2017 ANNUAL REPORT

How do you help other people?

ppy?

What do people need to be ha

mmunity?

What do you like about your co

In Remembrance of David G. Rahr 1938-2018 In the history of the Vermont Community Founda-

from zero to $70 million and annual grantmaking of

tion, no figure plays a more central role than Found-

$8 million. Dave sustained his engagement with

ing President Dave

the

Rahr.

was

his retirement and

hired as the Foun-

remained a thought-

dation’s first execu-

ful advisor to those

tive director in 1987

who followed in his

and shepherded the

footsteps and many

organization for 16

others. We are proud

years, before step-

to dedicate this An-

ping down from his

nual Report in Dave’s

role as president in

memory—his vision,

June 2003. During

humor, and energy

that time, the Foun-

made a remarkable

Dave

Foundation

dation grew from a single staff member to 16 full-

impact on Vermont and on everyone connected to

and part-time employees, with assets growing

the Vermont Community Foundation.

Pictured right: The gymnasium at the former St. Joseph School in Burlington’s Old North End. The Community Foundation made a $500,000 investment, in conjunction with a $2.3 million loan from the Vermont Community Loan Fund, to help the Champlain Housing Trust purchase the building and make initial upgrades. The building is a community center with numerous tenants that serve a diverse population of residents. More building renovations will happen when additional funding resources have been secured.

Letter from the President and Chair of the Board The Vermont Community Foundationâ€™s mission is to inspire philanthropy. We hope this report deepens your belief in philanthropyâ€™s ability to make a difference. In this day and age, people remain hungry for hope. Our hope comes from stories of partnership, stories of community, stories of giving, and stories of people working to overcome monumental challenges. They are stories of work undertaken by fundholders, volunteers, nonprofit staff, entrepreneurs, and innovators. They are stories of people whose creativity and ingenuity make a difference in Vermont. They are stories that reveal how we can be better together. At the Foundation, we feel a sense of urgency. We feel it because there is a new pace to the change experienced by communities. We feel it because the change feels different. We feel it because we know our growth must benefit Vermont and Vermonters. We feel it because no matter where you turn, global and national challenges have local impacts and challenges like the opportunity gap have national and global implications. When it comes to making a difference, it can be hard to know where to start. We are drawing a map of a Vermont thatâ€˜s at its best and Vermonters who are at their best. That is the legacy of Dave Rahr, our founder, and it is our vision for philanthropy. We hope this report offers insight and inspiration for the coming year. Dan Smith

Jake Wheeler

President & CEO

Board Chair

2017 Annual Report

The Year in Numbers Grants Awarded: 2,790 â€˘ $15.1 Million Total Funds:

796

Total Assets:

$310.5 million

Contributions to the Foundation:

$49 million

Overall Grantmaking

Arts, Culture, and Humanities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16%

Community Benefit and Economic Development . . . . . . . . 13%

Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22% Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25% Health and Human Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21%

Other Grantmaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3%

The Vermont Community Foundation

Closing the opportunity gap. The Community Foundation envisions a Vermont where everyone has the opportunity to build a bright, secure future. We are working to remove the divide that leaves too many Vermonters struggling to get ahead.

Page 4

Adapting to a changing planet. The High Meadows Fund aims to help Vermonters adapt to the ways climate change is altering Vermont’s communities and working landscape, while also lowering their contribution to a warming planet.

Page 8

Promoting access to postsecondary and career education.

Page 16

Page 10

The Vermont Women’s Fund encourages philanthropy among women and directs its giving to support women and girls ages 12 to 25, with an emphasis on financial literacy and job and life-skill’s training.

Page 14

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The Addison Community Athletics Foundation is devoted to improving the health, well-being, and nutrition of the greater Addison County community.

The Permanent Fund for Vermont’s Children has a straightforward mission with a lasting influence: ensure that all Vermont children and families have access to highquality, affordable child care by 2025.

Helping women and girls rise and thrive.

The J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation envisions a Vermont in which no promising job goes unfilled for lack of a qualified applicant. They support projects that improve Vermonters’ access to college and career education.

Promoting health and athletics in Addison County.

Putting kids and families first.

Helping to create healthy and empowered communities for LGBTQ Vermonters. The Samara Fund’s mission is to help create a vibrant Vermont LGBTQ community and ensure that LGBTQ Vermonters are connected, healthy, appreciated, safe, and empowered.

Page 18

Strengthening the Kingdom through local giving. The Northeast Kingdom Fund is a permanent philanthropic resource for the communities of Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans Counties. It exemplifies the best of Vermonters’ aspirations for the place they call home.

Page 20

NEARLY 1 IN 4 WORKING FAMILIES in Vermont

ARE NOT EARNING ENOUGH... TO MAKE

ENDS MEET

4 4

The Vermont Community Foundation

Learn more at vermontcf.org/oppgap

Closing the Opportunity Gap. For many Vermonters, getting ahead in life isn’t

at the heart of our work. We’ve identified the four

simply a matter of hard work. It’s a question of ac-

areas shown here where we believe philanthro-

cess: to high-quality

py and community

education, to mean-

investment can sig-

ingful job opportunities, to healthy and vital communities. This is the op-

Early Care and Learning

Support for Youth and Families

nificantly

diminish

the divide between Vermont’s

haves

and have-nots. We

portunity gap—the

believe that failing

divide that leaves

to invest in these

many

issues will cost all of

Vermonters

struggling to build bright, secure futures,

matter

how hard they work.

