The Vermont Community Foundation announced today that it has awarded another $670,500 in grants to help individuals, businesses, farms, and downtowns recover from the devastating flooding across the state earlier this month. The new round of grants from the Foundation’s VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund 2023 follows $330,600 in grants awarded last week. The total amount awarded from the fund now exceeds $1 million. The fund has raised $4.4 million in gifts and commitments since it was announced on July 11. That total includes $2.8 million in gifts and $1.6 million in pledges.
The latest grants will support nonprofits that are helping residents of flooded mobile home parks and assisting towns as they rent dumpsters to haul away immense piles of flood-related trash and debris. The money will cover emergency home repairs and transitional housing; and help farmers who lost an entire season of corn, berries, cut flowers, and other products to a wave of water and mud.
Funding will help businesses whose spaces and inventory were destroyed. It will also support nonprofit organizations across the state that are working to assist vulnerable populations affected by the floods, including people with mental health needs, people with low incomes, and older Vermonters who rely on Meals and Wheels and other services.
“We are eager to deliver assistance as quickly as possible to the people and places that need it most. Through the incredible generosity of everyone who has contributed to the flood fund, we are helping people around the state with the mammoth task of recovering from this disaster,” said Dan Smith, president and CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to all the people who are leaning in and stepping up to help. Together we can bring the hope and resources needed to continue responding in the days and months ahead.”
The VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund 2023 was created immediately after torrential rains turned large parts of the state into a mud-drenched disaster zone. In just over two weeks, donations large and small have poured in from individuals, companies, Vermont music luminaries, and children running lemonade stands and “hopebox” derbies.
Money from the fund has been awarded to dozens of nonprofit organizations, with more to come in future grant awards from the fund.
“This second round of grants continues to focus on getting funding out thoughtfully and quickly to communities in all of the impacted areas. There is an added emphasis in this round on clean-up efforts with grants going to help purchase sump pumps and dehumidifiers, to bring in dumpsters for towns, and to start the cleanup of Vermont’s rivers and watersheds,” said Holly Morehouse, vice president of Grants & Community Impact at the Vermont Community Foundation. “This round also has a strong focus on food access and includes grants to provide meals for volunteers, deliver food to seniors, ensure neighbors have groceries and water, and support food shares for those who have lost access to local produce and/or culturally significant crops.”
Visit vermontcf.org/floodfundstrategy 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.
Several organizations have led the campaign for giving to the fund. The National Life Group matched donations made through its Do Good Fest fundraiser for a planned $1.5 million contribution, the largest gift to the fund so far. The TD Charitable Foundation, the giving arm of TD Bank, donated $150,000. Vermont Public launched a special campaign to benefit the flood fund, and music artists ranging from Grace Potter to Noah Kahan have jumped in to help.
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.
Another Way awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. It operates a drop-in center in Montpelier and provides voluntary, peer-run alternatives to people who avoid conventional mental health services. Washington County
Barre Community Relief Fund awarded $25,000. The Fund was established to help raise money for assistance in flood recovery and rebuilding in the Barre area. Washington County
BROC – Community Action in Southwestern Vermont awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. BROC provides anti-poverty programming and resources to residents in Bennington and Rutland Counties. It is providing food, shelter, necessities, and clothing to flood victims. Bennington & Rutland Counties
Capstone Community Action awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Capstone supports resilient households and communities while empowering individuals to move beyond poverty. The organization is playing a critical role in flood recovery in Central Vermont. Statewide
CCTV’s Center for Media & Democracy awarded $15,000 to support the development and translation of storm and flood relief videos for Vermont’s refugee, migrant, and immigrant communities. The Vermont Language Justice Project allows people with language access needs the ability to make informed decisions about their health and those of their families by providing public service videos and audio files in 17 languages spoken in Vermont. Statewide
Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) awarded $15,000 to support food sovereignty efforts in Hardwick and the Northeast Kingdom as part of storm and flood relief. CAE works in Hardwick and the surrounding area to support local farmers and provide access to high-quality food. Statewide
Central Vermont Council on Aging awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Council is the Area Agency on Aging for Central Vermont, helping older adults to live at home, stay healthy, and be active. It leads the Meals on Wheels program in the area. Lamoille, Orange, and Washington Counties
Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) awarded $20,000 to support the immediate and on-going needs of displaced mobile home park residents and $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity addresses economic, social, racial, and environmental justice. Statewide
Chester Helping Hands awarded $8,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Chester Helping Hands is a non-profit organization created to provide food assistance and spread kindness to its neighbors in the greater Chester area of Vermont. Windsor County
