We strengthen rural communities and close opportunity gaps by making postsecondary education and training the easy choice—especially for young Vermonters.
The J Warren and Lois Mcclure Foundation centers its grantmaking on a specific problem: making postsecondary education and training the easier choice for young Vermonters, with a strong emphasis on debt-free pathways. One of its clearest signals is the Free Degree Promise, a multi-year effort tied to the Community College of Vermont that supports accelerated associate degree completion and student costs such as tuition, fees, and stipends. The foundation also backs related systems work, including administration and student support for that pathway, which suggests a funding strategy that extends beyond scholarships to the infrastructure needed to deliver the program. Its recent grants also show support for college persistence and completion through mentoring, as well as targeted investments in incarcerated education, veteran and military student services, and career learning integration at CCV. Outside the college pathway, the foundation has funded teacher workforce development and rural education capacity, including support for educator recruitment, retention, and pilot stipend models. The overall picture is a Vermont-focused funder using a mix of program support, pilot funding, and capacity-building grants to move students from high school into college, training, and licensed careers.
A major theme in the foundation’s grantmaking is accelerated degree access. In 2025, it gave $883,383 to Community College of Vermont - Montpelier for program support, and in 2024 it awarded $199,890 to the same institution to support estimated student costs tied to the McClure Free Degree Promise for the fall 2023 semester. Teacher workforce development is another priority. The foundation granted $50,000 to Vermont State University Johnson Campus to pilot student teacher semester stipends and analyze the pilot as a demonstration project. It also supports pathways that help students persist after high school. Orange Southwest Supervisory Union received $25,000 for year one of the "Year 13 Mentoring" pilot program at Randolph Union High School, and Vermont School Counselor Association Inc received $110,000 to help support its transition to a paid staffing model. Career and workforce integration appears in its funding to Community College of Vermont - Winooski, which received $100,000 to support career learning management and integration.
$1M
$7.9M
$752K
$1.5M
Most grants fall between $23K and $90K, with a median of $50K.
25th Percentile
$23K
Median
$50K
75th Percentile
$90K
BARBARA BENEDICT
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Typical grant sizes cluster around a mid-six-figure program grant and smaller operating or pilot awards, with p25 at $22,500, median at $50,000, and p75 at $90,380. Recent grants show repeated support to the same institutions across multiple years, especially Community College of Vermont and related entities, which points to sustained multi-year funding rather than one-off gifts. The foundation is a regular funder and also makes program-related investments. Several grants are described as program support, while others are tied to tuition, fees, stipends, administration, staffing transitions, or pilot demonstrations. Some initiatives are unsolicited, including mini-grants for career exploration and postsecondary planning.
Grant activity is overwhelmingly Vermont-based, with 96% of grants going to recipients in the state. The highest-volume recipient city is Montpelier, where Community College of Vermont grants, Vermont Humanities, and Vermont State Colleges appear in the recent list. Other Vermont recipient cities include Winooski, South Burlington, Randolph, Derby, Richmond, Johnson, and Middlebury. Outside Vermont, the recent grants list includes recipients in Hanover, New Hampshire, and Portland, Maine, but the foundation’s giving remains local and concentrated in Vermont.
It focuses on making postsecondary education and training the easy choice for young Vermonters, especially through accelerated, debt-free degree pathways, college completion support, and workforce-connected programs. Recent funding includes the Free Degree Promise, career learning integration, and support for teacher workforce development.
Typical grants fall around a median of $50,000, with the 25th percentile at $22,500 and the 75th percentile at $90,380. Recent awards include both larger program grants and smaller pilot or operating grants.
Yes. The recent grants list shows repeated support to Community College of Vermont and related campuses across multiple years, along with continuing funding for groups such as Vermont Rural Education Collaborative and Orange Southwest Supervisory Union.
Its recent grants include program support, support for tuition/fees/stipends, administration funding, staffing transition support, and pilot or demonstration projects. The foundation also makes program-related investments and proactively awarded multi-year sustaining grants.
It gives primarily in Vermont, which accounts for 96% of grants in the provided data. Recent recipient locations include Montpelier, Winooski, South Burlington, Randolph, Derby, Richmond, Johnson, and Middlebury.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Current and upcoming funding from J Warren and Lois Mcclure Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Schools, libraries, and community organizations with ideas for how a small amount of funding would boost career exploration and planning for young Vermonters.
Deadline: No formal deadline; contact the foundation for a speedy decision.
