The Vermont Community Foundation announced today that it has raised $2.5 million in flood relief gifts and commitments and this week distributed $330,600 in grants and aid statewide. The money from the VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund 2023 will support needs including temporary and transitional housing, clean-up of homes, businesses and downtowns, and aid to farmers who lost an entire season in the devastating flooding earlier this month. Another round of grants will be made next week, bringing the expected total to over $500,000 distributed from the fund, with more to follow soon after.
“With the help of incredibly generous Vermonters, we are bringing hope and resources to communities all over the state that are digging out from this devastating event. We are deeply grateful for contributions to this effort and believe that as the money makes its way to the people, businesses, farmers, and others affected, it will help speed the recovery and build the Vermont-strong spirit needed to accomplish the enormous task ahead of us,” said Dan Smith, president & CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation.
The Foundation announced its VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund 2023 on July 11, immediately after torrential rains put downtowns, homes, businesses, and farms underwater and constituted one of the worst natural disasters in state history.
In its first ten days, the fund has been met with an outpouring of generosity, from seven-figure donations to proceeds from lemonade stands, soapbox derbies and other neighborhood fundraisers created by youth. Musicians, singers, and concert promoters helped raise funds, as did T-shirt makers, sock manufacturers and media companies. Donations so far have come in from 47 states.
Donor advised fundholders at the Vermont Community Foundation have leaned in with generous giving to the VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund. Additionally, they have made more than $600,000 in grants this week directly to nonprofit organizations in Vermont for flood response.
As much-needed donations continue to come into the fund, the Community Foundation is deeply grateful for all gifts and eager to share that the money is quickly going out to the people and communities still reeling from the disaster, with grants to three-dozen organizations statewide so far.
“This week and next, we’re working on getting money moving in support of immediate response and relief efforts, including helping people who need shelter, food, and clean water. We are working with state, regional, and local organizations, with the goal of reaching affected farms, small businesses, individuals, and organizations that are coordinating volunteers,” said Holly Morehouse, vice president of Grants & Community Impact at the Vermont Community Foundation.
Morehouse added: “Our goal over the next few weeks is to have enough grant funds to reach every community that has been significantly impacted by the floods and storms in Vermont. Once the conditions on the ground signal that emergency needs are relatively well covered, the grantmaking strategy will shift into a recovery phase and how we work together to build back Vermont’s communities.”
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 Monday, July 17 that is underway until Sunday, July 23 at midnight to benefit the Flood fund. 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 donated to the fund.
The list of grants made this week from the Flood Fund follows below. As additional grants are distributed, the list will be updated at vtfloodresponse.org.
American Red Cross – Vermont Chapter awarded $25,000 for storm and flood relief efforts. The American Red Cross provides shelter, food, disaster coordination, and up-to-date information during emergencies. Statewide
Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV) awarded $5,000 to help the New Farms for New Americans gardening program recover from major storm and flooding losses. AALV helps new Americans from all parts of the world gain independence. Chittenden County
Barre Partnership awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief. The Barre Partnership is the “Granite City’s” downtown organization. It produces events designed to build community throughout the year and is serving as a community hub during flood response. Washington County
Black River Good Neighbor awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief. Through a thrift store, food pantry, and free services, BRGN works to empower those in Ludlow and surrounding areas who are under-served in the community. Windsor County
BROC – Community Action in Southwestern Vermont awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief. 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. Rutland County
Cabot Community Association awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief. It works with community members and community organizations to enhance the educational and recreational opportunities in Cabot and support a strong local economy. Caledonia County
Capstone Community Action awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief. It supports resilient households and communities to advance justice in social, economic, and environmental policy, and empowers individuals to move beyond poverty. CCA is playing a critical role in flood recovery in Central Vermont. Washington County
Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) awarded $25,000 to support the Vermont Farm Fund to help farms recovering from storm and flooding losses. CAE works in Hardwick and the surrounding area supporting local farmers and providing access to high-quality foods. Statewide
