The Vermont Community Foundation

10/08/2026

Across the Northeast Kingdom, neighbors are turning good ideas into stronger communities. This year, the Northeast Kingdom Fund at the VCF is investing $117,500 in 27 community-led projects that reflect the creativity, generosity, and resilience of the region.

From helping older adults remain in their homes, to improving watershed resilience, expanding opportunities for children and families, and creating welcoming places where neighbors can connect, these grants show what's possible when people invest in the communities they call home.

That's philanthropy for the Kingdom, by the Kingdom.

Congratulations to this year's grantees, and a huge thank you to the fundholders and donors who make this work possible and the volunteer advisory committee whose local knowledge helps guide these investments every year.

Learn more about the projects making a difference across Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties: vermontcf.org/nek-2026

10/05/2026

Big ideas come from small places.

We're excited to support the Center on Rural Innovation's Small Towns, Big Ideas Pitch event, where founders from five innovative startups in the Rural Innovation Network will pitch ideas that help strengthen rural economies and shape what's next. The winner takes home a $10,000 cash prize.

Earlier that day, VCF President & CEO Dan Smith will join a panel on the opportunity that AI presents for rural venture capital during Dartmouth's What Must Remain Human conference, part of the university's AI at 70 series. The conference and the pitch event will take place at the Hanover Inn's Grand Ballroom, making it a full day of conversations about innovation, community, and the future of rural places.

Whether you're passionate about entrepreneurship, community leadership, or the future of rural communities, we hope you'll join us.

October 29, Hanover Inn at Dartmouth or via livestream
Panel: 4-5:00 pm
Pitch Event: 5:30-7:30 pm

Conference registration for Dan's panel is open: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1353/events/events.aspx?sid=1353&gid=388&pgid=37333&cid=81781

Registration for the pitch competition:
Attend In Person: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/qfuw99b
Attend Virtually: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/tuhe4c4

10/02/2026

A little time, a lot of teamwork, and a shared purpose can go a long way. Recently, some of our team joined Habitat for Humanity in Hinesburg to help build safe, affordable homes and spend the day with people who care deeply about their community.

We're thankful for the opportunity to volunteer together and grateful to Habitat for Humanity for welcoming us.

10/01/2026

Mission investing puts capital to work strengthening communities while seeking both financial return and community impact. For 25 years, the Vermont Community Foundation has been a leader in committing a portion of its assets to mission investing, investing not only for financial return, but also for community and economic vitality.

We're grateful to the fundholders and donors whose generosity makes this work possible. Together, we're helping put charitable assets to work in affordable housing, local businesses, clean energy, and other community-driven solutions that strengthen Vermont today while creating opportunities for tomorrow.

Explore this year's Mission Investing Report: vermontcf.org/mission-investing/

09/29/2026

The values you hold today can continue shaping Vermont for generations to come.

A planned gift is one of the most meaningful ways to support the people, places, and causes you care about. Whether through a will, trust, retirement account, or another giving vehicle, legacy giving helps ensure your generosity continues making a difference long into the future.

We're excited to share that Emilye Pelow Corbett is now leading VCF's planned giving program, helping individuals, families, and advisors explore charitable planning that's rooted in their values and hopes for Vermont's future.

If you're beginning to think about your legacy, we're here to help. Learn more about planned giving and the resources available through VCF: plannedgiving.vermontcf.org

09/22/2026

Across Vermont, the arts are bringing people together in meaningful ways. We're excited to announce more than $250,000 in Arts & Social Cohesion grants supporting 25 community-based projects that foster belonging, strengthen relationships, and create opportunities for people to connect through creativity.

From murals and music to storytelling, theater, festivals, and intergenerational workshops, these projects remind us that when people create together, they thrive together.

This grant program is made possible through the generosity and vision of a VCF donor advised fundholder. We're deeply grateful for their partnership and commitment to strengthening Vermont communities through the arts.

Congratulations to this year's grantees! Explore the full list and learn more about each of their incredible programs at: vermontcf.org/2026-arts-and-social-cohesion

Photo Credit: Nick Wood

09/18/2026

On October 11th join the Vermont Land Trust for the Brewster Ramble, a morning of exploration, trails, and connection at Brewster Uplands in Cambridge.

Brewster Uplands was cared for by the Bryan family for generations before they generously donated the land to Vermont Land Trust in 2006, ensuring that its working landscape, trails, and natural beauty would continue to be enjoyed for years to come.

That legacy continues today through the partnership between Vermont Land Trust, the Bryan family, and several funds at the Vermont Community Foundation that support both Brewster Uplands and the Bryan Memorial Gallery.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the land, learn its story, and celebrate the places that bring us together.

Learn more:

Join us for our second annual Brewster Ramble in Cambridge! It's the perfect opportunity to get outside, learn about the land, and connect with neighbors, friends, and family.

09/17/2026

Every day, Vermonters are finding ways to care for one another, build connection, and strengthen their communities.

That's the heart of Every Day: Big and Small, a new documentary by Vermont filmmaker Bess O'Brien. Through stories from across the state, the film celebrates the neighbors, volunteers, young people, and community leaders who remind us that small acts of kindness and connection can make a lasting difference.

We're proud to support this statewide tour and the stories that showcase what makes Vermont special.

The film tours communities across Vermont from September 25 through October 11. Find a screening near you and join the celebration of the people who help Vermont thrive every day.

Tickets and tour information: kingdomcounty.org/bess-obrien-films/every-day-big-and-small

09/15/2026

We're honored to share that the Vermont Community Foundation has been recognized as a Civic Hub by the Trust for Civic Life, affirming VCF's role in strengthening communities across Vermont through strategic philanthropy and investing in the power of local communities.

"This recognition affirms something we've long believed: the strongest solutions to our biggest challenges begin in our local communities," said Dan Smith, VCF president & CEO. "Across Vermont, people are coming together to strengthen the places they call home, and we're honored to support that work alongside generous fundholders, donors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders. This recognition belongs to all of us."

The three-year grant that comes with this award will help expand our investment in civic vitality by strengthening local leadership, deepening community connections, and creating more opportunities for Vermonters to shape the future of the places they call home.

To our fundholders, donors, nonprofit partners, and communities across Vermont: thank you. This recognition belongs to all of us. Your generosity makes this work possible, and we're grateful to be building what's possible together.

Learn more at:

Sector: Agriculture, Arts and Culture, Community Development, Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, Health and Wellness

09/11/2026