College and Career Training

Community and Economic Vitality

Vermont in the long run through higher public

assistance

needs, reduced tax

At the Community

revenues, and poor-

Foundation,

er health outcomes.

we’re

committed to closing that gap. We’ve aligned

As our neighbors struggle, the result is weaker

our philanthropic resources, as well as our com-

communities, diminished prospects, and a dim-

munity investments, to put the opportunity gap

mer future for all Vermonters.

CREATING OPPORTUNITY

Learn more at vermontcf.org/oppgap

What Does Our Opportunity Gap Work Look Like? In 2017, we unveiled our focus on the opportu-

live in communities with high levels of socioeco-

nity gap and began building the grantmaking

nomic distress, so we are partnering with the

and investment structure for this work, which will

Vermont Council on Rural Development on their

evolve over time. Our Opportunity Gap grant

Community Visit Program. (Pictured are Walling-

program

now

in-

ford

participants.)

cludes: Spark! Con-

The Foundation is

necting

Commu-

committed to build-

grants

ing deep and last-

that support proj-

ing relationships in

ects focused on cre-

these communities

ating social capital;

by helping residents

RALI (Regional and

shape their future

Local Impact)â€”mid-

and tackle challeng-

size grants that are

es. And finally, Ver-

informed by local

mont Investments,

knowledge gleaned

a program

through community

lished in 2001, will

engagement;

and

invest in projects

Cornerstoneâ€”large

that align directly

nityâ€”small

estab-

grants that support organizations working on

with our opportunity gap focus areas. This in-

statewide or regional systems-level change. A

cludes investments in affordable housing, small

big part of closing the opportunity gap involves

business development, downtown revitalization

listening to and understanding the people who

efforts, student assistance programs, and others.

Closing the Opportunity Gap:

Championing a healthy environment and economic vitality A warming planet

in communities who might not otherwise collabo-

means change for

rate, encouraging conversations between planners,

the Green Moun-

selectboard members, business owners, anglers,

tain State. Recog-

teachers, and emergency management officials,

nizing this reality,

to name just a few constituencies. Watershed re-

the High Meadows

silience efforts flourished when a diverse steering

Fund is committed

committee or group of partner organizations, rath-

to helping Vermont-

er than just one champion, led the way. Language

ers lower their contributions to climate change while

mattered: “Resilience” is a word that means many

also adapting to new conditions that are already

different things to many different people.

the HIGH MEADOWS FUND

here. High Meadows does more than make grants;

On-the-ground action—including site visits and

the Fund acts as a repository of information, a con-

tours—galvanized communities around resilience

vener of doers and thinkers, and a mission investor.

efforts. One tour of the White River took a school

Increasingly, High Meadows is focusing on sharing

bus full of locals to a flood-damaged property

its wealth of knowledge in Vermont and beyond.

in Granville and a new stream-crossing bridge in

In 2017, that was perhaps most encapsulated in a

Rochester. The tour gave an opportunity for the

report on watershed resilience that articulated the

community to look behind-the-scenes and make the

lessons learned from two years—and $249,000—of

actual work of “resilience” visible, memorable, and

funding in six watershed project teams.

meaningful. These watershed resilience funding ef-

In late 2017, High Meadows committed an ad-

forts remind us that rivers and storms don’t respect

ditional $160,000 to promote watershed resilience

municipal or regional boundaries. Vermonters must

planning and action in four more watersheds: Lake

think upstream and downstream as they plan for their

Memphremagog, the headwaters of the Winooski

communities. The High Meadows Fund is poised to

River, the Ottauquechee River, and the Green River.

facilitate these conversations, share lessons learned,

This work has brought together individuals with-

Learn more at highmeadowsfund.org

and ignite action.

White River Partnership Intern Christian Pelletier (left) and Executive Director Mary Russ, along with High Meadows Fund Environmental Philanthropy Associate Will Lathrop, visit an upgraded culvert in Hancock. High Meadows has been supporting community resilience planning in watersheds across the state. 2017 Annual Report

Closing the Opportunity Gap:

Ensuring access to high-quality, affordable child care On his first day on

ing through music, stories, and projects. And with

the PERMANENT FUND

the job as principal

strong enrollment, Orwell educators are hopeful that

at the Orwell Village

children will be better prepared—socially and emo-

School, Patrick Wal-

tionally—for the transition to kindergarten.

ters heard a request

Orwell’s story is part of the successful rollout of

for Vermont’s Children

he’d hear again and

universal prekindergarten across the state. When the

again in the years to

Permanent Fund launched VCPC in 2005, around

come: Orwell need-

2,500 kids were enrolled in pre-K supported by pub-

ed a preschool. Desperately. The rural Champlain

lic funding. By the fall of the 2017–2018 school year,

Valley town educates its kindergarten through eighth

thanks to VCPC efforts to build partnerships and push

grade students at the village school, but parents were

for state legislation, that number had jumped to more

struggling to find high-quality child care for their

than 8,800 children—73 percent of all those eligible

younger children. Meanwhile, teachers noticed many

for universal pre-K funding.

children weren’t arriving at kindergarten with the skills they needed to succeed.

