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    • Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth

    The Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth makes annual grant awards to support organizations serving dynamic and innovative youth programs in Bennington, North Bennington, Pownal, Shaftsbury, and Woodford.

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    a group of young students who have participated in the Young Hacks Academy program

    Youth are important.

    When young people in a community thrive, they make their communities more vibrant. They volunteer in the community and help their neighbors. They speak up and speak out about their values and aspirations. They engage in school. They are creative. They take part-time jobs and internships. They value the land and work to protect it. They give a community a sense of pride and promise.

    When youth struggle not only are their lives harmed, but the community’s future is also compromised. The Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth is helping youth thrive, get the supports they need to overcome personal and community challenges, and pursue their dreams.

    A rotating committee of Bennington-area residents with lived and professional experience about issues facing local youth collaborates with Community Foundation staff to review proposals and select grant recipients. Most grants are for small organizations and projects where a $500 to $3,500 grant can make a big difference. Since the Fund opened in 2018, thirty-three projects have received grants totaling $98,840.

    Program Guidelines

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    Contact Us

    With questions about the Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth and its grant program, please contact Jane Mulcahy.

    • Phone: 802-388-3355 ext. 381

    Email Jane
    Jane Mulcahy
    No gifts to the Vermont Community Foundation shall directly or indirectly subject the Vermont Community Foundation to a prohibited material restriction as defined by federal law. All gifts are subject to a federally required amendment or variance power that permits the Vermont Community Foundation to vary from the terms and conditions of agreements with donors relative to the purpose, investment, and management of its funds subject to the procedural requirements of Vermont state law. In practice, the Foundation uses this variance power rarely and only if the needs of the community have shifted. The Foundation will be in communication with donors should such a shift occur.