The purpose of the Crosby-Gannett Fund is to support endeavors that contribute to the betterment and vitality of the Brattleboro area.

The Crosby-Gannett Fund has evolved its giving strategy starting in 2023. Each year the Crosby-Gannett Fund will award one three-year grant in the amount of $7,500 per year, for a total of $22,500 over the three-year period to the selected organization. The goal is to provide meaningful capacity-building support to brilliant, creative ideas that would benefit from reliable funding and enable them to take off and make a difference in the betterment of the Brattleboro area.

Grant awards can be used to fund programs, capital projects, and operating expenses. Support for endowments or operational deficits are not allowable.

To maximize impact, the Fund will prioritize small community-based organizations or discrete projects within larger organizations.  Organizations with budgets over $1 million must clearly describe how these funds will make a meaningful impact and why their proposal could not be supported by the existing budget.

Below are the key criteria that will be used in evaluating proposals, though not all proposals are expected to meet all the criteria:

• Defines a specific community challenge and this effort’s role in addressing it.
• Gives a clear and concise picture of how this funding will be used, with clearly defined goals and expected outcomes that identify how that will result in the betterment of the community.
• Adds substantially and specifically to the social/cultural/economic fabric and vitality of the community, building social connection.
• Has clear project leaders and champions.
• Creates a more inclusive and welcoming environment for historically marginalized groups.
• Directly supports environmental sustainability or is mindful of the environmental impact of the funded activity.
• Expands and/or improves the organization’s scope of work and/or populations served.
• Leverages other funds or partnerships.

Eligible applicants must be schools, municipal entities, or nonprofit organizations that serve the Brattleboro area.

All applicants to programs at the Vermont Community Foundation must meet the guidelines outlined in the General Applicant Guidelines and Requirements found on our For Nonprofits page.

The Fund will award one three-year grant of $7,500 per year for a total of $22,500.

Applications will be accepted between March 19 and April 30, 2024. Applications must be received by 5PM on Tuesday, April 30 to be considered.

Applicants will be notified of grant decisions in June.

All applications must be submitted electronically. Visit the Resources for Grantseekers section on our For Nonprofits page to learn how and to register for a new account. Or, access your existing account.

To help you prepare, preview a sample of the application. Please note that this is a PDF sample and not the actual application. To view and begin working on the application, login to the Online Grants Manager (OGM).

With questions about the Crosby-Gannett Fund, please contact Jane Mulcahy.

• Email: jmulcahy@vermontcf.org
• Phone: 802-388-3355 ext. 381