Momentum is building among politicians, employers, and families to push for more high-quality

In the 2016–2017 school year, Orwell’s dreams of a

child care spots for Vermont’s infants and toddlers.

preschool came to fruition, in part because of a grant

“The good news is that there’s been a measurable

from the Vermont Community Preschool Collabora-

improvement in the quality of child care since the

tive (VCPC) and Vermont Birth to Five (VB5), initiatives

Permanent Fund began its work,” says Permanent

of the Permanent Fund for Vermont’s Children. The

Fund CEO Aly Richards. “However, there simply isn’t

school renovated its old arts classroom, partnered

enough of it.” That’s why, beginning in 2018 through

with the Mary Johnson Children’s Center in Middle-

its Make Way for Kids project, VB5 has set an am-

bury, and opened with an enrollment of over 20 chil-

bitious goal of creating 500 new high-quality child

dren for its first pre-K class. The play-based program

care slots in communities across the state each year

(pictured) includes plenty of time outside and learn-

until 2025.

Learn more at permanentfund.org

2017 Annual Report

Closing the Opportunity Gap:

Promoting access to postsecondary and career education College was always

of these opportunities a funding priority for several

the

the expectation for

years. Through this funding, Hannah was trained—and

Hannah, a Missis-

paid—to teach a STEM after-school program for ele-

McCLURE

quoi Valley Union

mentary school students: an experience that helped

High School stu-

clarify her career interest in medicine. As part of anoth-

dent; neither of her

er Foundation grant, she received counseling through

parents held college

the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC)

degrees, but they’d

and learned that, like every Vermont high school junior

long impressed upon their children the importance of

and senior, she had access to two free college courses.

higher education. But that expectation of “go to col-

As a junior, Hannah enrolled in Intro to Nutrition and

lege” butted up against a harsh reality. Namely: “Col-

Intro to Psychology at CCV St. Albans, and as a senior,

lege is really expensive,” says Hannah.

she’ll concurrently enroll—at no cost—as a freshman

J. Warren and Lois

FOUNDATION

This is the challenge facing countless Vermont young adults. Postsecondary education and training is

at Northern Vermont University while earning her high school diploma.

a clear pathway to success, but the cost alone can de-

“This opportunity has a tremendous impact on my

ter some from starting or finishing a degree. And cost

future, not only financially, but also with the fact that I

is just one barrier. For some, it’s unreliable transpor-

get to work with real professionals and start this next

tation; for others, lack of child care. For the McClure

step in my education early,” says Hannah.

Foundation, identifying and overcoming these barri-

The McClure Foundation’s work is making it easi-

ers is crucial to its mission to improve access to college

er for young adults like Hannah to envision the path-

and career training.

way from high school to college. As McClure joins the

Luckily, Vermont is on the road to building better

Community Foundation in tackling the opportunity

pathways. Hannah began to chart her own postsec-

gap, McClure is prioritizing projects that break down

ondary path, thanks in large part to opportunities cre-

barriers to job training and education, particularly

ated by the 2013 Flexible Pathways bill. McClure has

for first-generation college students and low-income

made the equitable and meaningful implementation

Vermonters.

Learn more at mcclurevt.org

Hannah Rollo visits the CCV St. Albans campus with her high school teacher Mary Hartman (left) and VSAC Counselor Ellen Wright (right).

2017 Annual Report

Closing the Opportunity Gap:

Helping girls and young women rise and thrive

the VERMONT WOMEN’S FUND

Three weeks into

der equity and provide the foundation for every girl

2017, and a day into

and woman in the state to thrive.

the new presidency

Last year, the Women’s Fund awarded $114,000

of Donald J. Trump,

through its competitive grant round to 13 organi-

women and their

zations. Those dollars supported programs like Des-

allies

the

tined for Something Big, an effort to help homeless

world took to the

girls and women build resiliency and explore career

streets. Their mes-

options, and Northern Lights, providing housing and

sage: women will not be silent in the face of political,

support for women transitioning from prison into the

legislative, and personal attacks on their rights. In

community. The Fund also celebrated and encour-

Vermont, the protest was the largest Montpelier had

aged women’s entrepreneurship with screenings of

ever seen. A crowd of an estimated 15,000 to 20,000

the documentary Dream, Girl. Meanwhile, Change

people poured into the state capital, the throng so

The Story, an initiative supported by the Women’s

thick that officials temporarily closed the Interstate

Fund alongside the Vermont Commission on Women

89 exit for Montpelier.

and Vermont Works for Women, spent 2017 sharing

around

This was the note upon which 2017 opened. The Women’s March—and the later #MeToo move-

research and data about women’s leadership and economic security in Vermont.

ment—only underscored the importance of the

In a time in which women across the country are de-

work that the Vermont Women’s Fund supports.

manding agency in rewriting women’s roles in work,

The Women’s Fund embraces philanthropy as a tool

politics, and the public sphere, the Women’s Fund is

for jumpstarting systematic changes that empower

ready to begin penning the next chapter.

women, searching for solutions that fast-track gen-

Learn more at vermontwomensfund.org

2017 Annual Report

Closing the Opportunity Gap:

