Vermont Community Action Teams (CATs)
The Vermont Community Action Teams (CATs) are groups of employees at each of Ben & Jerry’s three Vermont manufacturing and office facilities. They offer general or project support within the broad guidelines and funding provided by the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation. Every month, the CATs make small grants, generally under $2,000, to various local, community-based Vermont non-profit programs. In addition to making small grants, the CATs plan community service projects for all employees at their sites.
DEADLINE: Applications reviewed monthly.
Requirements:
To be considered for funding, each applicant organization must be:
- Located in Vermont
- A local, community-based, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, OR
- An organization that has a fiscal agent with 501(c)(3) status, OR
- A municipal school, or a municipality
Priorities
Funding preference will be given to organizations that:
- Focus on under-served populations including seniors, youth, low-income and communities of color
- Address basic human needs and the needs of underserved areas of the state
- Improve access to housing, food, health care, elder and child care
- Have a strong volunteer base
- Can demonstrate the support of their community
- Don’t rely exclusively on funding from the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation
Related Resources
The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation was created to fund organizations here in Vermont and around the country that are working for progressive social change.
We do this by:
ENGAGING EMPLOYEES
As a foundation that advances grassroots leadership, we strive to model that approach in our own operations. Working with the company, the Foundation creates opportunities for Ben & Jerry’s staff members from across the organization to learn about our funding priorities and to participate in the grantmaking process.
Giving to Vermont Communities
Through our Vermont grant programs, we strive to support and enhance the well-being of Vermont and Vermonters – giving back to our home state and the communities where we live and work.
Supporting Social Justice
Our national grant program supports grassroots organizations & movements throughout the U.S. working to change unjust, underlying conditions in order to bring about a more equitable society.
Need help on your journey?