Chester-Andover Family Center awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Center makes a difference in its community by providing resources for financial assistance, food, affordable clothing, and household goods. Windsor County
Circle, Inc. awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Circle serves anyone experiencing partner violence in the Washington County area. It provides shelter, advocacy, and support for people experiencing abusive situations. Washington County
City of Montpelier Parks & Recreation Department awarded $10,000 to support the Montpelier FEAST Farm. Montpelier Parks and Trees stewards Montpelier’s parks, trees, and natural spaces for the enjoyment and health of all. Washington County
Cooperation Vermont awarded $10,000 to support immediate flood relief supply needs for community members, including cleaning supplies, generators, respirators, medical kits, food, water, and more. Cooperation Vermont is a social justice group in Marshfield that seeks to help workers from underrepresented groups create worker-owned co-ops. Washington County
Downstreet Housing and Community Development awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Downstreet develops and manages permanently affordable housing throughout central Vermont. Washington, Lamoille, & Orange Counties
Friends of the Winooski River awarded $7,500 to support cleanup efforts as part of storm and flood relief. The organization works to safeguard and enhance the natural resources of the Winooski River watershed. Washington County
Glover Ambulance Squad awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. It provides the community with professional emergency care and attention, in 2023 receiving the Vermont Ambulance Service of the Year Award from the Vermont Department of Health. Orleans County
Good Samaritan Haven awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Good Samaritan Haven provides emergency shelter, outreach services, and a food program to support individuals experiencing homelessness. Washington County
Green Mountain United Way awarded $20,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. United Way unites around the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. Caledonia, Essex, Orleans, Orange, and Washington Counties
Greensboro Association awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Association develops and supports village initiatives and organizations that enhance the community. It also protects Caspian Lake and its surrounding environment. Orleans County
Health Care and Rehabilitation Services of Southeastern Vermont awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The organization is the designated mental health agency for Windsor and Windham counties, providing collaborative and compassionate behavioral, medical, and rehabilitative health care services to the community. Windsor and Windham Counties
Intervale Center awarded $15,000 to support gleaning and food access efforts as part of storm and flood relief. Through several programs, the Intervale Center works to foster a local food economy that is good for people and the planet. Chittenden County
Just Basics awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Just Basics addresses basic needs and social justice in Montpelier, and runs the Montpelier Food Pantry. Washington County
Kellogg-Hubbard Library awarded $5,000 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
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 County Mental Health Services awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Lamoille County Mental Health Services is a designated mental health agency providing developmental and behavioral health services to the Lamoille Valley area, enhancing independence and quality of life. Lamoille County
Lamoille County Natural Resources Conservation District awarded $7,500 to support the Lamoille River Watershed Initiative’s cleanup efforts as part of storm and flood relief. Lamoille County
Lamoille Housing Partnership awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Partnership works to reduce barriers to housing and close housing opportunity gaps by developing and maintaining income-eligible, affordable homes and apartments. Lamoille County
Main Street Flood Recovery Fund awarded $25,000. The Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Fund is providing direct financial aid to Vermont small businesses for the purpose of rebuilding and recovering from damage and losses suffered due to the recent flooding. Statewide
Neighbors Helping Neighbors awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a local nonprofit organization supporting the community with emergency needs. Windsor County
Northeast Kingdom Community Action awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. NEKCA is an anti-poverty agency providing direct programs, referrals, advocacy, and education to the communities of the Northeast Kingdom. Caledonia County
Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The organization is the Area Agency on Aging for the Northeast Kingdom, helping older adults to live at home, stay healthy, and access the Meals on Wheels program in their area. Northeast Kingdom
Northeast Kingdom Human Services awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. It is the designated mental health agency in Essex, Orleans, and Caledonia Counties with a mission to empower individuals, families, and communities by promoting hope, healing, and support. Northeast Kingdom
Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) awarded $20,000 to support the Farm Share Program, providing fresh, local foods to Vermonters in need of financial assistance as part of storm and flood relief. NOFA-VT supports a statewide association of organic farms and provides direct aid to farmers impacted by the floods. Chittenden County
Orleans Federated Church awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Orleans Federated Church is assisting with flood response and supply distribution in Orleans and Barton. Orleans County
Our House of Central Vermont, Inc. awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Our House of Central Vermont is a children’s advocacy center and uses a child-focused approach to bring together resources, conduct interviews, and make team decisions about investigation, treatment, management, and prosecution of child abuse cases. Washington County
