It's visible at the gas pump and the grocery checkout. In December 2021, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) jumped 7 percent, the largest 12-month increase since 1982. Moreover, inflation tends to hurt people at the bottom of the income ladder more than those at the top.
It has been a year that strains comparisons. Communities have been tested like rarely before, but the resilience and kindness of Vermonters shines as bright as ever. On March 23rd, the Community Foundation hosted an afternoon of sharing and discussion about the impact of the VT COVID-19 Response Fund, how giving can help Vermont recover and rebuild in the year ahead, and what lessons philanthropy needs to carry forward. Speakers included:
- Dan Smith, President and CEO, Vermont Community Foundation
- Sarah Waring, Vice President for Grants and Community Investments, Vermont Community Foundation
- Stacie Fagan, Vice President for Philanthropy, Vermont Community Foundation
- Jean Hamilton, Director, ShiftMeals and Statewide Coordinator, Vermont Everyone Eats
- Ted Brady, Deputy Secretary, Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development
- Holly Morehouse, Executive Director, Vermont Afterschool
The webinar also served as the launch event for the Vermont Community Foundation's Insight Hub. Powered by the Community Foundation's experience and research, and informed by the lived experience of Vermonters, the Insight Hub offers webinars, events, briefs, and peer-to-peer experiences that help philanthropists understand where their charitable giving can make a difference in Vermont.
