Modest Needs "Impact Grant" or "Community Grant Program"

Modest Needs "Impact Grant" or "Community Grant Program" is sponsored by Modest Needs Foundation. Modest Needs is a nonprofit organization that offers grants to working individuals and families who are just above the poverty level and may not qualify for traditional social assistance.

Grants for Public Libraries | Department of Libraries Services for Vermont Libraries VTLIB Grants & Grant Lists Summer Programming Grants Winnie Belle Learned Fund Grants to Public Libraries Cataloging and Technical Services State Park and Historic Site Passes Law and Government Publications Mission & Department Overview Grants for Public Libraries Grants Administered by the Department of Libraries The Vermont Department of Libraries offers grants for projects on an annual or one-time basis.

To find out more about each grant, click through below. There you will find information regarding deadlines, eligibility, the application process, and grant dollar amounts. The Department of Libraries values innovation and these grants may be what you need to make your good idea reality.

Capital Projects Grants: Competitive grants to public libraries to support capital projects. (One-Time) Summer Programming Grants: Non-competitive grants to public libraries to support participation in Summer Reading and local programming efforts for youth.

(Annual) Winnie Belle Learned Grants: Competitive grants to public libraries to support proposals that best meet the year’s grant theme and Dr. Rawson’s goals to foster the intellectual development of Vermont youth. (Annual) Grant applications are not considered complete until both the application and the required supporting documents are submitted.

Prior to beginning an application, please review the information to make sure you have the following documents ready to upload: A W9 that has been hand-signed (no electronic signatures) within the last twelve months A valid Certificate of Insurance Your institution must have a Unique Entity Identifier when applying for grants of federal funds from the Department of Libraries. Payments will be made directly to the subawardee.

In the case of municipal public libraries, payments will be made directly to the municipality. In the case of incorporated public libraries, payments will be made directly to the public library.

External Grant Opportunities for Public Libraries Recent (2026) opportunities: The Vermont League of Cities and Towns recently offered an Explore 14 Ways to Fund Local Projects webpage for those seeking funding to move a municipal project forward. The Vermont Arts Council is accepting applications for Creative Aging Grants , supporting arts education and arts-based community building for older adults.

Nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and educational institutions may apply for any amount up to $6,000. The deadline to apply is Monday, October 12, 2026. The Vermont Agency of Human Services offers two new grant programs supporting Vermont municipalities to protect their most vulnerable citizens: the Extreme Cold Weather Shelter Program and the Municipal Support Grant Program.

Applications for both programs are due Thursday, October 1, 2026. Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program equips the next generation of librarians and the library workforce with the knowledge, skills, and training to meet the needs of their communities and steward our nation’s intellectual heritage.

National Leadership Grants for Libraries support innovative ideas and proven model programs that enhance the quality of library and archive services nationwide, expand library users’ access to knowledge, and ensure that Americans have the tools they need to learn, discover, and thrive. Applications for the 2026 Jordan Miller Storytelling Mini-Grant are now being accepted.

The mission of the Jordan Miller Fund is to bring storytelling to New England public libraries by awarding $500 mini-grants to help fund storytelling programs. All applications are due Wednesday, September 30. Winners will be notified by Friday, October 9.

The award may be used from December 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. For the 2026 award year, New England public libraries outside of Massachusetts will be given preference. For more information, please contact Amy Dorsheimer or Pam McCuen .

The Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF) is offering four different grant opportunities this fall. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about which grant fits your program best. Spark Grant ($500): Quick funding for an author/illustrator visit, book giveaway, family literacy event, or classroom/library books.

Due Thursday, October 1, 2026 (rolling monthly). Literacy Enrichment Grant ($1,000): Funds for creative and experiential learning projects that bring literacy to life. Due Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Early Childhood Literacy Grant ($2,000): A new grant to engage young children ages 0–5 and families around literacy. Due Thursday, October 15, 2026. Community Literacy Grant : Designed for community-based partners, out-of-school time programs, and early childhood centers to expand access to literacy outside of the classroom and create welcoming, literacy-rich environments for all.

Includes a book giveaway, author visit, onsite collection, and family literacy event. Due Thursday, October 15, 2026. The Vermont League of Cities and Towns recently offered an Explore 14 Ways to Fund Local Projects webpage for those seeking funding to move a municipal project forward.

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program offers $10,000 grants to qualifying small cities and towns with fewer than 30,000 residents to implement a 4-phase, step-by-step community development process leading to projects that support residents. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The George A.

