Walter Cerf Community Fund
Forecasted
Walter Cerf Community Fund supports Vermont organizations with arts, education, historic preservation, and social service grants to address charitable needs, especially those of underserved populations.
Funder: Vermont Community Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Small grants: $500–$5,000 | Large grants: up to $25,000 (one to two awards)
Summary: Supports Vermont charitable work in arts, education, historic preservation, and social services, especially work benefiting underserved populations.
Key Information: Large grants support specific programs or projects serving Addison County or Brandon, not general operations.
Description
The Walter Cerf Community Fund is a permanent endowment administered by the Vermont Community Foundation. Established after Walter Cerf’s death in 2001, it makes annual grants continuing his philanthropic support for Vermont. Its priority interests are the arts, education, historic preservation, and social services, with particular emphasis on addressing the needs of underserved populations.
The fund supports organizations located in or serving Addison County or the Town of Brandon, as well as organizations serving a statewide constituency and making a unique contribution to Vermont. It favors cooperation, collaboration, and community building. Support includes specific programs and projects and, through small grants, general operating needs. Projects supported by multiple funding sources are preferred, and the fund rarely pays for an entire project.
