Opportunity Overview
The Vermont Community Action Team Grant is an open Ben & Jerry’s Foundation program supporting local, community based Vermont organizations. The three Vermont Community Action Teams make small grants every month for programs addressing basic human needs and underserved populations.
Funding and Deadline
Community Action Team grants are generally under $2,000. The Foundation does not publish a hard applicant ceiling for this program on the controlling public page.
Applications are reviewed monthly through the end of 2026 and may be submitted through November 16, 2026. The Foundation does not publish a closing clock time or time zone. Because the Foundation has announced that it expects to suspend operations at the end of 2026 absent a favorable legal outcome, it specifically encourages eligible organizations to apply sooner rather than later.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be located in Vermont and be one of the following: a local, community based 501(c)(3) nonprofit; an organization using a fiscal agent with 501(c)(3) status; a municipal school; or a municipality.
Funding Priorities
Priority is given to organizations serving underserved populations, including seniors, youth, low income communities, and communities of color; addressing basic human needs and underserved areas; improving access to housing, food, health care, elder care, and child care; maintaining a strong volunteer base; demonstrating community support; and not relying exclusively on Foundation funding.
Key Exclusions
The program does not fund individuals or scholarships; organizations or programs based outside Vermont; statewide programs or organizations, although local affiliates may qualify; businesses or business associations; other foundations or regranting organizations; national organizations; discretionary or emergency requests; or programs directly benefiting a Ben & Jerry’s employee or family member. Religious organizations are generally excluded unless they provide outreach programs benefiting the broad community.
Application Process
Applicants must use the Foundation’s online grants management system and complete its eligibility process. Mailed requests are not accepted. The controlling public page does not publish a separate mandatory attachment checklist or a mandatory match or cost share requirement. An organization may be funded only once per calendar year and may have only one application under consideration across the Foundation’s grant programs at a time.
Atlas Fit Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 66/100. The program has legitimate Vermont health, child care, municipal school, and basic needs relevance, but the typical award size is modest and the program is broad rather than technology or clinical services focused.
N9+ Fit: 0/100. No defensible role for the Nonagon N9+ device and platform is established by the controlling program requirements.
QC Healthcare Fit: 0/100. No direct QC Healthcare clinical services or vendor pathway is established by the controlling program requirements.
Next Action
Eligible Vermont organizations should confirm that they fit the local, community based requirement, review the exclusions, complete the Foundation eligibility process, and submit through the online grants system no later than November 16, 2026. No clock time or time zone is published.
Program contact: Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, info@benandjerrysfoundation.org, 802-495-1378.
Official source: Ben & Jerry’s Foundation — Vermont Community Action Team.