Ice Cream-Fueled Philanthropy: How the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation Gives in Vermont and Beyond

Ben & Jerry’s is a familiar brand of ice cream with roots in Vermont and a company philosophy that promotes social change. Following an unprecedented decision by the company’s board of directors to commit 7.5% of annual pretax profits to philanthropy, the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation formed with an initial gift of 50,000 shares from Ben Cohen. Over the years, the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation has embraced the company’s progressive values and engages employees to further its commitment to grassroots organizing.

Here’s what grantseekers should know about the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation and what it funds in Vermont and beyond.

Vermont grants

Vermont is where Ben & Jerry’s was founded and is the prime place for this foundation’s grantmaking. The foundation aims to support and enhance the wellbeing of people living in Vermont and has two Vermont-centric programs: community action teams and an equity and justice grantmaking program.

Community action teams are comprised of Ben & Jerry’s employees at the company’s three Vermont manufacturing and office facilities. These teams make small grants of less than $2,000 to local, community-based nonprofits and plan community service projects for employees at their sites. The teams review applications each month and prioritize the issues of basic human needs, housing, food, healthcare, childcare and elder care.

The other Vermont program is focused on equity and justice, offering competitive grants up to $20,000 and averaging $15,000. With these grants, Ben & Jerry’s addresses social, economic and environmental disparities through the lens of social justice. Issue areas of interest include education equity, affordable housing, access to living-wage jobs, affordable healthcare, access to healthy food, workers’ rights and criminal justice reform.

National grants

In addition to its Vermont support, the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation also has a national grant program. Its grassroots organizing program offers flexible, two-year general operating support grants of up to $30,000. Small, constituent-led organizations throughout the U.S. receive these grants. The funder prioritizes organizations led by Black people, Indigenous people and other people of color working to dismantle systems of oppression.

Applying for a Ben & Jerry’s Grant

The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation is an accessible and transparent funder with a streamlined application process. Each funding opportunity has its own unique deadlines and guidelines. For example, the national grant program and Vermont community action team program accept applications on a rolling basis, while the Vermont equity and justice program has an annual deadline of May 1. The application process begins with an eligibility questionnaire and creating an account in the funder’s online system.

To date, the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation has awarded over $50 million in grants. You can learn more about it in IP’s full profile of this funder.

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