The Lucy Downing Nisbet Charitable Fund, established in 2002, provides grants to support educational, health and human services, and arts programming for underserved populations in Vermont. The fund prioritizes organizations addressing healthcare and nursing, domestic violence awareness, heart disease, endangered species, or those based in Morrisville, VT. Eligible applicants must have an office in Vermont and focus on serving its residents.

The application deadline is January 15 annually, with decisions communicated within two to three months via letter. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $20,000 for projects lasting one year. The fund does not provide support for deficit financing, annual campaigns, endowments, or capital projects.

Applications must follow the procedures outlined by Bank of America, N.A., the co-trustee, along with Ward F. Cleary, Esq. The process includes submission through the Connecticut office of Bank of America. Detailed guidance on the application process, including submission instructions, is available in the application procedures document provided on the fund's website.

Applicants seeking clarification or assistance with the application process are encouraged to contact the bank via email at ct.grantmaking@bofa.com, with the foundation name included in the email subject line. Organizations are advised to review all relevant guidelines and contact the co-trustees if needed to ensure their applications align with the fund's mission and priorities.