Promoting community health and vitality

the ADDISON

COMMUNITY Athletics Foundation

Elizabeth Bright nev-

2017, the organization ran programs in four ele-

er thought of herself

mentary and two middle schools in the county, and

as a “sporty” per-

introduced recreational adult programs at the Mid-

son. And so when

dlebury Indoor Tennis (MIT) facility, which it runs.

her mom spotted

Since its inception, ACAF has worked with 18 dif-

announcement

ferent schools and organizations, sponsored an in-

about a youth ten-

creasingly popular family drop-in program at MIT,

nis club organized

and developed both recreational and competitive

by the Addison Community Athletics Foundation (ACAF), she was up for giving tennis a try. She just didn’t expect the hobby to stick.

youth tennis programs to foster lifelong athletes. Elizabeth has cycled through nearly every opportunity ACAF offers, playing in youth match tour-

“When I started out it was pretty rough,” Eliza-

naments and taking lessons with tennis pros. Now

beth says. “You see the pros play, but they’ve been

she’s playing high school tennis—and recruiting

playing since they were three years old. My balls

friends to give the sport a try. Tennis pulls her out

were flying left and right.” A year and a half later,

of her shell. She enjoys the challenge of mastering

she’s hooked. “It’s a sport that I have found a lot of

a new task and the sense of community she’s found

myself in,” says Elizabeth, 14. “It’s helped me build

among local players. Plus, says Elizabeth, “It’s real-

strengths that have been there under the surface.”

ly fun to just whack the ball.”

Hers is exactly the kind of story that underscores ACAF’s success; its goal is to promote athletics and

Pictured: Elizabeth with ACAF Program and

healthy behavior in the Addison County region, in

Communications Manager Erin Morrison.

part by introducing kids and adults to tennis. In

Learn more at vermontcf.org/acaf

2017 Annual Report

Reflecting on the Past, Looking to the Future

the SAMARA FUND

The 1970s and ’80s

For Green Mountain Crossroads Executive Direc-

were a time of so-

tor H.B. Lozito, chronicling the story of Andrew’s Inn

cial, cultural, and

was a way to record lesser known histories before the

political

change,

firsthand accounts disappear, preserving the stories

and in the wake of

and gathering strength from “people who have been

changing public at-

here before us.” The oral history project was also an

titudes toward gay

“authentic relationship- and community-building pro-

public life, gay dis-

cess,” says Lozito.

cos, bars, and bathhouses opened around the coun-

Reflecting on the past and looking to the future was

try. It was in this changing world that Andrew’s Inn

something of a theme for the Samara Fund in 2017, as

operated; tucked in the heart of downtown Bellows

the fund marked 25 years of grantmaking. The Sama-

Falls, the Inn’s bar and disco became a gathering

ra Fund grew out of a moment of crisis and activism

place for rural and urban lesbian, gay, bisexual, and

in the gay community, and the work is not yet done.

transgender people.

Today’s challenges are different, but no less pressing,

Green Mountain Crossroads set out to capture this

and today the Samara Fund stands poised to grow its

story through the Andrew’s Inn Oral History Project,

coffers, foster a new generation, and continue a lega-

a project that the Samara Fund supported in 2017.

cy of activism and engagement crucial to the fabric of

Green Mountain Crossroads seeks to connect rural

Vermont’s LGBTQ community.

queer and trans individuals throughout Vermont and New England.

Pictured clockwise from top left: Portraits of History Project participants Michael Gigante, Eva Mondon, John Moisis, and Jeremy Youst.

Learn more at vermontcf.org/samara

Preserving History

2017 Annual Report

Making Music, Building Community

the

NORTHEAST

KINGDOM FUND

Standing in the hall-

“If you’re a football player in the Northeast King-

way of the Lyndon

dom, you can find other football players,” says Wel-

Town School, parent

lington. Now the same is true of rock star kid musi-

Todd Wellington no-

cians who’ve not only found community in the band,

ticed a proliferation

but an outlet for supporting live music in their area.

of “all star” t-shirts.

In 2017, five years after the band’s inception, the

“There’s an all-star

Kingdom All Stars received a grant from the North-

team for every kind

east Kingdom Fund to hire a local working musician

of sports imaginable,” says Wellington, but he knew

to advise and teach the group, which was outgrow-

that kids who loved making music in this remote cor-

ing the expertise of parents and volunteers. Like so

ner of the state didn’t have the same opportunity.

many things in the Kingdom, Wellington says, the

Wellington’s idea: “There should be an all star team of kids who play music.” So was born the King-

Kingdom All Stars exist because of a do-it-yourself mentality pervasive in the region.

dom All Stars, a working, nonprofit band composed

“People here really care about what their kids

of the Northeast Kingdom’s finest youth musicians.

have access to,” says Wellington, “and they know

They play concerts instead of baseball games, wield

that we can make it happen here.”

instruments instead of bats. Each spring, middle schoolers from across the Kingdom audition. The 12

Pictured left to right: Kingdom All Stars

best make the band and spend the following year

Garrett Gilmour and Ally Morrison.

playing gigs throughout the region.

