The Vermont Community Foundation announced today that it has awarded another $1,069,338 in grants to help Vermont recover from the devastating flooding across the state last month.
The new round of grants from the Foundation’s VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund 2023 brings the total awarded from the fund to just over $2 million in the month since it was created.
The fund has raised $6.1 million in gifts and commitments since it was announced on July 11. That total includes $5.4 million in gifts and $700,000 in pledges.
Grants from the fund have helped support nonprofits across the state working to assist people who were flooded out of homes and apartments, business owners who lost all their inventory, and farmers who lost an entire season of crops. From emergency home repairs and transitional housing to dumpster rentals and coordination of volunteer clean-up crews, a broad range of assistance has been supported by donations to the flood fund.
The latest grants will support nonprofits that are reaching out to help residents of flooded mobile home parks, assist with neighbor-to-neighbor volunteer efforts, and continue to provide food to people affected by the flood, including older Vermonters and New American farmers who lost gardens and crops. Funding will help flood-damaged health clinics with repairs and support organizations providing addiction recovery services and supportive mental health care. This round of grants also includes funding to public libraries that serve as hubs for flood relief services and give displaced individuals a place to go online and conduct business. Funding will also help clean up waterways that were filled with tires, appliances, construction debris, and other trash in the flooding.
Additionally, the funds will assist with the coordination of complex, longer-term recovery involving local, state, and federal partners to rebuild economic opportunity, housing, and support flood resilience. Many businesses in hard-hit communities remain closed, and property owners in some cases face a maze of paperwork to sort out eligibility for public and private funds to repair damage or if necessary, receive federal buyouts. The most recent grants continue to support nonprofits that are assisting businesses as they navigate these challenges.
The VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund 2023 was created immediately after deluges of rain on July 9 and 10 flooded downtowns, farms, and neighborhoods. Since then, donations have come in from individuals, businesses, Vermont musical artists, and children running lemonade stands.
Approximately 200 grants have been awarded, with more to come in the future.
“In this round of grants, we are again helping with basic needs such as food and shelter, as well as supporting broad work on economic recovery and river clean-up,” said Holly Morehouse, vice president of Grants & Community Impact at the Vermont Community Foundation. “We have also funded public libraries that are serving as local hubs for flood relief, as well as nonprofits that are reaching out to residents of flooded mobile home parks. The effort to help vulnerable populations in the wake of the flooding continues, with support for organizations providing mental health care and addiction recovery services, and support for nonprofits assisting older Vermonters, low-income Vermonters, and Vermonters who are immigrants or refugees.”
Visit vtfloodresponse.org/strategy for a deeper look at how the Vermont Community Foundation plans to distribute current and future donations to the VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund 2023.
Many organizations have leaned in to help. Vermont Public launched a special campaign to benefit the flood fund, raising more than $875,000. The National Life Group matched donations made through its Do Good Fest fundraiser for a planned $1.5 million contribution. Vermont musical artist Noah Kahan donated a portion of the proceeds from the livestream of his concert at Red Rocks in Colorado, and Darn Tough contributed more than $150,000.
In the coming days and weeks, the Foundation will be updating its website to include more information about the number of businesses and individuals that have generously donated to the fund.
The list of grants awarded this week from the VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund 2023 follows below. As additional grants are awarded, the list will be updated at vtfloodresponse.org/grantees.