Preservation Trust of Vermont awarded $15,000 to support conditions assessments in historic buildings. Preservation Trust of Vermont helps communities keep gathering places alive and encourages the vitality of downtowns and village centers while retaining the integrity of the surrounding rural landscape. Statewide
Rutland Mental Health Services awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The organization is the designated mental health agency in Rutland County, with a mission to enhance the health and well-being of communities, individuals, and families. Rutland County
Senior Solutions awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. It is the Area Agency on Aging for the southeastern corner of Vermont, helping older adults to live at home, stay healthy, and access the Meals on Wheels program in their area. Windsor County
Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. SVCOA is the Area Agency on Aging for the southwestern corner of Vermont, helping older adults to live at home, stay healthy, and access the Meals on Wheels program. Bennington 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
Town of Johnson awarded $7,500 for storm and flood relief efforts in the Johnson area, particularly for dumpsters to facilitate town cleanup. One of the Vermont towns hit hardest by the flooding earlier this month, Johnson lost much of its downtown business and activity district. Situated in Lamoille County, Johnson has a resident population of 3,491. Lamoille County
United Community Church of Morrisville awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The church serves and supports children and families in Morrisville and Lamoille County. Lamoille County
United Way of Lamoille County awarded $20,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. United Way of Lamoille County fosters collective action to address complex challenges in the community and advocates for equitable access to resources. Lamoille County
United Way of Windham County awarded $20,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. It strives to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of community and acts as a community convener, fiscal partner, resource hub, and provider of services. Windham County
Upper Valley Haven awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Upper Valley Haven provides temporary shelter and educational programming to homeless families and adults, as well as food for anyone in need. Windsor County
Vermont Arts & Culture Disaster and Resilience Network awarded $10,000 to support rapid response for arts organizations, and collections and records impacted by flood damage. The Network is a partnership of the Vermont Arts Council, the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration, and the Vermont Emergency Management Association. Coordination through this network enables artists, as well as arts and heritage organizations, to work together to share expertise and resources, mobilize response for mutual assistance during emergencies, and engage collectively with first responders and government emergency management agencies. Statewide
Vermont Foodbank, Inc. awarded $100,000 to support the Foodbank’s grant program to food shelves and food pantries; and to support the Foodbank’s program to provide culturally-relevant crops for New Americans. The Foodbank works to gather and share quality food, and nurture partnerships so that no one in Vermont will go hungry. It is currently working across Vermont to take stock and help communities figure out how to rebuild, and sharing resources with the hardest hit areas of the state. Statewide
Vermont Garden Network awarded $10,000 to support food security efforts in rural communities as part of storm and flood relief. The Garden Network works to cultivate well-being by helping people of all ages access resources to grow food, build confidence, and connect with each other. Statewide
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
Vermont RELEAF Collective awarded $10,000 to support outreach and technical assistance to BIPOC farmers recovering from storm and flooding losses. The Vermont Releaf Collective stands for racial equity in land, environment, agriculture, and food. From farmers and gardeners to restaurant employees and seed savers, from entrepreneurs and activists to hikers and researchers and more, the network is fostering a collective affinity space and alliance of BIPOC individuals and organizations who are deeply committed to promoting racial equity across its four focus areas: land, environment, agriculture, and foodways. Statewide
Washington County Mental Health Services awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. Washington County Mental Health Services is the designated mental health agency in Central Vermont, with a mission to serve people coping with developmental and intellectual disabilities, mental health, and substance use by providing trauma-informed services to support them as they achieve their highest potential and best possible quality of life. Washington County
Waterbury Good Neighbor Fund awarded $5,000 to support funds for individual expenses incurred by clean up and to help with lodging expenses. The Waterbury Good Neighbor Fund is an emergency financial help fund that gives no-strings-attached gifts to individuals and families in the commmunity. Washington County
Winooski Valley Parks District awarded $7,500 to support cleanup efforts as part of storm and flood relief. The Park District plans, acquires, and manages land and water within the boundaries of its member municipalities in the Winooski River Valley for purposes of conservation, preservation of natural areas, establishment of parks, and resource-based education and recreation. Chittenden County
Wolcott Fire Department awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The Wolcott Fire Department is a nearly 50-year-old volunteer fire department that serves the 40-square-mile area and 1,670 people living in and around Wolcott, Vermont. Lamoille 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.
- Cross Vermont Trail Association – $5,000, Washington County
- Everybody Wins! Vermont – $5,000, Washington County
- North Branch Nature Center – $5,000, Washington County
- ReSOURCE – $5,000, Washington County
- Rhythm of the Rein – $5,000, Washington County
- Twin Valley Seniors – $5,000, Washington County
- UP for Learning – $2,500, Washington 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.