Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, a nonprofit dedicated to providing outdoor recreation for individuals with disabilities, on Tuesday, March 18, announced a $500,000 matching gift from an anonymous donor to support its Vermont Adaptive Forever endowment fund. The gift, combined with financial commitments from every member of the organization’s board of directors, marks a significant step toward Vermont Adaptive’s long-term sustainability.
The anonymous donor, a former participant, shared how Vermont Adaptive transformed their life following a severe spinal cord injury.
“Vermont Adaptive changed my life,” they wrote. “After a severe skiing accident, a spinal cord injury threatened to rob me of my favorite activities…skiing, hiking, cycling, motorcycles, golf, and running. Two years to the day after my accident, I hesitantly signed up for Vermont Adaptive, got on my skis and returned to skiing. Vermont Adaptive also helped me get back to the golf course (but not my handicap!). I wouldn’t be alive today without the confidence and hope that Vermont Adaptive instilled in my broken body. I can’t think of a more worthy organization and leader to help bring more of that magic to the many others as or more deserving than me.”
In addition to the matching gift, the Vermont Adaptive board has collectively contributed $30,000 toward the endowment’s $3 million goal. Executive Director Erin Fernandez emphasized the importance of these contributions. “These two milestones mark significant momentum in securing the long-term sustainability of our programs,” she said. “We are incredibly grateful to this donor and our board for ensuring that Vermont Adaptive remains a strong and vibrant community in the future.”
The Vermont Adaptive Forever endowment fund, established in 2016 and managed by the Vermont Community Foundation, is a permanent financial resource for the organization, particularly its scholarship fund. In 2024 alone, Vermont Adaptive awarded more than $210,000 in program scholarships to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent individuals from participating in outdoor recreation.
“For nearly 40 years, we have never turned someone away based on their ability to pay,” Fernandez said. “It’s a central part of who we are and what we do at Vermont Adaptive. These values continue to be an anchor for us. We’re proud of our origins and are committed to remaining true to those values for years to come.”
With the $500,000 matching challenge now in place, every donation made to the Vermont Adaptive Forever endowment will be doubled, up to the full match amount. Board member Harry Grey and longtime donor Cam McCormick encouraged community participation: “Every gift counts, and every donation helps ensure that people of all abilities have access to outdoor recreation.”
For more information or to donate, visit: vermontadaptive.org/endowment.
