Community Fund
The VEC Community Fund, supported entirely by voluntary donations from VEC members, is intended to strengthen the community by awarding grants to organizations that promote community development and economic security - underscoring the basic cooperative principle of "concern for community." The fund awarded its first grant in 2015 and since then has made over separate 200 grants to non-profits in our region totaling $160,000.
How to Support the Fund
You can round up your monthly electric bills to the next highest dollar, make a one-time donation, and donate your refunded member capital.
How to Apply for Funding
Organizations can complete and submit an on-line application. Applicants must be nonprofit tax-exempt organizations and/or public schools. Individuals are not eligible, but funds may pass through eligible organizations to support individual needs.
Focus areas of the fund are:
- Economic Security
- Emergency/Disaster Relief
- Community Support/Development
- Food Security
The Community Fund Allocation Committee accepts applications on a rolling basis. The committee reviews applications and makes allocations quarterly. Application windows for each quarter close on the following dates: December 31, March 31, June 30, and September 30. (Note: eligible applicants may not receive two grant awards within a six (6) month period.)
A Sampling of Community Fund Recipients
North Country Supervisory Union to support prizes for students competing in a regional science and engineering fair.
Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi Food Pantry in Swanton for the purchase cereal as well as fresh fruits and vegetables for the roughly 500 clients the food pantry serves per month.
The Lunchbox to purchase more to-go containers for the curbside food drop-off efforts required because of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as develop new meal routes. The Lunchbox – which takes the form of a simple, white food truck - provides free summer meals for kids 18 and under.
Floating Grace to support free cruises on Lake Memphremagog for families dealing with cancer.
Hinesburg Resource Center’s Friends of Families for the coordination of playgroups in the Hinesburg area so families with young children can connect.
The Alburgh Volunteer Fire Department to support cellular boosters for its ambulances to more efficiently send vital patient information to emergency rooms.