David R. Coates Fund for Vermont Disaster Relief

Ensuring immediate resources are available to respond swiftly when natural disasters strike.

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Flood damage in Barnet, VT - courtesy of Heather Lindstrom

As Vermont faces an increasingly unpredictable future with more frequent extreme weather events, the need for greater preparedness, along with both immediate and long-term support is more important than ever. Born from the sunsetting of the Vermont Disaster Recovery Fund and evolution of our learning from the VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund, the Disaster Relief Fund is a permanent resource dedicated to ensuring immediate and lasting support for Vermont communities affected by natural disasters.

Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, along with the catastrophic flooding of 2023 and 2024, have highlighted how Vermonters consistently come together in times of crisis, offering unwavering support and resilience to help one another rebuild and recover. This track record of support has shown the incredible power of collective giving and underscored the importance of having swift and flexible resources available for disaster recovery. The Disaster Relief Fund was created with exactly this goal in mind, supporting a comprehensive response at every level—from immediate relief for survivors and funding for the recovery of businesses, farms, and communities, to assistance for disaster response organizations and capacity building for future efforts. By balancing swift relief with long-term rebuilding, the fund provides the agility and commitment necessary to support Vermont’s families, homes, and businesses when they need it most.

Naming the fund after David Coates, the founding chair of the Vermont Disaster Recovery Fund (VDRF), honors one of Vermont’s most trusted and respected leaders. Coates’s impact spans numerous organizations, causes, and issues. His leadership was instrumental in the flood recovery efforts of 2011. Through this fund, we hope to carry forward the values Coates exemplifies.

When natural disasters impact Vermont Communities, the VCF will utilize a range of strategies to support relief, response, and recovery efforts, including:

Preparedness and recovery for Vermont communities
Immediate relief for individuals, families, and businesses impacted by disasters
Long-term rebuilding of homes, infrastructure, and community spaces
Support for local organizations responding to crises on the ground
Capacity-building initiatives to enhance Vermont’s disaster readiness

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Fund
How to Access Funding

How does the Disaster Relief Fund differ from public disaster funds?

Philanthropic contributions through the Disaster Relief Fund can offer fast and flexible financial support. State and Federal recovery funding can take time for impacted individuals to access. The agility of the Disaster Relief Fund at the VCF ensures resources reach those in need without unnecessary delays when every moment counts. The fund is VCF’s commitment to building a more resilient Vermont. By providing fast, flexible funding, the fund will enhance Vermont’s ability to withstand and recover from future natural disasters. It ensures that when the next natural disaster hits, Vermonters will have the resources they need to respond swiftly, rebuild stronger, and continue thriving in the face of adversity.

Who manages the Disaster Relief Fund?

Building on the successful fundraising and grant deployment during the 2023 and 2024 floods, the Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) is managing the Disaster Relief Fund. To launch this permanent fund at the VCF, the remaining funds from the the retired Vermont Disaster Recovery Fund (VDRF) are serving as seed funding. Former VDRF committee members continue to work in partnership with VCF staff to advise on the fund development.

Can I contribute to the Disaster Relief Fund?

Yes! Contributions are vital to the fund’s mission to serve as enduring support for continued disaster recovery and to prepare for future disasters and crises. Donations enable us to respond swiftly and build a more resilient Vermont for future generations. Make a donation online or through your donor advised fund at the Vermont Community Foundation.

How are donations used?

Donations support disaster-affected individuals, families, businesses, and communities, focusing on immediate relief, rebuilding efforts, and long term solutions.

How is this fund different from other disaster funds at the VCF (eg Flood Fund & COVID)?

This fund is permanent, unlike other VCF disaster funds. Rather than create a new fund to respond to each disaster, this is a permanent resource to allow the VCF to act swiftly when communities are in need.

How do individuals, families, farms, and small business receive support?

In the event of a disaster, the VCF deploys resources to organizations and municipalities working to provide immediate relief and ongoing recovery support. Individuals and businesses in need of funding to support their recovery can visit this page of resources to find their best contact for assistance or call VT 2-1-1.

How do organizations working on disaster response partner with the VCF?

VCF works in close partnership with local, regional, and state nonprofit organizations that provide on-the-ground support during and after natural disasters. If you are an organization actively providing disaster response or recovery support, we’d like to hear from you. Contact us here.

How can my organization apply for funding?

Currently, there is not an open application process for the Disaster Relief Fund. VCF’s Community Impact team is working closely with organizations leading disaster recovery efforts and extending invitations to apply for funding that supports their vital work in rebuilding communities.

In the event of a natural disaster, VCF is committed to responding directly to communities in need and to deploying resources to organizations that can support individuals, families, and businesses through the relief, recovery and rebuilding phases. If you are an organization responding to a natural disaster in Vermont and have a funding need, please fill out this form. If you are an individual, family or business in need of support, you can find resources here.

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.

Make a Gift Now

Want to help Vermont prepare for future disasters? Make an online donation today or contact a philanthropic advisor to learn more ways to support this fund.

Make a Gift Now

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.