Abenaki Helping Abenaki (AHA) awarded $10,000 to provide food assistance and flood relief to flood survivors. AHA works to preserve the culture, community awareness, charitable endeavors, and outreach of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki People. AHA provides educational resources to meet the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of the Nulhegan Band and other Native American students, supplies community members with healthy food and necessary essentials in times of need, and is committed to educating Nulhegan Band citizens and other Native Americans on traditional, organic, agriculture, and sustainable living. Caledonia & Washington Counties
Ainsworth Public Library awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Ainsworth Public Library serves Williamstown, providing reading materials, technology, and community connection. Orange County
Aldrich Public Library awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts for the York Branch. The Aldrich Public Library serves the city of Barre with reading materials and digital services, as well as additional resources that provide opportunities to patrons and bring the community together. Washington County
All Brains Belong VT awarded $4,000 to support neurodiverse Vermonters impacted by floods in Central Vermont. All Brains Belong VT provides flexible, individualized ways to receive healthcare and connect with community for neurodiverse Vermonters. Washington County
Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV) awarded $5,000 to support New Farms for New Americans to help farms recovering from storm and flooding losses. AALV helps new Americans from all parts of the world gain independence through a range of integration services. The New Farms for New Americans gardening program suffered major losses following the storm and flooding. Chittenden County
Barre Historical Society awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Barre Historical Society is responsible for the preservation, restoration, maintenance, and adaptive reuse of National Historic Landmark site buildings for the benefit of the community, and education and research related to the history of Barre. Washington County
Barton Area Senior Services (BASSI) awarded $5,000 to replace kitchen equipment and other materials lost in flooding. BASSI is a senior meal site. The Glover site suffered severe damage and is now closed. Orleans County
Bethel Area Food Shelf awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Bethel Area Food Shelf works to help alleviate food insecurity for neighbors in Bethel, Barnard, Stockbridge, and Pittsfield. Windsor County
Black River Action Team awarded $7,500 to support cleanup efforts as part of storm and flood relief. The Black River Action Team is a grassroots watershed organization serving southeastern Vermont. Windsor County
Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation awarded $30,000 to support area businesses affected by flooding in Weston, Londonderry, and surrounding towns. BDCC serves Windham County, Readsboro, Searsburg, Weston, and Winhall by investing in the local and regional economy. Windham County
Calef Memorial Library awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Calef Memorial Library serves Orange and surrounding towns in Washington County with enriching social connection, information, books, technologies, and more. Orange County
Cambridge Area Rotary Foundation awarded $7,500 to support the Cambridge Flood Disaster Fund. The Cambridge Area Rotary serves the community through a range of projects supporting youth and other community members while also contributing to international projects. Lamoille County
Central Vermont Council on Aging awarded $13,500 to provide no-cook meals to seniors in the service area to be used during times that Meals on Wheels cannot be delivered. CVCOA is the leading expert and advocate in healthy aging for Central Vermonters. Washington County
Central Vermont Prevention Coalition awarded $25,000 to support the coordination of post-flood behavioral health services in Central Vermont to respond to urgent and emergent needs. The Central Vermont Prevention Coalition is an interdisciplinary collaborative of more than 30 organizations successfully addressing substance use challenges across Washington County. Washington County
Clemmons Family Farm awarded $7,500 to support the Farm’s coordination of the VAADAN Network supporting artists affected by recent storms and flooding. Clemmons Family Farm mobilizes the power of African-American and African diaspora history, art, culture, and people to build a loving and supportive multicultural community in Vermont. Statewide
Community Food Project awarded $20,000 to support the Afghan refugee community garden as part of the storm and flood relief. The Community Food Project supports the Afghan refugee community in the Brattleboro area. The farm was completely flooded, endangering the CSA for families and individuals. Windham County
Community Resilence Organizations awarded $10,000 to provide mutual aid support for storm and flood relief. Community Resilience Organizations empowers and collaborates with community partners to nurture the growth of resilient communities working at the intersections of climate and racial justice. Washington & Lamoille Counties
Craftsbury Public Library awarded $2,500 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Craftsbury Public Library is the hub of activity in the community—offering books, resources, and technology for all, as well as programming and meeting spaces. Orleans County
Ethiopian Community Development Council Multicultural Center (ECDC) – Brattleboro awarded $15,000 to provide groceries and other assistance to New American families who lost a food source due to the flooding of a local farm. ECDC helps newcomers resettle in southern Vermont and build safe, sustainable lives. Windsor County
Friends of the Morrill Homestead awarded $4,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Morrill Homestead fosters an awareness of the legacy and accomplishments of Senator Justin Smith Morrill of Strafford, Vermont. Orange County
Green Mountain Farm to School awarded $5,000 to support the organization’s Lunchbox program that serves free meals to youth 18 and under in the Northeast Kingdom. Additional funding will allow for free meals to be offered to adults and help meet a rise in need due to flooding. Green Mountain Farm to School strengthens local food systems in Vermont by promoting positive economic relationships, education, and access between schools, farms, and communities. Orleans County
