Samara Fund Grants

Elisabeth Marx
802.388.3355 Ext. 241
emarx@vermontcf.org

Samara Fund Grants provide funding for projects and organizations that serve the LGBTQ community or support HIV/AIDS services or prevention at the grassroots level in Vermont. Projects should address the overall mission of the Vermont Community Foundation and support activities such as healthcare, housing and poverty alleviation; community safety and anti-violence programs; youth development and leadership; advocacy and organizing; education; and arts and cultural events.

Areas of need include:

• Programs that serve LGBTQ youth, elders, and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color)
• Extending services, or establishing new services, in rural and underserved areas of the state
• Support and services for transgender Vermonters
• LGBTQ competent healthcare, mental health, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS services

Priorities have included projects and services focusing on and led by LGBTQ+ youth, elders, BIPOC, populations in rural areas, as well as support for Trans-specific projects and LGBTQ+ competent healthcare, mental health, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS services.

Eligible organizations include nonprofit organizations serving Vermont. Otherwise eligible projects that do not have IRS 501(c)(3) status may still apply using a fiscal sponsor. Fiscal sponsors must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or be a public agency, school, or municipality in the state of Vermont.

Awards typically range from $500 to $3,500, with the average amount being $2,500.

A link to the online grants center is available on the program website.