$200,000 Challenge Grant Advances Vermont Humanities Council's First Capital Campaign for New Home in Montpelier

Montpelier, VT ~ The Vermont Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit
focused on lifelong learning and literacy, in December received a $200,000
Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The grant
represents a significant step toward the success of VHC's first capital
campaign, Humanities at the Center, which aims to raise $700,000 to cover
the purchase and renovation of new offices in Montpelier. VHC moved to the
more central offices in October after 30 years in Hyde Park and Morrisville
in rented space.
"This is a high honor," wrote NEH Chairman Bruce Cole in the award letter to
VHC. "Yours is one of only two state humanities councils to receive such an
award in this application cycle. . . . [The NEH] evaluators were especially
impressed with the careful planning for your move to a new facility in
Montpelier. This more central location will undoubtedly enhance your ability
to collaborate with other organizations in Vermont to bring excellent
programming to the citizens of the state."
The $200,000 challenge grant provides $1 for every $3 raised by VHC from
nonfederal sources. All campaign gifts received after December 1, 2004 are
eligible for matching funds.
A campaign committee of board members and community leaders has raised more
than $360,000 toward the Humanities at the Center Campaign goal, of which
VHC's board has contributed $100,000. The NEH grant and other campaign gifts
will allow VHC to own a centrally located office and to reduce operating
costs.
In addition to the NEH grant, VHC has received a $50,000 challenge grant
from Jan and David Blittersdorf, of NRG Systems, a sustainable energy
company. The Blittersdorf Challenge Grant for Energy Efficiency will fund
energy-efficient renovations in VHC's new building; it requires donors to
match the $50,000 pledge. VHC has so far raised $11,500 toward this goal.
Gifts in support of the Blittersdorf Challenge will also be matched by the
NEH.
"It is exciting to see a beautiful historic building get tightened up and
saved from becoming too expensive to maintain in the future," notes Jan
Blittersdorf, CEO of NRG Systems.
VHC identified the need to move to a more central location several years
ago. The NEH had recommended that VHC move its office to Montpelier. The new
location, a nineteenth-century Victorian building on Loomis Street, makes
VHC more convenient to board members, donors, legislators, volunteers, and
program participants.
Moreover with Montpelier home to many VHC partners and state agencies, the
Council's liaison with these organizations will be enhanced. Increased
visibility in Montpelier will raise public awareness and understanding of
VHC programs and the humanities. And access to the interstate means that the
rest of the state can more easily get to VHC and vice versa.
Since moving to the new location over Columbus Day Weekend, VHC has held
literacy trainings, board meetings, and other gatherings that previously
would have taken place in rented space.
"Even though the Vermont Humanities Council is over thirty years old, we
have never owned a building," said Brenda Bisbee, chair of VHC's Capital
Campaign Committee. "With the purchase and renovation of this building, we
have a handsome and functional home. Our presence in the state capital will
make such a difference for all of us-board, staff, donors, and the statewide
humanities community."
Built as a residence prior to 1873, the building has been used as an office
since the early 1970s. Over the summer, Montpelier architect Tom Leytham and
general contractor Don Morin, of Richmond, led a restoration of the
building, which included improvements to floors and lighting, repainting the
façade, and the installation of energy-efficient heating and air systems.
With the new offices renovated and VHC establishing itself in the state
capital, VHC is now positioned to enhance its work in Vermont. The NEH and
Blittersdorf grants provide the resources to make that task easier. "We are
delighted to be a funding partner for this exciting new endeavor," wrote
Cole, "and I hope others will join with us in supporting the enrichment of
the humanities."
Donors can make gifts in several ways paid over time. All gifts are eligible
for a match. To make a gift, contact Jane Carroll, Director of Development,
at 802.262.2626 or [email protected].
A statewide nonprofit organization, the Vermont Humanities Council is
committed to creating a state in which every individual reads, participates
in public affairs, and continues to learn throughout life. VHC's broad range
of programs serves Vermonters of all ages and backgrounds. VHC sponsors
annually over 1,500 programs in more than 160 towns. For more information,
call 802.262.2626 or visit www.vermonthumanities.org.