Vermont Business Magazine Funding is now available for organizations and projects in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties through the Northeast Kingdom Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation. The fund awards grants up to $5,000 in support of projects that benefit the people and communities of the Northeast Kingdom. Nonprofits, schools, and grassroots organizations are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2020.
The Northeast Kingdom Fund was established in 2011 by the Community Foundation and local partners as a permanent philanthropic resource to support the people and communities of Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties. Visit vermontcf.org/nekfund to learn more and apply.
For the Kingdom, By the Kingdom
More than 65 nonprofits, municipalities, and schools in the region have received grants from the Fund since 2012. A committee of local residents carefully reviews all proposals and chooses the grant recipients. This is the philanthropic equivalent of the “buy local” movement—philanthropy for the Kingdom and by the Kingdom. In most cases, grants are awarded to small-scale projects where a modest philanthropic investment makes a big difference. In some cases, more established organizations are also included in the awards. In all cases, grantees must demonstrate that their projects are led by Kingdom residents and support people living in the three counties.
The fund’s assets are invested by the Foundation to support the region’s current needs while providing resources for future generations to address emerging needs. Five percent of these assets are invested in Vermont, including the Northeast Kingdom.
Impact
Since 2012, the Northeast Kingdom Fund has awarded more than 165 grants totaling over $446,000 to support projects in Orleans, Essex, and Caledonia counties, ranging from launching a resident-supported food pantry in a subsidized apartment complex to outdoor recreation and nutrition programs for local children.
The Vermont Community Foundation inspires giving and brings people and resources together to make a difference in Vermont. This includes helping to coordinate philanthropic response in times of crisis and challenge. The Foundation is committed to helping Vermont communities that are impacted by COVID-19 by responding to immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts. Visit VTCOVID19Response.org to learn more.
Source: Vermont Community Foundation 6.3.2020