SPECIAL AND URGENT NEEDS PROGRAM
(Unforeseen, time-sensitive emergencies or opportunities)
The VCF wants to be a responsive grantmaker, so we created the Special and Urgent Needs Program to address short-term needs where a relatively small amount of funding can help an organization through a significant leadership transition, develop a new piece of infrastructure, or provide a bridge between unanticipated short-term gaps in funding.

Deadline
There is no deadline - apply anytime.

Decisions will be made by:
Within 14 business days of receiving application.

Total amount available:
Up to $50,000

Grant size:
Up to $5,000

Who is eligible:
Grant applications will be accepted from organizations that are located in or serve the people of Vermont. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or be a public agency or municipality in the state of Vermont. Nonprofit organizations or community groups who do not have 501(c)(3) status may apply for grant awards if another tax-exempt organization acts as a fiscal sponsor. Applicants must employ staff and provide services without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

What we fund:
In the Special and Urgent Needs program, we will consider any eligible organization that meets a well-documented community need in Vermont and that meets the overall grantmaking criteria of the VCF (see "How We Evaluate" section below). We look for proposals that will allow an organization to:

  • take advantage of an unforeseen and time-sensitive opportunity that will greatly enhance the organization’s ability to meet its mission with excellence and efficiency
  • provide essential equipment, technology, or resources whose need could not have been anticipated or budgeted, and without which the work of the organization would be severely hampered
  • manage an unanticipated leadership transition or emergency succession of an executive director
  • conduct emergency repairs of building mechanical systems (heating/cooling, water service, etc.) whose sudden and unexpected failure interferes with the provision of services
  • handle unexpected loss of outside financial resources that could not have been anticipated

See the 2007 SUN grants awarded
See the 2006 SUN grants awarded

What we don't fund:
For the Special and Urgent Needs program, we only fund projects that are unforeseen and time-sensitive. We do not generally make grants for: endowments; capital campaigns (except for initial planning expenses); religious purposes; individuals; debts; or equipment (unless it is an integral part of an otherwise eligible project); we do not fund work that has already been completed.

How to submit your application:

Apply Online (required)

Please note: By submitting your application to the VCF, you give the VCF permission to share your application with other interested funders (if any), both individuals and foundations.

How we evaluate your application:

In evaluating applications, the VCF will consider the following criteria:

  • Compatibility with the VCF’s guidelines
  • Availability of VCF funds
  • Well-documented community need for organization and project
  • The extent to which the project or program will address the needs of under-served populations within Vermont
  • The impact of the project or program on building the capacity of the organization
  • The sustainability of the project or program
  • The extent to which the grant will help the VCF reach geographic areas throughout the state
  • Community support for the project and the organization
  • Likelihood of success
  • Financial accountability of applicant


Our Grantseeker Frequently Asked Questions is a great resource for information.

We are always here to help. Please contact Mary Conlon at mconlon@vermontcf.org or Laura Marlow at lmarlow@vermontcf.org with questions.

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