Hardwick Area Neighbor to Neighbor awarded $3,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Hardwick Area Neighbor to Neighbor assists the community in times of need by coordinating local response efforts and collectively addressing challenges to keep their community strong. Caledonia County
Hunger Free Vermont awarded $15,000 to support the coordination of food resources and distribution of prepared meals to flood response volunteers and community members in need. Hunger Free Vermont works to end the injustice of hunger for everyone. Statewide
Jaquith Public Library awarded $3,600 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Jaquith Public Library provides patrons in Marshfield and surrounding areas access to information, ideas, community, and experiences for all. Washington County
Jenna’s Promise awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Jenna’s Promise works to create a network of support that will help people suffering from substance use disorder. They wish to open doors and remove the barriers for people seeking treatment, ensuring healthy and sustaining patient recovery. Lamoille County
Johnson Health Center awarded $10,000 to replace essential equipment damaged by floods to allow ongoing operations. Johnson Health Center is a nonprofit practice offering both addiction care and medical care services. Lamoille County
Johnson Public Library awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Johnson Public Library provides books, information, and resources for residents and visitors alike, as well as programming and events to foster a sense of connection among residents. Lamoille County
Journey to Recovery Community Center awarded $5,000 to strengthen programs and services for people in recovery in flood-impacted areas. Journey to Recovery Community Center provides a supportive environment of healing and hope for individuals, families, and communities affected by addiction related to substance use and misuse. Orleans County
Kellogg-Hubbard Library awarded $25,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier serves as the public library for six towns in central Vermont. Washington County
Kingdom Recovery Center, Inc. awarded $5,000 to strengthen programs and services for people in recovery in flood-impacted areas. The Kingdom Recovery Center provides free, peer-delivered support and programs for people seeking and sustaining recovery from alcoholism/substance misuse disorder. Caledonia County
Kinhaven Music School awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Kinhaven is a unique residential summer music camp in Weston. Children and adults engage in classical chamber music in a collaborative, non-competitive environment. Windsor County
Lamoille Community House awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Lamoille Community House offers shelter, service, and hope to those experiencing homelessness. Lamoille County
Lamoille Health Partners, Inc. awarded $10,000 to strengthen programs and services for people in recovery in flood-impacted areas. The mission of Lamoille Health Partners is to deliver comprehensive healthcare for all people in the Lamoille Valley. Lamoille County
Lost Nation Theater awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Lost Nation Theater provides year-round theater programming, including dramas, comedies, and musicals. Washington County
Middlesex Community Fund awarded $5,000 for the Fund’s Flood Relief Grants. The Middlesex Community Fund makes a difference in the lives of people who live and work in Middlesex by responding to individual and community needs. Washington County
Montpelier Alive awarded $5,000 to support mutual aid and volunteer coordination for emergency shelter, basic needs, and flood cleanup in Montpelier. Montpelier Alive works with partners to sustain and build upon Montpelier’s vibrant downtown community by offering and supporting special events and activities, and promoting city businesses. Washington County
Montpelier Foundation awarded $250,000 to support the Montpelier Strong Recovery Fund. Through the Monptelier Strong Recovery Fund, the Montpelier Foundation will help local businesses rebuild and recover. The Foundation supports capital projects that provide long-term public benefits in Montpelier. Washington County
Montpelier Historical Society awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Montpelier Historical Society is a group of citizens dedicated to enhancing the public’s understanding of Montpelier’s heritage through the research, interpretation, and sharing of its rich historical past. Washington County
Mosaic Vermont awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Mosaic works throughout Washington County to heal communities and end sexual violence. They support and empower individuals of all genders who have experienced harm to take steps toward healing. Washington County
Neighborhood Connections awarded $20,000 to support emergency assistance for basic needs for flood survivors. Neighborhood Connections promotes the health and well-being of people in Southern Vermont’s mountain towns. It is leading coordination of flood response and recovery resources, and providing community meals. Windham County
North Central Vermont Recovery Center awarded $5,000 to strengthen programs and services for people in recovery in flood-impacted areas. North Central Vermont Recovery Center is a safe, welcoming, substance-free environment for individuals and families on their path to lasting recovery from substance use disorder. Lamoille County
North Star Health awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts for the Ludlow Health Center. North Star Health operates the Ludlow Health Center, which provides primary care and other health services in the Ludlow region. Windsor County
Northeast Kingdom Organizing (NEKO) awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. NEKO is a member-led coalition of individuals, families, and faith- and community-based organizations that come together to organize and advocate for justice for the people and places of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Orleans County
Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce awarded $20,000 to support the Okemo Valley Disaster Fund. The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is organizing flood assistance resources and actively assessing need in the area. The Okemo Valley Disaster Relief Fund will support business recovery. Windsor County
