Special and Urgent Needs
The Vermont Community Foundation's Special and Urgent Needs grant helps Vermont nonprofits respond to unexpected emergencies or opportunities impacting their ability to serve basic human needs.
Funder: Vermont Community Foundation
Due Dates: February 23, 2026 (applications open) | November 1, 2026 (final submission deadline; rolling until funds are expended)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per award; activities must be completed within 1 year of award.
Summary: Supports Vermont nonprofits facing unexpected, unbudgeted, and time-sensitive emergencies or opportunities that impact their ability to serve basic human needs.
Key Information: Rolling review; funds may be limited after September 1, 2026—apply early if possible.
Description
The Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) grant program, offered by the Vermont Community Foundation, is designed to help Vermont nonprofits address unforeseen emergencies or seize unanticipated opportunities that directly affect their ability to fulfill their mission. The program prioritizes organizations serving basic human needs—such as social services, food access, housing, and health-related services—especially those with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less. Eligible uses include emergency repairs, sudden equipment failures, urgent resource needs, or short-term programming for staff and volunteer wellbeing during extraordinary circumstances. The grant is not intended for deferred maintenance, budget deficits, or planned upgrades.
