Turning Appreciation Into Impact: Celebrating Vermont’s Best Nonprofits With a $10,000 Grant

Good neighbors recognize when others go above and beyond—and thanks to a new partnership between the Vermont Community Foundation and Seven Days, there’s now a powerful way to turn that recognition into lasting impact. 

This year, the Vermont Community Foundation is proud to fund a $10,000 grant for the winner of the Seven Daysies “Best Nonprofit” category. Chosen by Vermonters, this award celebrates a local organization whose dedication strengthens the fabric of our communities and makes a meaningful difference across the state. 

“Nonprofits across Vermont are doing the kind of work that holds communities together—often quietly, always with heart,” said Dan Smith, President & CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation. “What makes this recognition so meaningful is that it comes from Vermonters themselves. The community decides who receives this honor, and we’re proud to stand beside Seven Days in shining a light on the organization that so many people have chosen to lift up. This grant is one way we can help their good work go even further.” 

“Kudos to the Vermont Community Foundation for hatching–and funding!—a fun, creative way to draw attention to the good works of Vermont’s nonprofit sector. This $10,000 award will go a long way to help nonprofits trying to make this a better place,” said Seven Days publisher Paula Routly. “The campaign also artfully underscores how local media brings and holds our community together.”

Nominate. Vote. Celebrate. 

Vermonters can nominate their favorite nonprofit during the Seven Daysies nomination round, running April 9–28. Finalists will be announced on May 6, followed by final voting from May 27–June 10. The winner will be revealed in Seven Days’ “All the Best” issue on July 30, with a celebration to follow at the Seven Daysies Awards Party on August 1. 

Organizations must be located in Vermont and tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Nonprofit organizations or community groups that do not have 501(c)(3) status may be eligible if another tax-exempt organization acts as a fiscal sponsor.

By participating, Vermonters have the chance to amplify the work of a local organization—transforming appreciation into direct impact with a $10,000 grant. 

Our Broader Mission at VCF

Partnering with Seven Days to support this community-driven award is just one example of how the Vermont Community Foundation works to strengthen Vermont’s social fabric. Each year, the VCF partners with donors to distribute more than $70 million in grants and mission investments that address critical needs and support diverse causes—from arts and culture, affordable housing, and education, to food security, climate resilience, and equity initiatives. 

Jessie Schmidt, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Vermont Community Foundation, emphasized the power of local recognition, “We love this campaign as a chance for Vermonters to shine a light on nonprofits strengthening our communities,” Schmidt said. “Recognition like this can make a real difference, especially for smaller organizations doing powerful work under the radar. Each year, VCF works with and supports more than 4,000 nonprofits across Vermont that are creating opportunities for people to thrive. If we haven’t met your organization yet, we’d love to learn more about you. You can start the conversation by filling out our Nonprofit Connection Form.” 

Emilye Pelow Corbett, Senior Philanthropic and Planned Giving Advisor at the Vermont Community Foundation, highlighted the value of community recognition, “One of the things I love most about this campaign is how it gives supporters a way to share the nonprofits they love best—the ones doing great work in their communities,” said Pelow Corbett. “It’s a moment to celebrate impact, but also to help these organizations get the visibility they deserve. That kind of recognition can open new doors and deepen connections across the state.” 

We believe that philanthropy begins at home. Whether it’s supporting nonprofits like Seven Days and the future Seven Daysies winner, or standing alongside Vermonters during times of crisis, we aim to help generosity go further. Through this new grant, we’re proud to support the voices of Vermonters who are lifting up the organizations that make our communities thrive.