Who can apply: Schools, libraries, and community organizations that help young Vermonters plan and prepare for life after high school.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - MONTPELIER | MONTPELIER, VT | $883,383 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CAREERS CLIC | HANOVER, NH | $38,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| VERMONT RURAL EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE | DERBY, VT | $35,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| VERMONT STUDENT ASSISTANCE CORPORATION | WINOOSKI, VT | $25,410 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| GREAT SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP | PORTLAND, ME | $20,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| ORANGE SOUTHWEST SUPERVISORY UNION | RANDOLPH, VT | $13,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| VERMONT HUMANITIES | MONTPELIER, VT | $10,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - MONTPELIER | MONTPELIER, VT | $199,890 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT ESTIMATED STUDENT COSTS (TUITION/FEES/STIPENDS) ASSOCIATED WITH THE MCCLURE FREE DEGREE PROMISE FOR THE FALL 2023 SEMESTER |
| COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - WINOOSKI | MONTPELIER, VT | $148,240 | 2024 | FY24 "FREE DEGREE PROMISE" ADMINISTRATION GRANT |
| COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - WINOOSKI | MONTPELIER, VT | $115,000 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT SECONDARY EDUCATION INITIATIVES IN FY24 |
| COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - WINOOSKI | MONTPELIER, VT | $100,000 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT CAREER LEARNING MANAGEMENT AND INTEGRATION IN FY24 |
| COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - MONTPELIER | MONTPELIER, VT | $91,522 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT STUDENT COSTS (TUITION/FEES/STIPENDS) ASSOCIATED WITH THE MCCLURE FREE DEGREE PROMISE FOR THE SUMMER 2023 SEMESTER |
| COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - MONTPELIER | MONTPELIER, VT | $80,871 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT STUDENT COSTS (TUITION/FEES/STIPENDS) ASSOCIATED WITH THE MCCLURE FREE DEGREE PROMISE FOR THE FALL OF 2022 SEMESTER |
| COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - MONTPELIER | MONTPELIER, VT | $51,327 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT STUDENT COSTS (TUITION/FEES/STIPENDS) ASSOCIATED WITH THE MCCLURE FREE DEGREE PROMISE FOR THE SPRING 2023 SEMESTER |
| VERMONT RURAL EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE | DERBY, VT | $50,000 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT GENERAL OPERATIONS FEBRUARY 2023-JUNE 2024, THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF HELPING ADVANCE TEACHER WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEK |
| VERMONT YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS | RICHMOND, VT | $50,000 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT STRATEGIC VISIONING, BRANDING, AND MARKETING FOR THE SERVE LEARN EARN COLLABORATIVE FROM JULY 1, 2023 - JUNE 30, 2026 |
| VERMONT STATE UNIVERSITY JOHNSON CAMPUS | RANDOLPH CENTER, VT | $50,000 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT PILOTING STUDENT TEACHER SEMESTER STIPENDS AND ANALYZING THE PILOT FOR USE AS A DEMONSTRATION PROJECT. |
| COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - WINOOSKI | MONTPELIER, VT | $27,261 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT THE COSTS OF A STUDENT RESOURCE COORDINATOR IN FY24 SERVING EARLY COLLEGE AND FREE DEGREE PROMISE STUDENTS |
| ORANGE SOUTHWEST SUPERVISORY UNION | RANDOLPH, VT | $25,000 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT Y1 OF THE "YEAR 13 MENTORING" PILOT PROGRAM AT RANDOLPH UNION HIGH SCHOOL WITH A TERM OF JULY 1, 2023 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024 |
| VT FLOOD RESPONSE AND RECOVERY FUND 2023 | MIDDLEBURY, VT | $25,000 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT THE VT FLOOD RESPONSE AND RECOVERY FUND |
| GREAT SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP | PORTLAND, ME | $10,000 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT THE NESSC COMMON DATA PROJECT |
| VERMONT SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION | MONTPELIER, VT | $10,000 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT EQUITY EFFORTS, TO INCLUDE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER AFFINITY GROUPS |
| COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - WINOOSKI | MONTPELIER, VT | $8,000 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT VETERAN AND MILITARY SERVICES IN FY24 |
| VERMONT SCHOOL COUNSELOR ASSOCIATION INC | SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT | $110,000 | 2023 | TO HELP SUPPORT THE TRANSITION TO A PAID STAFFING MODEL FY23-FY26 TO ADVANCE ITS STRATEGIC PLAN. |
| COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT | MONTPELIER, VT | $90,000 | 2023 | TO SUPPORT INCARCERATED EDUCATION INCLUDING THE RESET VT PROGRAM |
| COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT | MONTPELIER, VT | $75,500 | 2023 | TO SUPPORT CAREER LEARNING MANAGEMENT CAPACITY AND INTEGRATION |
| COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT | MONTPELIER, VT | $63,000 | 2023 | TO SUPPORT POSTSECONDARY CONTINUATION AND COLLEGE COMPLETION FOR THE 2021-2022 EARLY COLLEGE COHORT |
| COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT | MONTPELIER, VT | $45,000 | 2023 | TO SUPPORT VETERAN AND MILITARY SERVICES |
| VERMONT STATE COLLEGES | MONTPELIER, VT | $15,000 | 2023 | TO SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHANCELLOR'S OFFICE WITH THREE GRANT PAYMENTS OF $5,000 SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 2022, JANUARY 2023, AND JANUARY 2024. |
| VERMONT PRINCIPALS' ASSOCIATION INC | MONTPELIER, VT | $15,000 | 2023 | TO SUPPORT EQUITY EFFORTS VIA THREE PAYMENTS OF $5,000 SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 2022, JANUARY 2023, AND JANUARY 2024. |
| NORTHERN VERMONT UNIVERSITY JOHNSON CAMPUS | JOHNSON, VT | $8,600 | 2023 | TO SUPPORT STUDENT COSTS THAT ARE BARRIERS TO DEGREE ATTAINMENT AND LICENSURE IN THE ONLINE ECE BACHELOR'S PROGRAM |
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - MONTPELIER
$883,383PROGRAM SUPPORT
CAREERS CLIC
$38,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
VERMONT RURAL EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE
$35,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
VERMONT STUDENT ASSISTANCE CORPORATION
$25,410PROGRAM SUPPORT
ORANGE SOUTHWEST SUPERVISORY UNION
$13,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - MONTPELIER
$199,890TO SUPPORT ESTIMATED STUDENT COSTS (TUITION/FEES/STIPENDS) ASSOCIATED WITH THE MCCLURE FREE DEGREE PROMISE FOR THE FALL 2023 SEMESTER
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - WINOOSKI
$148,240FY24 "FREE DEGREE PROMISE" ADMINISTRATION GRANT
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - WINOOSKI
$115,000TO SUPPORT SECONDARY EDUCATION INITIATIVES IN FY24
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - WINOOSKI
$100,000TO SUPPORT CAREER LEARNING MANAGEMENT AND INTEGRATION IN FY24
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - MONTPELIER
$91,522TO SUPPORT STUDENT COSTS (TUITION/FEES/STIPENDS) ASSOCIATED WITH THE MCCLURE FREE DEGREE PROMISE FOR THE SUMMER 2023 SEMESTER
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - MONTPELIER
$80,871TO SUPPORT STUDENT COSTS (TUITION/FEES/STIPENDS) ASSOCIATED WITH THE MCCLURE FREE DEGREE PROMISE FOR THE FALL OF 2022 SEMESTER
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - MONTPELIER
$51,327TO SUPPORT STUDENT COSTS (TUITION/FEES/STIPENDS) ASSOCIATED WITH THE MCCLURE FREE DEGREE PROMISE FOR THE SPRING 2023 SEMESTER
VERMONT RURAL EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE
$50,000TO SUPPORT GENERAL OPERATIONS FEBRUARY 2023-JUNE 2024, THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF HELPING ADVANCE TEACHER WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEK
TO SUPPORT STRATEGIC VISIONING, BRANDING, AND MARKETING FOR THE SERVE LEARN EARN COLLABORATIVE FROM JULY 1, 2023 - JUNE 30, 2026
VERMONT STATE UNIVERSITY JOHNSON CAMPUS
$50,000TO SUPPORT PILOTING STUDENT TEACHER SEMESTER STIPENDS AND ANALYZING THE PILOT FOR USE AS A DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - WINOOSKI
$27,261TO SUPPORT THE COSTS OF A STUDENT RESOURCE COORDINATOR IN FY24 SERVING EARLY COLLEGE AND FREE DEGREE PROMISE STUDENTS
ORANGE SOUTHWEST SUPERVISORY UNION
$25,000TO SUPPORT Y1 OF THE "YEAR 13 MENTORING" PILOT PROGRAM AT RANDOLPH UNION HIGH SCHOOL WITH A TERM OF JULY 1, 2023 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024
TO SUPPORT THE VT FLOOD RESPONSE AND RECOVERY FUND
VERMONT SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION
$10,000TO SUPPORT EQUITY EFFORTS, TO INCLUDE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER AFFINITY GROUPS
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT - WINOOSKI
$8,000TO SUPPORT VETERAN AND MILITARY SERVICES IN FY24
VERMONT SCHOOL COUNSELOR ASSOCIATION INC
$110,000TO HELP SUPPORT THE TRANSITION TO A PAID STAFFING MODEL FY23-FY26 TO ADVANCE ITS STRATEGIC PLAN.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT
$90,000TO SUPPORT INCARCERATED EDUCATION INCLUDING THE RESET VT PROGRAM
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT
$75,500TO SUPPORT CAREER LEARNING MANAGEMENT CAPACITY AND INTEGRATION
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT
$63,000TO SUPPORT POSTSECONDARY CONTINUATION AND COLLEGE COMPLETION FOR THE 2021-2022 EARLY COLLEGE COHORT
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT
$45,000TO SUPPORT VETERAN AND MILITARY SERVICES
VERMONT STATE COLLEGES
$15,000TO SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHANCELLOR'S OFFICE WITH THREE GRANT PAYMENTS OF $5,000 SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 2022, JANUARY 2023, AND JANUARY 2024.
VERMONT PRINCIPALS' ASSOCIATION INC
$15,000TO SUPPORT EQUITY EFFORTS VIA THREE PAYMENTS OF $5,000 SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 2022, JANUARY 2023, AND JANUARY 2024.
TO SUPPORT STUDENT COSTS THAT ARE BARRIERS TO DEGREE ATTAINMENT AND LICENSURE IN THE ONLINE ECE BACHELOR'S PROGRAM
