The objectives of the fund:
- Support innovative local climate and energy projects where a small grant could have a meaningful impact.
- Simple application process through a Google form.
- Upfront funding provided to projects.
- Simple report when project is completed to share success and lessons learned.
In the first five rounds (2021-2025), small grants have been awarded to 109 local innovators totaling over $345,500 distributed to local efforts. The fund has supported a diversity of projects such as a flood plain public food forest, frontline emergency preparedness kits, climate economy workforce training, e-bikes at local libraries, and more. To learn more about projects funded in the first three rounds, click on the icons in the interactive map below or read the following reports:
2021 Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund Report
2022 Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund Report
2023 Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund Report
2024 Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund Report
The Vermont Council on Rural Development, in collaboration with the Vermont Low Income Trust for Electricity (VLITE), the Vermont Community Foundation, the Sunflower Fund, and EastRise Credit Union, provides small grants to support local innovators developing solutions that move Vermont closer to its climate and energy goals.
Vermont Adult Learning, Inc, a 2023 recipient of the Innovation Fund, worked to develop accessible training in weatherization and heat pump installation to English Language Learners.
Grant awards range from $500 to a maximum of $4,000. Funds can be awarded to a municipality, school, non-profit organization, volunteer organization, town committee or business. VCRD is open to working with potential applicants that lack the organizational infrastructure to accept funds directly; please reach out with any questions.
Criteria for successful projects include:
- Innovative: What is unique about this project?
- Equitable: How does this project address the needs of frontline communities and historically marginalized Vermonters?
- Collaborative: What partners are involved and what is the depth of their engagement?
- Climate/Energy Goals: When completed, will this project reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, reduce total energy use, and/or increase renewable energy consumption in Vermont? Can that impact be measured?
- Resilience: Does this project increase the ability for residents, ecosystems, and/or infrastructure to be more resilient?
- Leverage: Would this grant unlock other funds or support?
- Replicable: Can the project serve as a model for others? What path exists for this to be more than a one-off?
The 2025 Innovation Fund deadline has closed and a new round of funding will be in fall of 2026. To stay updated, sign up for the VCRD newsletter here. For more Information, contact Laura Cavin Bailey at [email protected] or 802-234-1646.