Ramlose Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with funding of up to $6,000 for specific equipment, special projects, or focused initiatives. The Foundation seeks opportunities where a relatively modest grant can create meaningful, measurable community benefit; beneficiaries are not limited to a particular demographic or group; and awards impact more than just a few individuals.

Small organizations receive preference over larger organizations. Application deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026. Funding from The Foundation for Rural Service Community Grant Program ranges from $250 to $5,000 and supports projects focused on technology and broadband, creating long-term community impact, engaging community participation, and building sustainable rural communities.

The foundation also offers the Virtual Living Room grant program, blending rural technology, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs resources, and local support to encourage veteran use of advanced medical technologies. Application deadline: Friday, September 4, 2026. The Lawson's Finest Liquids is accepting applications for its 2027 Sunshine Fund .

Deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026. The Preservation Trust of Vermont is accepting applications for its Village Trust Initiative . Deadline: Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

The Vermont Arts Council is accepting applications for Early Childhood Arts Partnership Grants . Deadline: Monday, October 12, 2026. The U.S. National Science Foundation Science and Technology Research Initiative for the Vermont Economy or STRIVE has funding available for community organizations providing STEM programming.

Science and Technology Educational Access to Development (STEAD) funds are designed to provide K-12 students with engaging experiences in STEM to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. These awards are available to libraries that provide STEM programming including workshops, maker spaces, STEM kits and more. They are currently accepting applications for STEAD awards , offering up to $2,500 per project.

Receive notifications of future funding and other opportunities by signing up for the mailing list , and reach out to admin@strivevt. org with any questions. The application deadline is Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Successful proposals might include: purchasing equipment to support hands-on STEM learning supporting experiential learning opportunities that connect youth to local STEM careers developing or expanding programs that build inquiry, experimentation, and problem-solving skills strengthening community-based STEM programming and access Service club branches may be a source of funding.

In addition to providing volunteers for community projects, these groups often focus on raising money for local projects, often in the $500–$5,000 range. Service organizations also often have national and international-level grant programs, where the applicant is often the club itself, but libraries can be key partners and beneficiaries.

If they exist in your area, consider exploring local clubs, building a relationship with club leadership, and then co-design a project to fund. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks The Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize for Public Libraries recognizes a public library’s impact as a community asset. Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026.

The Courage Project is a national initiative honoring everyday acts of bravery and courage that strengthen communities and democracy at the local level.

Courage Awards of $10,000 to $50,000 recognize individuals and organizations that embody the nation's foundational values through specific acts of courage that build bridges and strengthen communities, such as supporting disaster recovery, championing equality, or building consensus around community needs. Rolling deadline: Nomination form .

The Ben & Jerry's Foundation’s Equity and Justice Grant Program is accepting applications from Vermont-based, Vermont-focused, nonprofit organizations working to address racial, economic, social, and environmental disparities and injustice. Deadline: Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Preservation Trust of Vermont is accepting applications for the 2026 Village Trust Initiative Community Cohort .

The Initiative offers expertise and funding to help 20 small towns create or bolster a local community trust organization and take on a transformational revitalization project in the village. These projects could be the revitalization of a general store, the creation of a community center, improvement of accessibility of an old town hall, or the renovation of a large historic home into village-scale housing.

Applications for the cohort are due Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Bolger Foundation Capital Improvements Grants are for capital projects that will have an ongoing impact, such as constructing new facilities, acquiring land, or expanding existing structures; upgrading or improving current buildings and/or grounds; and, purchasing significant and long-lasting equipment, e.g., new computers or other technology.

Applications close Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The Caroline M. Hewins Scholarship Fund is open to those who plan to specialize in library work with children; who have received or are about to receive a four-year undergraduate degree; and who have applied for admission to a library school.

Candidates are required to submit applications (via mail only) between July 1st and September 1st. There is just one week left to apply for the Summer 2026 Project Grant cycle through Vermont Humanities . Whether it’s a town festival, a local history exhibit, or a storytelling project, 250th-related initiatives are eligible for awards up to $5,000.

Project Grant Deadline: Wednesday, May 20, 2026. You can also apply for the Rapid Response Grants which offer up to $1,000 for smaller community events on a rolling basis. Walmart’s Spark Good Local Grants range from $250 to $5,000 and are awarded to address specific community needs.

