cats
The Vermont Community Action Teams (CATs) are self-governing, within the broad guidelines and funding provided by the Foundation. Every month, the CATs make small grants, generally under $2,000, to various local Vermont non-profit programs and community celebrations. In addition to making small grants, the CATs plan community service projects for all employees at their sites.
CAT Grant Guidelines
CATs fund an array of community programs - social services organizations, cultural, recreational, or arts programs and community celebrations located within the state of Vermont. The CATs pay special attention to underserved populations including seniors, at-risk youth and low income communities. The CATs prioritize support for basic human needs and the needs of underserved areas of the state as well as organizations that are primarily volunteer-led.
Grant recipients must be local community-based Vermont non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, or organizations that have a fiscal agent with 501(c)(3) status, schools or municipalities located in Vermont.
Grant applicants should demonstrate that they have the support of their community and that they are not relying exclusively on funding from the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation. The Community Action Teams are happy to consider innovative programs, and groups that might not have access to more mainstream sources of support.
CAT Grant Restrictions
CAT grants are not used to fund:
- Individuals
- Out of state organizations
- Statewide programs or organizations (local affiliates are fine)
- National organizations
- Programs or purposes that may be perceived as directly benefiting a Ben & Jerry’s employee or their family members
Apply for a Vermont CAT Grant
CAT Community Service Projects
Partnering with a non-profit or municipality, CATs plan, organize and complete large and small scale service projects to give back to their communities. These projects involve all employees from a site and may be scheduled for one day or a series of days depending on the work needs of the site. The Foundation allocates funds to the CATs to complete these projects.
Project Guidelines:
- The project must have the support of the community and appropriate decision makers. The project must have any municipal or other approvals that may be required.
- The project should be transformative; meaning at the end of the project the change is significant.
- There must be a commitment to maintain the restoration/renovation from the municipality or organization after the project is completed.
- The work should be suited to volunteer teams.
Community Action Team
Mission Statement
The Community Action Teams' mission is to enhance the quality of community life in Vermont through small grants and community service projects. We fund local organizations, special community projects and celebrations. In making our decisions, we are guided by the Foundation’s values, mission and activist culture and by the caring and generous spirit of our co-workers.
