Which program should my group apply to?
If you are a Vermont community-based organization, you may wish to apply to the Vermont Community Action Teams, which offer small grants to support community events, programs and activities. If you are grassroots organization anywhere in the
United States, including Vermont, that uses grassroots organizing
strategies to work for social justice, environmental protection, or
sustainable food systems, you may wish to apply to our National Grassroots
Grant program.
If you are a statewide Vermont organization that is seeking
organizational support to reach the next level of effectiveness and
viability, you may wish to apply for our Vermont Capacity-building
grant.
What issue areas does the Ben & Jerry's Foundation prioritize?
While the Ben & Jerry’s
Foundation broad interests are in furthering social justice,
environmental protection, and sustainable food systems, we do not
prioritize any specific issue areas for funding. Rather, we focus on
the types of activities and strategies an organization uses for
creating social change. See programs The Vermont Community Action Teams, comprised of Ben & Jerry’s
employees, fund an array of community programs - social services
organizations, cultural, recreational, or arts programs and community
celebrations across Vermont.
What are your application deadlines?
Applications for the Vermont Community Action Teams may be submitted at any time and are reviewed on an ongoing basis. The deadline for the Vermont Capacity-Building Grant program is April 30th.For our Grassroots Organizing for Social Change program we have three open periods for letters of interest: LOIs may be submitted July-September for consideration in our 1st Quarter 2013 grant cycle, and January-March for consideration in our 3rd Quarter 2013 grant cycle; Renewal LOIs may be submitted until January 15th, 2013, for consideration in our 2nd Quarter 2013 grant cycle.
How do I apply?
All of our grant programs are accessed through this website. Once you have reviewed all of the grant guidelines and restrictions, and are certain your organization would align with our priorities, review the process and follow the Apply (red arrow) button. This will take you to our online grants management system. If you wish to learn more about the online application system, you can access a tutorial by by clicking here.
How often can I apply?
We don’t have a limit on the number of
times an organization may apply, but recommend moderation. An
organization may only be funded once each year.
Can I apply for more than one grant program at a time?
No. We will only consider one application at a time.
Who is eligible for the CAT grants?
Only Vermont community-based organizations may apply for CAT grants. CATs do not fund statewide organizations.
Does my organization need to have 501(c)(3) (non-profit public charity) status to apply?
Organizations
may receive grants from Ben & Jerry’s Foundation through a fiscal
agent with 501(c)(3) status if they do not have the status of their own. A
letter of intention from the fiscal agent is required along with their
IRS determination letter with the submittal of your full proposal.
Who decides which groups receive funding from the Ben & Jerry's Foundation?
All of our grant decisions are recommended by teams of Ben & Jerry’s employees.
How soon after applying can I expect to hear back?
Please allow 30 days after submitting a Letter of Interest to hear back from us. CAT applicants can expect to hear back within 30 days as well.
Does the Ben & Jerry's Foundation provide support to individuals?
No. The Foundation can only fund non-profit organizations.
How do I apply for ice cream donations?
Please visit the Ben & Jerry’s website: www.benjerry.com
How do I apply for event sponsorship?
Please visit the Ben & Jerry’s website: www.benjerry.com
Who do I talk to about getting Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc. to partner with my organization for a social marketing campaign?
Please visit the Ben & Jerry’s website: www.benjerry.com