Apply now!
Applications are now open and will be accepted until October 14th, 2026 for the 2026 round of funding.
VCRD launched the Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund in 2021 to support local Vermonters that are working toward reducing energy use, improving climate resiliency, and supporting communities working together in the face of a changing climate. Last year, 17 projects totaling $60,500 were approved in the 2025 round of funding.

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 four 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

2025 Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund Report – coming in fall 2026

 

The Vermont Council on Rural Development, in collaboration with the Vermont Low Income Trust for Electricity (VLITE), Vermont Community Foundation, the Sunflower Fund, EastRise Credit Union, Ruth H. Brown Foundation, and the Ben and Jerry’s Foundation, provides small grants to support local innovators developing solutions that move Vermont closer to its climate and energy goals.

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:

  • Equitable: How does this project address the needs of frontline communities and historically marginalized Vermonters?
  • Innovative: What is unique about this project?
  • 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?

For more Information, contact Laura Cavin Bailey, Climate Economy Director, at [email protected] or 802-234-1646.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you fund the same organization multiple times?

Yes! We have provided funding to the same organization, but this is not meant to be an ongoing program funding source. Instead the fund is meant to leverage new ideas and test programs that may otherwise not get off the ground. New projects or aspects to the work are encouraged when applying for a second year.

Do you fund the same organization on two different projects in the same year?

Typically no, we often have three times the amount of funds asked for in applications than funding available to support projects so we typically do not award two grants to the same organization. If there is a reason your organization is submitting two different projects, please note which project needs the funding more and why.

Do you partially fund projects?

We attempt to fund requests in full so that the projects have the possibility of being undertaken as stated. There are instances where we partially funded projects because we see partial support can still be beneficial to leveraging the project.

When do you provide the funding?

We make final awardee determination in November and send checks before the end of December. We will need a W9 form and mailing address to send the check.

Who can apply?

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 (for example a new effort that has yet to set up a non-profit).

Can my project change over the twelve months after getting an award?

Yes! We know things happen and projects change course over time. We will work with you to envision what the change could be and how the funds could still be used given your new situation. Reach out to [email protected] to discuss further.

What type of projects are funded?

With innovation, everyone’s project is a little different! Some past projects have included emergency preparedness kits, loaner e-bikes at libraries, solar powered trailers for construction and health clinics, outdoor clay ovens for schools and more. A description of every project from the last five years is also available in an interactive map and our project reports on this page.

Do you fund projects outside of Vermont?

No, we only fund projects in Vermont. Out-of-state organizations whose work benefits those living or working in Vermont are welcome to apply.