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Purpose: The National Grassroots Grant Program supports non-profit organizations across the country and in Vermont aligned with the Foundation’s broad interests in social justice, environmental protection and sustainable food systems. We fund grassroots, constituent-led organizations that are using community-organizing strategies to accomplish their goals and organizations that provide technical support and/or capacity-building resources to such groups. Although we appreciate the value of direct service programs in meeting individual and family needs, we do not fund such programs.

Process: The process starts with the Letter of Interest (LOI). LOIs are considered on a rolling basis and are reviewed within 30 days of submission. We generally fund organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Grant awards are up to $15,000 for a one-year period. Full Grant reviews occur nine times a year by the Employee Advisory Committee.

Click here to find our application guidelines and process.

Purpose: The Movement Building Grant Program is a proactive grant program that supports national progressive movement-building efforts by identifying cross-sector alliances that can significantly advance the Foundation’s broad social justice, environmental protection and sustainable food systems goals.  The program engages with initiatives that are working across sectors and implementing approaches, knowledge and models that build the movement and will lead to positive change. We look for efforts with a track record of success and the demonstrated leadership and multiple allies to be able to accomplish their goals. Grantees will have demonstrated results and a strategic plan that position them to play a significant role in mobilizing others and influencing decisionmakers.

We are currently developing relationships with organizations that are strategically building the movement to address immigrant and low-income workers rights issues nationally.

Process: Proposals are considered by invitation only.  The grants are in the $25,000-$50,000 range and may involve a two year commitment.

We do not accept unsolicited grant proposals for this program. 

Purpose: The Vermont Capacity Building Grant Program assists Vermont statewide organizations aligned with the Foundation’s broad interests in social justice, environmental protection and sustainable food systems, achieve greater organizational strength and sustainability.

Process: The Employee Advisory Committee awards this multi-year grant of up to $25,000 per year in November. Filing deadline is April 30. The highly competitive process includes a comprehensive review, a series of discussions and a site visit.

Purpose: The Vermont Community Action Teams, comprised of non-management employees at each of Ben & Jerry’s three Vermont sites are at the heart of involving Ben & Jerry’s employees in philanthropy. On a monthly basis, these teams award small grants, mostly in the $500 to $1000 range to local Vermont organizations providing community services, activities and events. The CATs also plan and complete significant community service projects.    

The Foundation supports employee generosity by matching donations, dollar for dollar, up to $2000 annually.