Foodbank, we encourage you to reach out to Zach Hebert.

To apply for a grant, please download the following application and informational materials. When complete, please submit your application and supporting materials to VFCapacityFund@vtfoodbank.org .

Download the Competitive Capacity Fund FAQ

Download an Application

Download the Reporting Form

Download the Scoring Rubric

Download the 2023 Grants Summary

If you have a capacity need which falls outside the scope or timeframe of the Competitive Capacity Fund, a smaller grant award may be available for emergent needs. Funds can be awarded to support a broad range of requests up to $3,500 per year. Applications are by referral and will be reviewed as they are submitted. Applications must be submitted no later than August 31st of the given fiscal year. If you wish to request a referral, contact McKayla Baker.

Vermonters Feeding Vermonters Mini Grants

Through Vermonters Feeding Vermonters Mini Grants, Vermont Foodbank network and community partners are awarded grant funding to purchase fresh Vermont-grown produce, meat, dairy, and eggs directly from local farmers.

Through the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters (VFV) Mini Grants, Vermont Foodbank network and community partners are awarded grant funding to purchase fresh Vermont grown produce, meat, dairy and eggs directly from local farmers. VFV leads to improved health for Vermonters facing hunger, security for farmers, a stronger Vermont economy, and a reduced environmental footprint. The VFV Mini Grant cycle occurs once a year and is due in mid-January. Please reach out to Amy Boudreaux for more information.

Download More Information

VT Fresh Mini Grants

Through VT Fresh Mini Grants, Vermont Foodbank network and community partners are awarded grant funding aimed to increase access to, and the availability and consumption of, fruits and vegetables.

VT Fresh Mini Grants encourage partners to incorporate strategies for improving the food environment with displays, messaging tools, simple taste tests, and storage that help make it easier for food shelf visitors to choose fruits and vegetables. Vermont Foodbank community and network partner sites are awarded funding or in-kind purchases for refrigeration, shelving, displays, cooking class materials, taste test supplies, home delivery support, and more. The VT Fresh Mini Grant cycle occurs once a year. Please reach out to Amy Boudreaux for more information.

 Download More Information
Photo of a tractor in a field.

Thanks so much for your generous grant. A good tractor with a rototiller will mean more tilled land and more vegetables for needy families. This year we had a bigger garden and gave out more vegetables than any other year so far.”

~ White Pine Association, community partner

Additional Programs You Might Be Interested In

Volunteer picking blueberries

Vermonters Feeding Vermonters

Photo of VT Fresh team member speaking with an older woman at a VT Fresh cooking demonstration.

VT Fresh

An older man stacks shelf-stable food at one of Vermont Foodbank's Network Partner sites.

Network Partner Hub