Current Update:
We are currently receiving more requests than our available funding can support. While applications remain open, funding is very limited and most new requests are unlikely to be funded, as requests are reviewed in the order they are received, pending approval. We share this transparently to help organizations plan ahead—especially those with time-sensitive needs—and encourage exploring additional funding sources when possible.
Of course we care. This is our home, too.
At NorthCountry, our team is committed to serving our neighbors in every way possible. We offer financial support to 501(c)3 and 501(c)19 nonprofits that make this little corner of the world a better place for all of us. For questions regarding community giving, contact us.
Here are some community friends and collaborators we’ve been fortunate to support for five or more years:
- American Cancer Society – Hope Lodge
- Cancer Patient Support Foundation – NCFCU Rural Transportation Fund
- Capstone Community Action – Fuel Your Neighbors
- Central Vermont Medical Center – Branches of Hope
- Greater Burlington YMCA – Youth and YA Programming
- Humane Society of Chittenden County
- Lund Family Center
- McClure Miller Respite House
- Prevent Child Abuse Vermont
- Rhino Food Foundation – Income Advance Program
- Ronald McDonald House (Burlington)
- STARBASE Vermont, Inc.
- Vermont Children's Trust Foundation
- 12+ Food Shelves throughout VT
You've got questions, we've got answers
View All FAQsComplete the standard application and submit it according to the instructions. Please allow six to twelve weeks for a decision.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. However, Community Giving funds are limited and may be fully committed before year-end, and we may have limited ability to support additional requests once funds are largely allocated. In some cases, smaller requests (generally $1,000 or less) may still be considered at the local branch level, depending on availability.
Review time for applications varies based on submission volume and can take up to twelve weeks. You are allowed to apply more than once a year and/or multiple years in a row.
Our only requirement is that you are a 501(c)3 or 501(c)19 non-profit organization. Some causes we give to are health, human services, arts and leisure, social responsibility, and education.
Funding is not offered for:
- Religious*, political, advocacy, for-profit, or labor organizations
- Organizations with missions that conflict with our corporate guidelines
- Operating funds (utilities, payroll, dues, etc.)
- Individuals
- Travel/trips/tours**
- Private education
- Private daycare centers
* Programs sponsored by a religious organization (such as addiction recovery and food shelves), may qualify for consideration.
** Small requests for educational trips may be approved at the discretion of your local branch.
NorthCountry has several channels of community giving. Requests over $5,000 are submitted to our Board of Directors for review; our employee-run Cares Committee reviews requests up to $5,000; and each branch has a community giving budget as well. The amount approved is determined by the need for the project/program, the benefit to the population, and the impact on community.