Central Vermont Council on Aging awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief. CVCA 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 their area. Washington County
Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief. It addresses economic, social, racial, and environmental justice. It provides crisis support, including food, fuel, and housing assistance, along with education and training for future economic independence. Chittenden County
The Civic Standard awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief. A community organizing hub for Hardwick and the surrounding area, the Civic Standard is working with a coalition of organizations and individuals to get residents the relief they need. Caledonia County
Hack Club awarded $15,000 to support match funding to local storm and flooding relief efforts. The Vermont Community Foundation will match the first $500 in donations to crowdsourced flood relief efforts launched through the Shelburne-based Hack Club,which facilitates mutual aid projects by offering fiscal sponsorship and a web-based donation and spending platform to support neighbors helping neighbors. Statewide
Hardwick Area Food Pantry awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief. The Pantry provides quality food for people in need with locations in Hardwick, Albany, and Craftsbury. Caledonia County
Intervale Center awarded $10,000 to support the Farmer Relief Fund to help farms recovering from storm and flooding losses. The Intervale Center in Burlington works to foster a local food economy that is good for people and the planet. Statewide
Jenna’s Promise awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief. Jenna’s Promise works to create a network of support that will help people suffering from substance use disorder. It works to open doors and remove barriers for people seeking treatment, ensuring healthy and sustaining patient recovery. Lamoille County
Main Street Flood Recovery Fund awarded $25,000. The Vermont Main Street Flood Relief Fund is dedicated to 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
Montpelier Strong Recovery Fund awarded $50,000. Through the Monptelier Strong Recovery Fund, the Montpelier Foundation will help local businesses rebuild and recover. Washington County
Neighborhood Connections awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief. 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
Northeast Kingdom Community Action awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief. NEKCA is an anti-poverty agency providing direct programs, referrals, advocacy, and education to the communities of the Northeast Kingdom. Orleans County
Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief. NEKCA is the Area Agency on Aging for the Northeast Kingdom, helping older adults to live at home, stay healthy, and be active. It leads the Meals on Wheels program in their area. Caledonia County
Northeast Kingdom Organizing (NEKO) awarded $10,000 for storm and flood relief. Northeast Kingdom Organizing (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
Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) awarded $10,000 to support the Farmer Emergency Relief Fund to help farms recovering from storm and flooding losses. NOFA-VT supports a statewide association of organic farms and provides direct aid to farmers impacted by the floods. Statewide
Out in the Open awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief. Out in the Open connects LGBTQ+ people to build community, visibility, knowledge and power. Windham County
Rainbow Bridge Community Center awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief. Rainbow Bridge Community Center is a Barre-based, all volunteer organization supporting LGBTQIA2S+ people in central Vermont. It is providing resources, support, and connection to those affected by the floods. Washington County
Senior Solutions awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief. Senior Solutions is the Area Agency on Aging for the southeastern corner of Vermont, helping older adults to live at home, stay healthy, and be active. It leads the Meals on Wheels program in their area. Windsor County
Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging awarded $5,000 for storm and flood relief. SVCA is the Area Agency on Aging for the southwestern corner of Vermont, helping older adults to live at home, stay healthy, and be active. It leads the Meals on Wheels program in their area. Rutland County
Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VTPOC) awarded $5,000 for outreach and response to support 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 and offering technical assistance to individual and business members in flood affected areas of the state. Statewide
Woodstock Community Trust awarded $5,000 to support the work of the Woodstock Hub. The 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 their community. Windsor County
In addition to grants listed above, the VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund 2023 is also supporting the Foundation’s Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) grant program. It 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 SUN funding.
- Camp Thorpe – $5,000, Addison County
- Downstreet Housing & Community Development – $5,000, Washington County
- Jenna’s Promise – $5,000, Lamoille County
- Lost Nation Theater – $5,000, Washington County
- Mosaic Vermont, Inc. – $5,000, Washington County
- Prevent Child Abuse Vermont – $5,000, Washington County
- Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc. – $600, Washington County
- Woodstock Recreation Center – $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.