Learn more at vermontcf.org/nek

2017 Annual Report

Leadership and Learning Throughout the world, community foundations provide a permanent charitable resource and share a common interestâ€” improving the quality of life in the region they serve. And because community foundations have the flexibility to respond quickly to issues like natural disasters, as well as addressing changing needs over time, they are seen as community leaders and learning organizations.Â

Vermont Disaster Recovery Fund The Vermont Disaster Recovery Fund (VDRF), which was first established as the Vermont Disaster Relief Fund after Tropical Storm Irene hit Vermont on August 28, 2011, moved its assets to the Vermont Community Foundation in 2017. Irene wreaked havoc in Vermont, with 45 communities severely impacted and 1,400 homes destroyedâ€”almost one-third of them mobile homes. And behind each number are the people who were affected.

The Vermont Community Foundation

Since its inception, the VDRF has distributed more than $5 million from the fund, providing much-needed direct assistance for the unmet needs of Vermonters who suffered devastating losses as a result of Irene and spring flooding that year. The Fund, managed by the Vermont Long-Term Disaster Recovery Group, has evolved to encompass recovery services for people affected by all types of natural disasters in Vermont. And the new fund name came from the board’s desire to support forward-thinking, intentional change that provides long-term solutions instead of temporary fixes that could potentially be reversed in the event of another flood or disaster. Having the VDRF at the Community Foundation is a natural fit, given that both the Recovery Group and the Foundation stand ready to support relief and recovery efforts in the wake of any future disasters.

Food and Farm Initiative In 2012, the Vermont Community Foundation launched the five-year Food and Farm Initiative to help connect Vermont’s local food economy with the fight against hunger. Since then, the Initiative has awarded more than $2.2 million to 20 organizations for programs that are making it possible for more children to eat healthy, local foods at school; more schools to source ingredients from farms within their communities; and more local farmers to succeed. While the Initiative is now complete, the partnerships, policies, and systems that it helped create will enable the impact generated to be carried forward by the many organizations and agencies doing this work. One example of a policy win was the inclusion of $5 million in discretionary funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School Grant Program in 2018, which doubled the available funding and was inserted by Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy. And the High Meadows Fund—a supporting organization of the Community Foundation that promotes healthy ecosystems and communities in Vermont—recently made a commitment to multi-year grants to scale up and improve the long-term viability of Vermont food hubs that link farmers to regional markets. Thanks to the vision, generosity, and commitment of the many people who supported the Food and Farm Initiative, it became the largest and most far-reaching in the Foundation’s history. 2017 Annual Report

The Vermont Community Foundation

A Passion for Making and Supporting Art Our Fundholders

When David and Gisela Gamper moved to Ver-

give, to do, but not necessarily to be named.” The

mont in 1973, they dreamed of pursuing their careers

Gampers established two donor advised funds—the

in music and photography, raising their son on a quiet

Charles Gamper Fund and the Creative Connections

piece of land, and homesteading in Landgrove. What

Arts Fund—with the Foundation. David was a mu-

they didn’t know was that, within a few short years,

sician, Gisela a visual artist; the two partners in life

they’d have another task to tackle: In 1979, after the

and art were particularly drawn to programs that en-

unexpected death of his father, David inherited the

gaged people of all ages, abilities, and income levels

job of managing the family foundation—the O.P. and

to participate in the process of making art.

W.E. Edwards Foundation.

“Support what you’re passionate about,” says

Gisela says her late husband David, who passed

Gisela. That wisdom guided the Gampers’ giving

away in 2011, was a born problem-solver who quickly

for decades and still informs her own giving—in Ver-

learned the ropes in the complicated world of chari-

mont and beyond. The Gampers contributed to pro-

table foundations and philanthropy. And in the pro-

grams like In-Sight Photography in Brattleboro and

cess, he came to appreciate just how complex that

the Vermont Arts Exchange in Bennington. Though

world was. David recognized the role that a commu-

the Gampers eventually left Vermont for Manhattan,

nity foundation could play in simplifying philanthropy

they returned to Landgrove often, and Gisela still

for donors, and he joined a small group of thinkers

spends a few months every year in the state and re-

who paved the way for what would become the Ver-

mains committed to funding Vermont projects. She

mont Community Foundation. One of the Commu-

and her late husband particularly enjoyed recogniz-

nity Foundation’s founding members, David brought

ing the potential of a project early on and providing

crucial experience in the world of foundations to the

funding that lent momentum and a stamp of approv-

fledgling organization and went on to spend three

al. Sometimes it wasn’t much, she says—but it was

years on its board.

a seed from which something beautiful could grow.

“David was a compassionate and generous person,” says Gisela. “Quiet and humble, creative and energetic, David was a wonderful man—eager to 2017 Annual Report

Inspiring Future Generations Our Fundholders

Deborah and Wayne Granquist have been on both sides of the equation when it comes to philanthropy.

nance and strategic planning and serve on several nonprofit boards.

As donors, they know what it means to be approached

“When I was younger, I thought philanthropy

by organizations, to plan for the future while consid-

meant that you had to be a Rockefeller or a Carne-

ering their giving, and to allocate their resources.

gie or really wealthy,” says Deborah. “But I’ve come

And as experienced board members who’ve helped

to realize that philanthropy is way more than making

guide many organizations and nonprofits throughout

major gifts. Anything that you can do to help orga-

Vermont, they’ve seen what giving means to organi-

nizations—whether by contributing money or donat-

zations on the front lines of economic development,

ing volunteer time—is important.”

education, social services, and the arts.

