Funding Available to Support Arts and Social Cohesion Projects in Vermont 

The sense of belonging and connection that people feel in their community has a powerful impact on mental and physical health. At a time of polarization, disruption, and disconnection, the arts can help bring people back together to work, play, create, and solve problems collaboratively. When communities engage in the arts, they foster lasting connections and strengthen social cohesion, enriching overall wellbeing.

The Vermont Community Foundation has new funding available for projects and events in the visual, performing, musical, and literary arts that create opportunities for positive social interaction, engagement, and collaboration. Nonprofits, schools, libraries, and other community and cultural organizations are invited to submit Letters of Interest (LOI) for projects that strengthen belonging and community cohesion in meaningful, lasting ways.

This grant program is made possible by a Vermont Community Foundation fundholder and aligns with the Foundation’s goals to improve health and wellbeing and close the opportunity gap that leaves too many Vermonters struggling to thrive.

Grants are expected to average $7,500 but will be awarded up to $12,000 to fund a range of project types and sizes across the state.

Letters of Interest (LOI) will be accepted between April 3 and May 8, 2025. They must be received by 5 p.m. Thursday, May 8, to be considered. LOI submissions will only be accepted via the Vermont Community Foundation’s online grants management platform which can be found at vermontcf.org/for-nonprofits/. Following a review of all LOIs, a small number of organizations will be invited to submit a full application for funding consideration. Organizations will be notified regarding the status of their LOI by May 22.

For more information and to submit a Letter of Interest visit vermontcf.org/funds/arts-social-cohesion/.