The Hayes Foundation will be closing its doors in 2023. Our final application deadline of June 1 will be for grants for summer and fall 2023 programs. It has been an honor to have served the students and organizations of Rutland County for the past 40 years. As part of our closing, we have made major gifts to two Rutland-County organizations that serve county students. Look for further announcements later in the year.
All forms are fillable online; we no longer accept mailed applications.
Hayes Foundation grants are available ONLY to youth 18 and under who are residents of Rutland County, Vermont, out-of-county students enrolled full-time in Rutland County schools, and Rutland County nonprofit organizations that operate for the benefit of county youth. Rutland County comprises the following cities and towns: Benson • Brandon • Castleton • Chittenden • Clarendon • Danby • Fair Haven • Hubbardton • Ira • Killington • Mendon • Middletown Springs • Mount Holly • Mount Tabor • Pawlet • Pittsfield • Pittsford • Poultney • Proctor • Rutland • Shrewsbury • Tinmouth • Wallingford • Wells • West Haven • West Rutland
The Hayes Foundation will be closing its doors in 2023. Our final application deadline of June 1 will be for grants for summer and fall 2023 programs. It has been an honor to have served the students and organizations of Rutland County for the past 40 years. As part of our closing, we have made major gifts to two Rutland-County organizations that serve county students, which will be announced later in the year.
The Foundation considers all programs on a case-by-case basis. We are often asked what type of programs we fund and we hesitate to limit a student’s application if a worthy opportunity presents itself. That said, our Resources page offers numerous examples to the types of programs that fit our funding criteria.
IN A NUTSHELL: The Hayes Foundation funds participation in suitable programs that challenge and nurture intellectual promise (see our Resources page for examples). This can include a wide variety of scholastic and visual and performing arts programs (e.g. fine art, theater, music), as well as international travel, if the experience is sufficiently expansive and in-depth (e.g. a marine biology program, language and cultural immersion, or certain types of service learning programs where there is a high level of immersion and oversight).
What we DO NOT fund: The Hayes Foundation does not fund participation in athletic teams, programs, or camps (including dance, gymnastics, and circus programs or camps), and in general is disinclined to fund individual music lessons, “student ambassador” and "student leadership" programs, junkets, field trips, traditional summer camp programs (including scouting or wilderness camps), or general tourism (such as teen tours).
If you have concerns that a program you are interested in may not be a fit for a Hayes grant, please contact us before preparing an application.