As they think about passing the mantle, the couple

“We realize that while major gifts are terribly im-

is invested in both raising and inspiring future givers.

portant, organizations really run on a steady stream

“There’s great joy in giving to help identify and solve

of donations,” says Wayne. “A $50 contribution,

problems within Vermont. However, I worry about find-

multiplied times 100, is really important to nonprof-

ing new people to give and become involved,” says

its in Vermont.”

Deborah. One way the Granquists inspire their own

Instilling a giving ethic in their own family, as

family is by periodically giving their children, grand-

well as a rising generation of Vermonters, is at the

children, and nieces and nephews a sum of money to

forefront of the Granquists’ minds as they reflect on

donate to a cause of their choosing. The gifts come

more than 30 years of giving and volunteerism in the

with instructions to think about why they are giving

state. They moved to Vermont in the 1980s, and, as

and to share something with the family about their

Deborah puts it, “fell in love with the state and never

choice. Wayne says, “Everyone in the family thinks

went back.” Both are lawyers by training, and it was

it’s a great idea. From animal shelters to alumni cam-

Wayne’s job as president and part-owner of Stratton

paigns—they pick all kinds of worthy causes.”

Mountain that brought the couple to the state. Today they consult with nonprofits on issues of gover-

The Vermont Community Foundation

The Granquists are looking forward to many more years of helping nonprofits in Vermont.

2017 Annual Report

We Appreciate Your Partnership Thank you to the attorneys, financial advisors, and accountants who help the Community Foundation bring together people and resources to make a difference in Vermont. Central Vermont  

Jonathan Bump, Esq.  Law Office of Jonathan Bump, Esq.  Orwell Leo V. Connolly  Edward Jones  Braintree Pamela J. Douglass, CPA  McCormack, Guyette & Associates, PC  Rutland John E. (Jeff) Fothergill, CPA  Fothergill Segale & Valley  Montpelier A. Jay Kenlan, Esq.  A. Jay Kenlan, Esq., PLLC  Rutland Theo Kennedy, JD, MPH  Otis & Kennedy, LLC  Montpelier Gary W. Lange, Esq.  Lange Law Offices  Vergennes Christine D. Moriarty, CFP  MoneyPeace, Inc.  Bristol Anthony Otis, JD  Otis & Kennedy, LLC  Montpelier  Robert S. Pratt, Esq.  Pratt Vreeland Kennelly Martin & White, LTD  Rutland

The Vermont Community Foundation

Claudia Inés Pringles, Esq.  Law Office of Claudia I. Pringles  Montpelier  Steven E. Schindler, Esq.  Schindler Law Office, PLC  Rutland  M. Brent Sleeper, AIF  Granite Financial Group  Barre Thomas W. Smith Planned Giving Startup  Middlebury David B. Stackpole, Esq.  Stackpole & French Law Offices  Stowe  Cathy Systo  Edward Jones  Barre Wallace W. Tapia, CPA   Tapia & Huckabay, PC  Vergennes Betsy Wolf Blackshaw Law Office of Betsy Wolf Blackshaw Barre  Matt Wootten Marble Trail Advisors  Middlebury

Northeast Kingdom Vermont  Stephen P. Marsh  Community National Bank  Derby John H. Marshall, Esq.  Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC  St. Johnsbury James G. Wheeler, Jr., Esq.  Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC  St. Johnsbury

Northwest Vermont 

L. Randolph Amis, Esq.  Montroll, Backus & Oettinger, PC Burlington Lucinda M. Bain Morgan Stanley  Colchester Jeanne C. Blackmore, Esq.  Gravel & Shea, PC Burlington  Norman R. Blais Law Office of Norman R. Blais Burlington  Reginald Boucher, CRPS  Wells Fargo Advisors  Burlington Paul D. Briody, CFP  Wells Fargo Advisors  Burlington

Molly Bucci, Esq.  Clarke Demas & Baker, PLC  Burlington  Jason Cadwell, CPA/PFS, CFP  Vermont Pure Financial  Shelburne David Carris  UBS Financial Services, Inc. South Burlington  Albert A. Cicchetti  Little & Cicchetti, PC  Burlington C. Kirk Clarke, Esq. Clarke Demas & Baker, PLC  Burlington Leigh Cole, Esq.  Dinse  Burlington Nancy K. de Tarnowsky, Esq.  Dinse  Burlington Charles N. Dinklage, CRPS  Sequoia Financial Group  Burlington James L. Donohue, CPA, CFP  Gallagher, Flynn & Company, LLP South Burlington Jon R. Eggleston, Esq.  Primmer, Piper, Eggleston & Cramer, PC Burlington Sandra K. Enman, CPA, CFP, CVA  A.M. Peisch & Company, LLP  Colchester Kathryn G. R. Granai, CPA  Montgomery & Granai, PC Burlington Glenn A. Jarrett, Esq.  Jarrett & Luitjens, PLC South Burlington Mark Langan, Esq. Dinse Burlington

