The Cultural Facilities Grants program, administered by the Vermont Arts Council, provides funding to Vermont-based nonprofit organizations and municipalities to support improvements to existing buildings that facilitate cultural activities for the public. The purpose of this grant is to enhance, create, or expand the physical capacity of facilities that offer artistic, creative, aesthetic, historic, or scholarly experiences. Applicants must own a facility that is at least ten years old and is physically located within the state of Vermont.

Cultural activities are broadly defined and include performances, exhibits, readings, film screenings, displays, workshops, and similar events that promote public appreciation of the arts and humanities. Eligible projects may involve improvements to building infrastructure such as wiring, heating, lighting, and plumbing, as well as accessibility enhancements like elevators, ramps, and assistive listening systems. Funding can also support stage upgrades, permanent exhibit installations, environmental controls for collections care, hazard mitigation strategies, and energy efficiency measures.

Applicants are required to provide two cost estimates for their proposed projects, indicating the importance of early preparation. The grant program is one of seven “Building Communities” Grant Programs funded through the State of Vermont Capital Appropriations Budget. Organizations are only eligible to receive funding from one of these programs within a single fiscal year. The other programs include Agricultural Fairs Capital Projects Grants, Historic Preservation Grants, Historic Barn Preservation Grants, Human Services and Educational Facilities Grants, Recreational Facilities Grants, and Regional Economic Development Grants.

To ensure eligibility, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Michele Bailey before beginning their application. Michele Bailey also serves as the accessibility coordinator for the program, and applicants who require assistance with the application process or need alternative formats can reach her via phone at 802-402-4614 or email at mbailey@vermontartscouncil.org.

Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2025, and proposed projects must take place between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026. A grantseeker workshop is scheduled for February 20, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm, and a recording will be available for those unable to attend live. Final reports are due within 30 days of project completion and must be submitted through the grant portal. Applicants are required to obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI) to apply. The application process is fully online, and new users must register and be approved within 1–2 business days.

The Vermont Arts Council is located at 136 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont, though visitors are currently seen by appointment at 36 College Street due to building repairs. The Council receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Vermont state legislature, private foundations, corporations, and individuals.