The Prospect Fund

Restricted Access
Private Foundation
BURLINGTON, VermontSmallEIN: 306057244
Food BanksDomestic Violence SheltersArts and Culture NonprofitsEnvironmental Conservation GroupsHomeless Shelters

This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a diverse range of charitable causes. Its mission encompasses environmental conservation, arts and culture, food security, and community support, reflecting a commitment to enhancing quality of life and promoting social equity. The foundation provides funding to organizations that address issues such as food insecurity, domestic violence, and environmental protection, among others. It primarily serves nonprofit organizations across various sectors, demonstrating a broad philanthropic focus that includes both local and national initiatives.

Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026

Ideal Applicant

Organizations with a clear mission match in arts, environmental conservation, food security, shelter/human services, or scholarships that are visible in Vermont/New England networks or already connected to the foundation's local contacts or prior grantees.

Good Fit

  • Work based in Vermont or New England, or an established Vermont relationship.
  • Programs in arts/culture, environmental protection, food banks/gleaning, homeless services, or scholarships/conservation.
  • Project budgets in the small-to-mid grant range (roughly $1K–$30K).
  • Endorsement or introduction from a prior grantee, community foundation, or trustee-level contact.
  • Track record of local impact or strong alignment with causes previously funded.

Geography

Moderate

Observed giving spans six states but is regionally concentrated: about 60% of 2024 dollars went to Vermont, with remaining grants across several other states.

Recipient Variety

Broad

The foundation funded many distinct independent recipients (26 in 2024 and 31 in 2022) across arts, environment, food security, shelter, scholarships and advocacy, indicating a broad recipient set for its size.

New Applicants

Restrictive

Although many new recipients were added in 2024, the foundation's filings explicitly state it funds only preselected applicants, there is no public website or contact route, and practical evidence of an application path is absent, so unsolicited applicants are unlikely to enter the portfolio.

Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026