Stephen P. Magowan, Esq.  Sunrise Management Services, LLC  Burlington Mark E. Melendy, Esq.  Sheehey Furlong & Behm  Burlington Marcia S. Merrill, CPA  Montgomery & Granai, PC Burlington David Mickenberg, Esq.  Mickenberg, Dunn, Lachs & Smith, PLC  Burlington Colleen L. Montgomery, CPA  Montgomery & Granai, PC Burlington Daphne Moritz, Esq.  Sheehey Furlong & Behm  Burlington Emily R. Morrow, Esq.  Emily Morrow Executive Consulting Shelburne Brian R. Murphy, Esq.  Dinse  Burlington Kenneth M. Nussbaum, CPA/PFS, JD  K. Nussbaum & Associates  Richmond Leigh Keyser Phillips, Esq.  Sheehey Furlong & Behm  Burlington Hobart Popick, Esq. Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP  Burlington Pamela A. Rodriguez  Pamela A. Rodriguez, CPA  Essex Randall L. Sargent, CPA  JMM & Associates Colchester  Launa L. Slater, Esq.  Jarrett & Luitjens, PLC South Burlington

Sarah Gentry Tischler, Esq.  Langrock, Sperry & Wool, LLP Burlington  Dr. Jane A Van Buren Noonmark Services  Burlington Rebecca Walsh Pathway Financial Advisors  Burlington

Southern Vermont

Edgar T. Campbell, Esq.  Woolmington, Campbell, Bent & Stasny, PC Manchester Center Joseph F. Cook, Esq.  Corum, Mabie, Cook, Prodan, Angell & Secrest, PLC  Brattleboro David M. Gates, CFP  GateHouse Financial Advisors, LLP  Manchester Center Susan M. Hill, CPA, CFP  Hill & Thompson, PC  Manchester Center  Thomas H. Jacobs, Esq.  Jacobs Law Offices, LLC  Bennington Rhonda Peters Lathrop Merrill Lynch  Manchester Center L. Raymond Massucco, Esq.  Massucco Law Office, PC  Bellows Falls Lon T. McClintock, Esq.  McClintock Law Office, PC  Bennington  Kevin M. O’Toole, Esq.  Law Office of Kevin M. O’Toole, Esq.  Dorset Kristin Reed, CPA, CFP  Williams Financial Management, LLC  Bennington

2017 Annual Report

Jonathan D. Secrest, Esq.  Corum, Mabie, Cook, Prodan, Angell, Secrest & Darrow, PLC Brattleboro Robert Thompson, CPA  Hill & Thompson, PC  Manchester Center Erik Valdes, Esq.  Fitts, Olson & Giddings, PLC Brattleboro Robert E. Woolmington, Esq.  Woolmington, Campbell, Bent & Stasny, PC Manchester Center

Upper Valley Region

(New Hampshire & Vermont)  Gary T. Brooks, Esq.  Stebbins Bradley, PA  Hanover Timothy W. Caldwell, Esq.  Caldwell Law  Lebanon Holly K. Dustin, Esq.  Ledyard Financial Advisors  Hanover Ethan Frechette  Stebbins Bradley, PA  Hanover Susan Otto Goodell, CFP  Otto & Associates, Inc.  Norwich Nicholas D.N. Harvey, Jr., Esq.  Stebbins Bradley, PA  Hanover Renee Harvey Caldwell Law  Lebanon Eric W. Janson, Esq. Law Office of Eric W. Janson, PLLC  Lebanon

The Vermont Community Foundation

Mark E. Melendy, Esq.  Sheehey Furlong & Behm  Woodstock Willemien Dingemans Miller, Esq.  Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC  Lebanon Daphne Moritz, Esq.  Sheehey Furlong & Behm Woodstock  David W. Otto, CFP  Otto & Associates, Inc.  Norwich Henry Scheier, CPA, CFP  Fine Plan Professional Corp.  White River Junction  Shelley M. Seward, CFP  Commonwealth Financial Network  Lebanon Fred Wainwright  Ledyard Financial Advisors  Hanover Eric G. Werner Morgan Stanley  Lebanon Thomas P. Wright, Esq.  Wright & Reeves, PLC  Woodstock

Out of State

Barbara H. Cane, Esq.  Cane & Boniface, PC Nyack, New York John Harrington, PhD  Harrington Investments, Inc. Napa, California E. Randall Ralston  Charlottesville, Virginia

Stephen T. Rodd Abbey Spanier LLP New York City, New York Matthew Ryan MSF, CFP GW & Wade, LLC Wellesley, Massachusetts Tom Stransky, CLU, ChFC, CLTC  Northwestern Mutual Bedminster, New Jersey David A. Ward, Esq.  Ward Legal Group, PC Keene, New Hampshire Robert A. Wells, Esq.  McLane & Middleton Manchester, New Hampshir

“The folks at the Vermont Community Foundation are very skilled in and knowledgeable about best philanthropic practices. But more importantly, they are personable, caring, and generous with their time. As a result, they empower clients to engage in philanthropy in a manner that is personally enjoyable and meaningful.” —Jeanne C. Blackmore, Esq. Gravel & Shea, PC

2017 Annual Report

Financials

as of December 31

2017 2016

ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents Investments

2017 (Unaudited)

2016 (Audited)

