Funding available to support equitable and inclusive communities

In cooperation with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and the state of Vermont’s Office of Racial Equity and the Vermont Community Foundation is offering grants to Vermont villages, towns, and cities to foster inclusion and belonging for people of all races and backgrounds while at the same time addressing the opportunity gap—the divide that leaves many Vermonters struggling to build bright, secure futures no matter how hard they work.

 The program is open to a range of proposals that meet locally defined community needs, ideally developed in partnership with diverse groups of community members. Recognizing that communities are starting at different places with their work on equity, inclusion, and belonging, the program will fund a variety of project types. A list of examples can be found online and includes:

• Trainings on topics like implicit bias
• Community-wide conversations
• Assessments of a community’s equity practices
• Stipends that allow community members to participate in local equity work

Eligible applicants are Vermont villages, towns, and cities. Nonprofit organizations or community groups doing work on behalf of and in coordination with a village, town, or city may apply if a letter of support from the municipal partner is included.

 Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funding is no longer available. Review of applications will take place monthly beginning in May 2022. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as they feel ready.

 Visit vermontcf.org/inclusive to learn more and apply.