Vermont Federal Spending — Week of 2026-08-30
Vermont Federal Spending Report: August 30 – September 5, 2026
Federal agencies awarded $669,000 across two grants in Vermont during the week of August 30 through September 5, 2026, with the National Science Foundation leading the spending push through a major research award to the University of Vermont.
The University of Vermont & State Agricultural College secured the largest award of the week, receiving $596,000 in grant funding from the National Science Foundation. The substantial research grant represents 89 percent of all federal obligations in the state during the reporting period, underscoring the significant role academic institutions play in drawing federal research dollars to Vermont.
The Department of Agriculture distributed the remaining federal funds, issuing a $72,000 grant to Gilman Housing Trust Inc. The award appears aimed at supporting housing initiatives within the state, rounding out a week focused on research and community development priorities.
Only two contractors received federal funding during this seven-day window, with the University of Vermont dominating the share. Gilman Housing Trust Inc., the second recipient, captured a smaller but meaningful portion of available resources. The concentrated distribution reflects the limited volume of federal activity in Vermont during this particular week.
The National Science Foundation and Department of Agriculture were the only two agencies making awards in Vermont during the period. The NSF's $596,000 investment dwarfed the USDA's $72,000 commitment, with the science foundation accounting for roughly 89 percent of total spending. Both agencies dispensed funds exclusively through grant mechanisms, indicating a focus on direct support rather than contractual arrangements.
The week's spending patterns highlight Vermont's continued dependence on federal research funding channeled through higher education, paired with modest agricultural and rural development investments. With just two awards across two agencies and contractors, the reporting period represents relatively light federal activity compared to weeks with broader spending distribution across the state's economy.