Projects should align with the focus areas of Creating Opportunity, Advancing Sustainability, Strengthening Community, and/or Centering Racial Equity. Entities applying must be located within the service area of a Walmart store, Sam's Club, or distribution center. Applications are accepted and reviewed in two more application cycles in FY27, May 1– July 15, and Aug.

1 – Nov. 30. The Little Free Library Impact Grant Program aims to strengthen community ties, inspire readers, expand easy book access, positively influence literacy outcomes, and make Little Free Libraries available in high-need areas.

Applicants are notified by the end of the month after the month they applied. (Example: January applicants will be notified by the end of February.) Black Lawrence Press is accepting manuscript submissions for its Immigrant Writing Series .

Deadline: Rolling. Vermont Humanities is accepting applications for Rapid Response Grants , including special funding for America 250 programs. Deadline: Rolling.

Wish You Well Foundation’s Adult and Family Literacy Grants support adult and family literacy in the United States by fostering new and promoting existing adult literacy and educational programs. Applications accepted after the first of this month. Rural Technology Education & Assistive Technology (AT) Grants are typically $500 - $2,500 for staff and student-led projects in public schools and libraries.

The projects are designed to help spark student interest in technology-based careers like computer science, computer engineering, information technology, programming, cyber security, robotics, or similar areas. Rolling deadline. The Believe in Reading – Grants for Literacy Program supports the efforts of nonprofit organizations that teach, improve, or encourage reading by people of all ages from around the world.

These grants fund programs that serve any age or aspect of supporting reading and literacy, including adult literacy, English as a second language projects, or Braille projects for the blind or visually impaired. Rolling deadline. The Doris Ann Norris We Love Libraries Prize offers $500 to purchase library materials or for public programming.

The application requires a photo of library staff members with three or more books by three different, current Sisters in Crime member authors. The books by Sisters in Crime authors should be featured in the application photo.

Vermont Humanities announced that funding is now available for 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, schools, and/or institutions of higher education to apply for a Rapid Response Grant for programs held in commemoration of America’s 250th year. These awards of up to $1,000 will be available on a rolling basis for community events happening between April 1 and July 31 and will be awarded until funding runs out.

Award decisions are made the first week of every month, so be sure to apply by the end of the previous month in order to be considered for a grant! In addition to grant funding, organizations can now also apply to bring America 250 Speakers Bureau talks to their community during this anniversary year.

The ProLiteracy - Literacy Opportunity Fund offers grants of up to $6,000 to literacy organizations of all types and sizes that are doing direct work with adult students. Applications open four times a year, on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1.

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program , a community development process engaging residents in identifying what matters most to the community and how to build lasting change, offers $10,000 Seed Grants to qualifying small cities and towns interested in implementing this program. Rolling application process.

The Preservation Trust of Vermont (PTV) has been awarded $750,000 from the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Program, administered by the National Park Service. Sub-grants awarded by the PTV support preservation projects in rural Vermont. Projects supported in previous years through the Bruhn Grant program include the Haskell Library and Opera House in Derby, Pittsford Village Farm, and the US Customs House in St.

Albans ( view the complete list ). Potential applicants are encouraged to explore 2025 grant materials and watch last year’s Bruhn grant webinar to learn more . The 2026 grant round opens in early September, and applications are due in early November.

Freedom to Learn Foundation launched the Essential Library Services Grant program , providing direct support to libraries serving rural and historically marginalized communities that have experienced a loss or threat to public funding. Funds can be used for educational programming, library staffing, technological and digital infrastructure, safety and facility access, and community outreach. Rolling deadline.

Vermont Community Foundation is accepting applications for its Nonprofit Capacity Building grant program. Deadline: Rolling through Sunday, November 1, 2026. Vermont Community Foundation is accepting applications for its Special and Urgent Needs grant program.

Deadline: Rolling through November 1, 2026. Ben and Jerry's Foundation is accepting applications for its Vermont Community Action Team grant program. Deadline: Rolling.

Grassroots Fund is accepting applications for Seed Grants . Deadline: Rolling. Vermont Community Foundation is accepting applications for the Paul Post Fund for Libraries .

Deadline: Rolling. Pilcrow Foundation’s Children’s Book Project Program Grant applications are open. The Foundation, a national non-profit public charity, provides a 2-to-1 match to rural public libraries that receive a grant and contribute $200-$400 through local sponsors for the purchase of up to $1,200 worth (at retail value) of new, quality, hardcover children’s books.

Application deadlines are April 1 and October 1, 2026 (postmark date).