Introduction from Dan and Carolyn

Dear Friends,

Looking back on 2021, we see a more resilient Vermont emerging.

As much as the pandemic exposed the fissures in our society, it also accelerated opportunities to strengthen Vermont at its core—access to high-speed internet, increasing attention and support for mental health, new markets for farmers and food producers, investments in the digital economy, and communities taking on the real work of anti-racism, inclusivity, and belonging.

The Community Foundation and its fundholders were responsible for an unprecedented $67.9 million active in Vermont communities in 2021.

Our job at the Community Foundation is to hold a vision for the future—5, 10, even 25 years ahead— and make good decisions today holding that vision in mind. In the face of continued uncertainty and volatility like COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, and the effects of climate change, it’s our job to stay curious, be willing to take risks, and seed innovation and growth with early investments that move Vermont toward that vision.

As a foundation, we are deeply aware that philanthropy’s effect on Vermont communities is not limited to its grantmaking. Our impact can be felt in how we invest the philanthropic assets entrusted to us by our donors. With that in mind, in 2020–2021 the Community Foundation migrated its discretionary funds from the Long-Term Pool to the Socially Responsible Pool.

The past two years have shown us that Vermont’s philanthropy can be nimble in response to the circumstances that exist today, while staying steady in pursuit of a long-term vision.

The stories in this report shine a light on the organizations that are moving Vermont forward and remind us that behind our systems are people—Vermonters working to improve their communities and deepen their connections to one another.

If nothing else, 2021 expanded our understanding of how essential we all are to each other. And that sense of connection is what makes a community stronger.

Dan Smith, President and CEO Carolyn Dwyer, Board Chair