Out in the Open awarded $15,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Serving people statewide, Out in the Open connects LGBTQ+ people to build community, visibility, knowledge, and power. Windham County
People’s Health and Wellness Clinic awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The People’s Health & Wellness Clinic has brought free and essential healthcare services to residents of Central Vermont who are uninsured or cannot afford to see a doctor. Washington County
Pivotal Steps awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Pivotal Steps supports people with mental and behavioral health challenges with wraparound supports, therapeutic programs, and other individual needs to find wellness. Windsor County
Plymouth Memory Tree Community Fund awarded $10,000 to support the work of the Fund. Plymouth Memory Tree Community Fund is a grant program for individuals and families in need who reside full-time in the Town of Plymouth, Vermont. Windsor County
Rainbow Bridge Community Center awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Rainbow Bridge Community Center is a Barre-based, all-volunteer organization supporting LGBTQIA2S+ people in central Vermont. They are providing resources, support, and connection to those affected by the floods. Washington County
Regeneration Corps awarded $10,000 to provide mutual aid support as part of storm and flood relief. Regeneration Corps empowers youth with the knowledge to mitigate and respond to climate change and its constituent impacts, all while building community resilience and strengthening local food systems. Orange & Windsor Counties
Revitalizing Waterbury awarded $20,000 to support the 2023 Waterbury Relief Fund. Revitalizing Waterbury preserves, promotes, and enhances the economic, historic, and social vitality of Waterbury, Vermont, for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. It strives to create and maintain a vibrant community that is inviting, safe, economically sound, lively, and livable. Washington County
Rural Arts Collaborative awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Rural Arts Collaborative is an arts organization that uses voices, hands, bodies, minds, and hearts to connect with each other and the natural world through creativity. Orleans County
South Londonderry Free Library awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The South Londonderry Free Library contains a large collection of books, information, and technology resources for all to use. Windham County
Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. SEVCA’s mission is to empower and partner with individuals and communities to alleviate the hardships of poverty in southeastern Vermont. Windham County
Strafford Historical Society awarded $4,000 for costs associated with flood damage to the society’s collections. The Strafford Historical Society preserves the sites, records, objects, and related materials pertaining to the history of the Town of Strafford for educational purposes, and to apply the lessons of history for the betterment of the current affairs of Strafford. Orange County
Stratton Foundation awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Stratton Foundation is a community-based non-profit organization that cares about the health and welfare of children and their families in southern Vermont. Windham County
Studio Place Arts awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Studio Place Arts is a non-profit community visual arts center in historic downtown Barre with a mission to enrich people around the region by making the visual arts accessible to everyone through education, art exhibitions, and contact with working artists. Washington County
Sustainable Woodstock awarded $7,500 to support outreach to residents of manufactured home parks and restoration of the organization’s community garden. Sustainable Woodstock is supporting people whose manufactured homes were impacted by recent flooding and also rebuilding the garden that supplied local food shelves but was swept away in the flood. Windsor County
Tunbridge Neighbors Helping Neighbors awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Tunbridge Neighbors Helping Neighbors arranges and contributes various volunteer services to individuals and families in need. Orange County
Turning Point Center of Central Vermont awarded $5,000 to strengthen programs and services for people in recovery in flood-impacted areas. Turning Point Center of Central Vermont offers services, programs, and workshops for those in the recovery community. Washington County
Turning Point Recovery Center of Springfield Vermont awarded $5,000 to strengthen programs and services for people in recovery in flood-impacted areas. Turning Point Recovery Center of Springfield enhances the spiritual, mental, physical, and social growth of its community as a means of promoting successful recovery from substance use disorder. Windsor County
Twin Valley Seniors awarded $10,000 to support the rebuilding of safe and healthy food and supply storage. The Twin Valley Senior Center serves citizens in the communities of Cabot, Calais, East Montpelier, Marshfield, Plainfield, and Woodbury. The Center facilitates the social, emotional, and physical well-being of independent senior citizens in its service area. Washington County
Upper Valley Turning Point/Second Wind Foundation awarded $5,000 to strengthen programs and services for people in recovery in flood-impacted areas. Upper Valley Turning Point offers recovery support services, education, and advocacy for social, cultural, and healthcare parity with other illnesses. Windsor County
USCRI Vermont awarded $15,000 to provide groceries, clothing, household items, and cash assistance to New American families who are victims of flooding. USCRI works to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide, and support their transition to a dignified life. Washington County
Varnum Memorial Library awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Varnum Public Library serves the towns of Cambridge, Waterville, Fletcher, and more by providing reading, audio and visual, and technology resources. Lamoille County
Vermont Disaster Animal Response Team (VDART) awarded $2,000 to support pet sheltering services for those who lost their homes in the Barre area. VDART was mobilized by the Agency of Agriculture to provide pet sheltering services at a co-located American Red Cross shelter in Barre and continue to provide 24/7 support. Washington County
