South Burlington, VT: Common Good Vermont has joined forces with United Way of Northwest Vermont, becoming a program of the organization that works to improve the quality of life for Vermonters.
Joined together under one roof, the two organizations will continue their respective missions and work as one to advance the common good for all by strengthening the nonprofit sector throughout Vermont.
Common Good Vermont will retain operation of its notable programs which include several nonprofit certificate programs, Vermont Nonprofit Summer Camp, the Nonprofit New England Wage and Benefits Report (Vermont Edition), Vermont Nonprofit Advocacy & Legislative Day, Vermont Nonprofit News, job postings for Vermont mission-driven organizations and nonprofit professional training.
United Way of Northwest Vermont – which brings together nonprofits, businesses, government and public sectors to solve complex community issues — has long been dedicated to nonprofit excellence and propping up the sector not only through funding but by facilitating advocacy, education and training across the region.
The integration of the two organizations will result in improved services to and a voice for Vermont’s social sector, leveraging the services and network of Common Good Vermont and other Vermont United Ways to build a more comprehensive and statewide “ladder of opportunity.”
“As part of a network of United Ways statewide, closely aligned to issues facing local communities, we can partner with Common Good’s mission to enhance our sector advocacy, professional development, education and opportunities for technical assistance. For years, our partners have asked United Way to do more in the areas of nonprofit education and advocacy. We recognized the need and the importance, and now with Common Good we have the partnership to do that work,” said Jesse Bridges, CEO of United Way of Northwest Vermont.
“The newly merged program of Common Good Vermont at United Way of Northwest Vermont leverages the strengths of our programs and statewide United Way chapters to best support our sector and ensure the viability of nonprofit capacity building and advocacy in Vermont. Together, we will scale this work to meet the changing needs of nonprofits and the communities they serve at a time of critical transition for the mission-driven sector,” said Morgan Webster, Director of Common Good Vermont.
“The statewide work of Common Good Vermont to support mission-driven leaders and their communities across our state is even more critical during these urgent and uncertain times. In times of transition, Common Good Vermont and United Way of Northwest Vermont provide a strong example of what can be achieved when we work together. Their combined work will be critical as nonprofits face uncertainty in the wake of the pandemic,” said Sarah Waring, Vermont Community Foundation Vice President for Grants and Community Investments.
Common Good Vermont’s operations are funded through fees and tuition for its services and programs as well as by local foundations. They will not be funded through dollars raised through United Way’s annual community campaign.
Together, Common Good Vermont and United Way of Northwest Vermont share a goal of a thriving social economy that contributes to the wellbeing of Vermonters.
About Common Good Vermont
Common Good Vermont is the only statewide organization in Vermont dedicated to uniting and strengthening all of the mission-driven organizations that serve the Green Mountain State. Common Good Vermont serves as the “go-to” resources for our peers to share resources, gain skills and build partnerships. Learn more at commongoodvt.org.
Get involved by signing up for our newsletter, the VT Nonprofit News, or applying to the Fundraising & Development Certificate Program (deadline January 31, 2021).
About United Way of Northwest Vermont
United Way of Northwest Vermont (UWNWVT) unites our whole community to solve complex problems and harness the power of people to create a stronger region. We proudly serve Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties of Vermont. United Way convenes advocates, organizations and institutions to address the community’s most pressing issues. The problems facing our region are complex; they are issues that no single organization or individual alone can solve – real change is possible when nonprofit, public and private sectors work together. United Way has the networks, partnerships and strategic initiatives to improve the lives of our family, friends and neighbors. For more information or to get involved, visit unitedwaynwvt.org.