News Flash

The Town of Essex, Vermont allocates a portion of its total General Fund Budget to fund human services programs each year. Local area non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for this funding.  Applications for FY26 funding are now available online. To learn more, please visit www.essexvt.gov/humanservices.

Note

In recent years, the review committee used a scoring formula that based awards on how well an applicant scored. The review committee no longer uses this format for scoring. This means that applying for a greater amount will not necessarily equal a greater award. In fact, asking for more than you need may result in a lower score. Keep in mind that it is important to ask for what you need as an organization. 

Scoring Components

• Benefit to Town of Essex residents
• Program fit with any or all of the Essex Human Services Focus Areas
• Ease of eligibility and access to information for Town of Essex residents
• Ensure access to/provide culturally responsive services to BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, underserved populations
• Demonstrated need for funding - is what is being requested reasonable and is there a need for the full amount of the request?

FY26 Focus Areas

• Access to Community-Based Resources as a Source of Support for Health & Behavioral Health
• Affordable Housing or Housing Assistance
• Child or Family Support for Healthy Relationships
• Emergency & Food Assistance
• Increasing Workforce Development

How to Apply

Visit www.essexvt.gov/humanservices and review the FY26 Application Guidelines. Applications are due February 15, 2026. Please do not send more documents or number of pages than what is asked for in the application.