Vermont Granite Museum of Barre awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The purpose of the Museum is to engage, educate, and celebrate the heritage and current accomplishments of Vermont’s granite industry. Washington County
Vermont Legal Aid awarded $25,000 to support people affected by flooding, as well as ongoing housing work. Vermont Legal Aid (VLA) advocates on behalf of vulnerable Vermonters, working to address systemic and institutional problems impacting these individuals’ lives. VLA provides civil legal services for Vermonters, including those living in poverty, with a disability, or over the age of 60. They serve anyone who is discriminated against in housing decisions, for example, and others facing challenges related to health care insurance or services, and individuals who need relief from abuse. Statewide County
Vermont Professionals of Color Network awarded $5,000 for outreach and response supporting VTPOC members recovering from storm and flooding losses. The Vermont Professionals of Color Network is the state’s leading organization supporting the professional, networking, and business needs of BIPOC Vermonters. VTPOC Network is conducting outreach, sharing resources, and offering technical assistance to individual and business members in flood-affected areas of the state. Statewide County
Vermont Releaf Collective awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts to support affected Network members. The VT Releaf Collective is a network by and for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color advancing racial equity in land, environment, agriculture, and foodways. Statewide
Vermont River Conservancy, Inc. awarded $7,500 for storm and flood relief efforts. The VRC engages communities to protect and restore Vermont rivers for youth, communities, wildlife, and all citizens. Washington County
Vermont Studio Center awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Located in Johnson, the mission of the Vermont Studio Center is to provide studio residencies in an inclusive, international community, honoring creative work as the communication of spirit through form. Lamoille County
Wallingford Community Thrift Shop awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Thrift Shop is comprised of a group of volunteers dedicated to helping Wallingford and the surrounding areas with basic household needs. Rutland County
Weston Playhouse Theatre Company awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Weston Theater Company presents beautiful, entertaining stories performed by talented artists from the community and afar. Windsor County
White River Partnership awarded $7,500 for storm and flood relief efforts. The WRP is a membership organization concerned about the long-term health of the White River and its watershed. Windsor County
Windsor County Youth Services awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Windsor County Youth Services offers stability for teens in need by providing a safe place to sleep, meals, counseling, tutoring, and personal attention. Windsor County
Winooski Parents & Students Project (WPS) awarded $5,000 to provide emergency food and goods for flood survivors. The Winooski Parents & Students Project (WPS) is a grassroots organization serving New Americans around the state—promoting safe, healthy, and sustainable lives. Washington County
Woodstock Area Council on Aging/The Thompson Senior Center awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Thompson Senior Center helps older adults to age well in the rural communities in and around Woodstock. Windsor County
Woodstock Community Trust awarded $20,000 to support the storm and flood relief efforts of the Woodstock Hub. Woodstock Community Trust is a non-profit umbrella organization that empowers teams to carry out local projects to improve the quality of life and respond to needs in the community. Windsor County
In addition to grants listed above, the VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund 2023 is supporting storm and flood-related requests through the Foundation’s Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) grant program. SUN has temporarily modified its guidelines to support urgent nonprofit needs related to this disaster. Nonprofits directly impacted by storms and flooding are encouraged to visit vermontcf.org/sun to learn more about available funding. See recent grantees of the program below.
- Adult & Teen Challenge Vermont – $5,000, Lamoille County
- All Brains Belong VT – $5,000, Washington County
- Barre Housing Services – $5,000, Washington County
- Bethany United Church of Christ – $5,000, Washington County
- Central Vermont Adult Basic Education – $5,000, Washington County
- Elevate Youth Services – $5,000, Washington County
- Ethan Allen Homestead Museum – $1,000, Chittenden County
- Green Mountain Horse Association – $5,000, Windsor County
- Lamoille Family Center – $2,738, Lamoille County
- Milk with Dignity Standards – $4,000, Chittenden County
- Northern Stage – $2,500, Windsor County
- PB and J Inc./The Children’s Early Learning Space – $5,000, Washington County
- Sustainable Woodstock – $5,000, Windsor County
- The Johnson Health Center – $5,000, Lamoille County
- The Vermont Granite Museum of Barre – $5,000, Washington County
- Town of Hardwick – $2,500, Caledonia County
- Turning Point Center of Central Vermont – $5,000, Washington County
- Vermont Ethics Network – $5,000, Washington County
- Vermont Historical Society – $5,000, Washington County
- Vermont Studio Center – $5,000, Lamoille County
- Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department – $5,000, Washington County
- Woodstock Nursery School – $5,000, Windsor County
Click here to contribute or learn more about the VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund 2023.
The Vermont Community Foundation was established in 1986 as an enduring source of philanthropic support for Vermont communities. A family of more than 900 funds, foundations, and supporting organizations, the Foundation makes it easy for the people who care about Vermont to find and fund the causes they love. The Community Foundation and its partners put more than $60 million annually to work in Vermont communities and beyond. The heart of its work is closing the opportunity gap—the divide that leaves too many Vermonters struggling to get ahead, no matter how hard they work. The Community Foundation envisions Vermont at its best—where everyone can build a bright, secure future. Visit vermontcf.org or call 802-388-3355 for more information.