Arts & Social Cohesion
Forecasted
Arts & Social Cohesion supports Vermont community organizations’ participatory arts projects that connect neighbors, create inclusive spaces for expression, and strengthen belonging and wellbeing.
Funder: Vermont Community Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Letter of Interest) | June 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $12,000 per grant, with an intended average of $7,500; one-year grant activity period
Summary: Supports participatory arts projects in Vermont that connect neighbors and strengthen belonging, community cohesion, and wellbeing.
Key Information: Applicants must primarily serve Vermont; full applications are accepted by invitation following Letter of Interest review.
Description
The Vermont Community Foundation’s Arts & Social Cohesion program supports visual, performing, music, and literary arts projects that create positive social interaction, engagement, and collaboration. Made possible by a donor-advised fundholder, the program aligns with the Health & Wellbeing impact area of the Foundation’s Opportunity Gap framework. Its goal is to strengthen community connection and belonging in ways that persist and grow.
Supported work includes participatory murals, artist residencies, community-engaged public installations, interactive performances, choral collaborations, talent shows, hands-on workshops, and free public classes and events. Projects should involve people as participants, co-designers, and co-creators rather than only spectators. Priority goes to new projects, although existing programs with a successful track record are eligible. Letters of Interest focused on planning future projects requiring longer lead times or complex collaboration are also considered.
