Ben & Jerry’s Foundation

Ben & Jerry’s Foundation is a US private foundation based in South Burlington, VT.

Profile derived from the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings (TY2024, TY2023, TY2022) and its website, with every statement checked against those sources. Sources read on 7 October 2026.

Priority Areas

The foundation was created to fund organisations in Vermont and around the country working for progressive social change. Its national grant programme supports grassroots organisations and movements seeking to change unjust underlying conditions and bring about a more equitable society; it has offered unrestricted general operating support to small, constituent-led groups. In Vermont, the Community Action Team programme supports local, community-based non-profit programmes addressing basic human needs among underserved populations, including elders, young people, people on low incomes and communities of colour. Its Equity & Justice programme supports Vermont-based organisations tackling racial, economic, social and environmental disparities and injustice. The foundation emphasises grassroots leadership, and Ben & Jerry’s employees participate in reviewing applications and selecting recipients.

Themes

• Progressive social change
• Social and environmental justice
• Grassroots organizing
• Basic human needs
• Racial and social equity

Geographic Focus

U.S.; Vermont.

What They Don't Fund

• National Grassroots Organizing Program only: Direct services to individuals, i.e. food pantries, youth mentorship programs; Organizations with an International scope of work; Organizations with an annual operating budget over $350,000; Discretionary or emergency support; Donations or sponsorships; Public or private schools, colleges or universities; Activities to elect specific candidates for public office; Individuals, fellowships or scholarship programs; Litigation; Capital or endowment campaigns; State agencies or government programs; Businesses or business associations; Religious activities; Arts or Media programs that are not linked to a clear grassroots organizing campaign; Other foundations; organizations based outside of the United States and its territories, even if the work is focused within the U.S
• Community Action Team only: Individuals or scholarship programs; Organizations or programs that are focused or based outside the state of Vermont; Statewide programs or organizations (local affiliates are fine); Businesses or business association; Other foundations or regranting organizations; Religious organizations (unless they provide outreach programs that benefit the broad community); National organizations; Discretionary or emergency requests; Programs or purposes that may be perceived as directly benefitting a Ben & Jerry’s employee or their family members
• Equity & Justice only: Programs that solely provide direct services to individuals; Discretionary or emergency requests; Schools; Colleges or universities; Individuals or scholarship programs; Research, litigation or legal expenses; Capital or endowment campaigns; State agencies or government-sponsored programs; Businesses or business associations; Religious or proselytizing activities; One time events; Other foundations or regranting organizations; Organizations or programs that are focused or based outside the state of Vermont

For the National Grassroots Organizing Program, organisations complete the Eligibility Questionnaire; eligible organisations are then directed to the grant portal, where they register or sign in and complete the application form.

Deadlines: Equity & Justice has one application cycle per year; no recurring calendar date is established here.

• Repeat giving: In its TY2024 filing, 58% of its grant dollars to organisations went to organisations it had also funded in its TY2022 or TY2023 filing.
• Grant size: Across its TY2022, TY2023 and TY2024 filings, half of its 1,342 grants to organisations were $2,000 or less.

What the foundation says:

• The National Grassroots Organizing Program looks for organisations led by people directly affected by the issues, with those people holding clear decision-making power.
• It looks for a plan with clear goals to gain rights, win collective political power and create positive community change.
• It values outreach, networking and ally-gaining activities that build support and momentum.
• Community Action Team preference favours work focused on underserved populations, including seniors, youth, low-income communities and communities of colour.
• Community Action Team preference favours addressing basic human needs and underserved areas of the state.
• Community Action Team preference favours organisations with a strong volunteer base and demonstrable community support.
• Equity & Justice prioritises programmes that meaningfully engage, involve and give voice to people most affected by the problem.
• Staff and committee members may invite organisations that meet the stated funding priorities to discuss their work.