Vermont Community Foundation to Award $10,000 Grant to 2026 Seven Daysies Best Nonprofit Winner

The Vermont Community Foundation will continue its partnership with Seven Days to recognize and support the incredible work of Vermont’s nonprofit community. In celebration of the 2026 Seven Daysies award for best nonprofit, the foundation will present the winning organization with a $10,000 grant.

“Every day, nonprofits across Vermont are strengthening communities in ways both seen and unseen,” said Dan Smith, president and CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation. “The Daysies shine a light on that work through the voices of Vermonters themselves. We’re proud to partner with Seven Days to celebrate this recognition and to help carry that work forward through this grant.”

“This $10,000 award will go a long way to help nonprofits trying to make this a better place,” Seven Days publisher Paula Routly said. “The campaign also artfully underscores how local media brings and holds our community together.”

Vermonters: Let’s Vote!

Nominate your favorite nonprofit during the Seven Daysies nomination round, April 15 through May 3. Only the top nominees in each category will move on to the final voting round, so it’s important to show your support early! The Seven Daysies awards are presented by Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman and Vermont Tire.

Once the winner is announced, the Vermont Community Foundation will award that nonprofit a $10,000 grant to continue and expand its work. This is a powerful way to turn local appreciation into real, lasting support for the organizations that help Vermont thrive.

Who Is Eligible for the Seven Daysies for Best Nonprofit?

Organizations must be located in Vermont and be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Nonprofit organizations or community groups that do not have 501(c)(3) status may be eligible if another tax-exempt organization acts as a fiscal sponsor.

Nonprofits: Register to Be Recognized

To boost your visibility during the nomination period, be sure to register your organization.

Key 2026 Dates

April 15-May 3: Nomination round (Round 1)
May 13: Finalists announced
June 2-June 15: Final voting (Round 2)
August 5: Winners announced in All the Best
August 7: Seven Daysies awards party at ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

The Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) was established in 1986 as an enduring source of philanthropic support for Vermont communities. A family of more than 1,000 funds, foundations and supporting organizations, the Foundation makes it easy for the people who care about Vermont to find and fund the causes they love. The Community Foundation and its partners put nearly $80 million annually to work in Vermont communities and beyond. Learn more at vermontcf.org or call 802-388-3355. Give where your heart lives.