The Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation (VCTF) offers Program Grants to support primary prevention programs that serve children ages 0-18 across Vermont. VCTF’s mission focuses on funding programs that work to reduce the likelihood of juvenile delinquency, truancy, substance misuse, child abuse, and other harmful behaviors before formal intervention by authorities is necessary. These grants prioritize community-based, strength-based programs that foster positive family functioning, improve social and racial equity, and provide coordinated and effective services for youth and at-risk populations.

Applications for the 2025 grant cycle will be available online in January 2025. All applications must be submitted by March 12, 2025. Funding decisions will be announced in June, with funding made available to successful applicants in mid to late summer, once grant agreements and required documentation are finalized. Programs beginning in the summer of 2025 are eligible for funding, but initial funding disbursements will not occur until September 2025. The grant period for all awarded grants will run from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026.

VCTF encourages applicants to design programs that advance equity and inclusion by addressing the needs of underrepresented populations. Funded proposals must align with one of Vermont’s two primary state outcomes: ensuring families are safe, nurturing, stable, and supported, or ensuring children and youth achieve their potential. Additionally, successful programs must incorporate one or more protective and promotive factors, such as parental resilience, youth resilience, social connections, knowledge of parenting and child development, and concrete support in times of need.

VCTF offers two types of Program Grants. One-Year Program Grants provide up to $12,000 for planning and implementing new prevention programs, including pilot programs to assess community interest and feasibility. Three-Year Program Grants offer up to $15,000 in the first year, with the potential for reduced funding in years two and three to encourage applicants to secure additional funding sources. VCTF reserves the right to convert applications for three-year grants into one-year grants if deemed more appropriate.

Eligibility for VCTF Program Grants is restricted to private non-profits, schools, and public entities such as town governments, recreation departments, and libraries. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible. Programs must be voluntary and open to the general public, not exclusively serving groups already involved with the justice system. Existing grantees receiving funding under a three-year grant cycle are not eligible to apply for new Program Grants until their current cycle concludes. Applicants must be in good standing with Vermont state tax and regulatory requirements, and child care providers must be in good regulatory standing with the Child Development Division.

Applications must be submitted electronically following the required format and including all necessary attachments, such as program and organization budgets. Incomplete applications or late submissions will not be accepted. Applications are reviewed in May by a panel of approximately 20 community volunteers, including pediatricians, educators, and business leaders. Programs selected for funding must submit mid-term and final reports and will participate in at least one site visit during the grant period. For assistance with the application process, applicants may contact Theo at theo@vtchildrenstrust.org or call 802-951-8604.