$12,961,217

$11,169,925

$283,210,688 $223,279,627

Other Assets

$14,328,152

$17,085,034

$310,500,057 $251,534,586

Total Assets LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Grants Payable, Accounts Payable, and Other Liabilities

$1,485,349

$2,383,384

Life Income Gifts Liabilities

$10,030,908

$9,357,582

Funds Held for Nonprofit Organizations

$50,918,604

$42,156,547

Total Liabilities

$62,434,861

$53,897,513

Unrestricted Net Assets

$224,368,350

$172,399,364

Temporarily Restricted Net Assets Total Net Assets Total Liabilities and Net Assets

$23,696,846

$25,237,709

$248,065,196

$197,637,073

$310,500,057

$251,534,586

Audited financial statements are available at www.vermontcf.org/financials.

Net Investment Returns (through December 31, 2017) 1 Yr.

3 Yr.

5 Yr.

10 Yr.

VCF Long-Term Pool

16.7%

7.9%

9.0%

6.2%

VCF Target Benchmark

15.3%

7.0%

7.4%

4.3%

Please visit www.vermontcf.org/investments for current investment returns and historical performance.

Total Assets (in Millions) 2017 . . . . . . $311 2016 . . . . . . $252 2015 . . . . . . $224 2014 . . . . . . $215 2013 . . . . . . $192 2012 . . . . . . $167 2011 . . . . . . $152 2010 . . . . . . $155 2009 . . . . . . $143

Staff

Please visit vermontcf.org/staff for the most up-to-date staff list.

Patrick H. Berry  Vice President for Philanthropy Lydia Brownell  Senior Fund and Contract Manager Heather Carlton  Accountant Emilye Pelow Corbett, CAP® Philanthropic and Planned Giving Advisor Hannah Deming  Accountant Stacie Fagan Senior Philanthropic Advisor Kim Haigis   Program and Grants Associate

Felipe Rivera  Vice President for Strategy and Communications & Chief of Staff

Betsy Rathbun-Gunn, Sandgate Director, Early Childhood Services, United Counseling Service

Debra Dabrowski Rooney, CPA  Vice President for Finance and Operations & CFO

Meg Seely, Bridgewater Board Vice Chair Community Leader

Richard Ruane  Information Systems Manager

Will Stevens, Shoreham Co-owner Golden Russet Farm & Greenhouses

Dan Smith  President & CEO Meg Smith  Director, The Vermont Women’s Fund Carolyn Weir, CAP®  Senior Philanthropic Advisor for the McClure Foundation Kevin Wiberg Philanthropic Advisor for Community Engagement

Lori Hancock   Assistant Controller Maria Hoaglund  Human Resource Manager Jane Kimble  Philanthropy Associate Chelsea Bardot Lewis Senior Philanthropic Advisor Laurie Lowy  Accountant Janet Malcolm  Grants Specialist Elisabeth Marx  Senior Philanthropic Advisor David Morrissey  Controller Jill Murray-Killon  Executive Associate & Office Manager Martha Trombley Oakes, CAP® Senior Philanthropic Advisor Paige Pierson  Senior Communications Manager Zoe Pike   Communications Associate

Tim Volk, Charlotte Partner, Kelliher Samets Volk Sarah Waring, Montpelier Executive Director, Center for an Agricultural Economy Jake Wheeler, East Burke Board Chair Attorney, Director Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC Photography:

Board of Directors Lisa Cashdan, Norwich Community Leader Carolyn Dwyer, Essex Management Consultant Mark Foley, Jr., Rutland President, MKF Properties Peter D. Kinder, East Dorset Co-founder and Former President, KLD Research & Analytics, Inc. Spencer Knapp, Shelburne Board Secretary Senior Vice President & General Counsel, University of Vermont Health Network

Todd Balfour – pages 6 and 17 Daria Bishop – page 31 Steve Garfield/Caledonian-Record – page 21 Geoff Gersh – page 24 Caleb Kenna – pages 6,7,9,11, and 23 Josh Larkin/CCV – page 6 John Lazenby – page 13 Evie Lovett – page 19 AP Photo/Toby Talbot – page 22 Jeb Wallace-Brodeur – page 15 Jeff Woodward – pages 1 and 27 Design: Serena Fox Design Company, Waitsfield Writing: Kathryn Flagg, Press Forward, Shoreham

Allyson Laackman, Burlington Board Treasurer Community Leader Michael Metz, South Burlington President, Michael Metz & Associates, Inc. Julie Peterson, Brattleboro Associate Director, Southeast Vermont Learning Collaborative

2017 Annual Report

The heart of the Community Foundation’s work is closing the opportunity gap— the divide that leaves too many Vermonters struggling to get ahead, no matter how hard they work.

Thanks to children from Middlebury’s Camp Kookamunga for their wonderful voices.

OUR MISSION

Better Together: Inspiring giving and bringing together people and resources to make a difference in Vermont.

O U R

VISION

Vermont at its best; Vermonters at their best. What do we mean by best?

Vermonters look out for each other. Vermonters have equal access to opportunity. • Vermonters understand and respect • •

each other.

Vermonters live in balance with

•

the environment.

Vermonters engage in civic life. • Vermonters are healthy, inspired, and •