The Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation (VCTF) offers quarterly Equipment Grants to non-profit organizations serving children in Vermont. These grants are designed to support primary prevention programs for children aged 0-18, aiming to reduce the likelihood of juvenile delinquency, truancy, substance abuse, child abuse, and other destructive behaviors. Funded programs should promote positive family functioning, address societal factors impacting children and parents, support at-risk youth through coordinated services, and enhance racial equity while reducing racial disparities.

Equipment Grants provide funding up to $2,000 per award. Eligible applicants include private non-profits, schools, and public entities such as town governments. The grant specifically funds transferable equipment but does not support construction projects or certain prohibited items, including trampolines, large climbing structures, playhouses, baby walkers, and tricycles with spokes. All applicants must be in good standing with Vermont state tax regulations and, if applicable, the Child Development Division’s regulatory requirements. Additionally, organizations must be compliant with past VCTF grant reporting requirements.

Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis, with submission deadlines on January 31st, April 30th, July 31st, and October 31st. Awards are announced in February, May, August, and November, respectively. Emergency Equipment Grants, which address urgent needs such as equipment loss due to fire, natural disaster, theft, or the need for specialized equipment for a child, are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the VCTF online portal. Applicants must follow the prescribed application format, ensuring completeness and compliance with funding guidelines. If utilizing a fiscal agent, the applicant must provide the fiscal agent’s tax ID, mailing address, and fiscal year timing. Once submitted, applications cannot be edited, and attachments will not be accepted after submission.

Awarded applicants are required to submit a final report and provide equipment receipts within 30 days of receiving funding. For technical assistance or application-related inquiries, applicants may contact Theo at theo@vtchildrenstrust.org or call 802-951-8604. The Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation is located at 95 St. Paul Street, Ste 330, Burlington, VT 05401, and can also be reached via their toll-free number, 888-475-5437.