Ben & Jerry's Foundation Incorporated
Ben & Jerry's Foundation is a Vermont-based social justice foundation that supports grassroots organizations across the U.S. and in Vermont through national and Vermont grant programs. Funding decisions are guided by Ben & Jerry's employees and the site provides program details and financial documents.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A U.S.-based grassroots or social-justice nonprofit seeking general operating support, especially small-to-medium organizations or local groups working on civil rights, community organizing, or environmental justice.
Good Fit
- • Mission clearly aligned with social justice, grassroots organizing, or civil rights advocacy.
- • Tax-exempt nonprofit status and U.S.-based operations.
- • Need for general operating support or small-to-midsize grants rather than large capital projects.
- • Ability to apply through an online portal and meet routine monthly deadlines.
- • Local or regional groups as well as national intermediaries that support grassroots work.
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year reached roughly 40 states and paid about 82% of dollars outside Vermont, indicating a national footprint rather than a purely local focus.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded 449 distinct recipients in the latest year, including both local grassroots groups and national intermediaries, with a large share of first-time grantees (about 272) and only modest dollar concentration among top recipients.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of openness is strong: a public online application system, named contacts, monthly review cycles, and a high number of new recipients in the latest year (about 61% new) all indicate unfamiliar applicants have a realistic path into the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
