The Truest Value of Philanthropy Lies in its Enduring Nature

Dear VCF Friends –  

As we navigate through a period of significant turbulence in our national landscape, I am writing to share the VCF’s perspective and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fostering strong communities across the state. 

Recent federal directives have created uncertainty around funding for critical areas including gender equity and women’s reproductive rights, immigration and migrant rights, and the work of fostering equity and inclusion. More broadly, the work of many local organizations, from childcare centers to farms to incubators and community development agencies rely on federal funding to provide their services – representing public private partnerships in the truest sense. In Vermont, as in rural communities across the country, any interruption to this funding would significantly impact our communities. Beyond immediate effects, this uncertainty creates challenges for organizations as they plan their budgets and services for the years ahead. 

For forty years, the Vermont Community Foundation and our donors and fundholders have stood with Vermont communities during challenging times. The truest value of philanthropy lies in its enduring nature. Just as we responded to the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 and supported communities in the aftermath of the last two years’ devastating floods, we remain steadfast in our commitment to being a thoughtful partner and problem-solver as we navigate new challenges together. 

We are actively monitoring the evolving federal situation to understand its impact on local organizations and those they serve. We will work closely with communities to identify areas of emerging and urgent need and remain in active dialogue with our donors who want to help address these challenges.  

We recognize that last week’s announcement of a funding freeze is likely just one of many disruptions we will face as officials from every branch of government debate the path forward. What a blessing it would be if the same energy were spent navigating the intransigent conditions which are setting rural communities back—Vermont included. While we stand ready to respond as those debates find their way to a clear outcome, we also remain committed to the long-term foundational community work that we know needs to be done to improve the economic and social conditions affecting all Vermonters. 

Our mission to close the opportunity gap that affects too many Vermonters has never been more critical. It is precisely the lack of confidence in a bright future that fosters cynicism and disengagement, and it is a near certainty that the communities most affected by the proposed federal funding changes represent communities for whom the opportunity gap is already a significant barrier. We remain committed to our initiatives supporting community vitality, building community resilience in the face of a changing climate, advancing our health and wellbeing, bolstering economic mobility, and strengthening democracy and community trust. These are vulnerable to the turbulence of today and will surely require our keenest thinking long into the future.  

In times of uncertainty, we are reminded that our greatest strength lies in our connections to one another. Vermont is still a place where we look out for one another. The same spirit of collective support that allows charitable dollars to flow through the VCF is what makes Vermont’s communities resilient. We are, indeed, better together. 

We encourage you to stay connected and engaged during these times of change. Strengthen your connections within your own community—attend local meetings and events, engage with community organizations, and check in with your neighbors. Our communities are only as strong as our neighbor’s experience. These direct connections are vital to building resilience and a clear understanding of emerging needs. Reach out to our grants and philanthropy teams to learn more about ways to support community needs, and of course, if you haven’t already, sign up for our newsletter below to receive updates about our work. We will continue to share updates and information as the situation evolves. 

As I’ve said before, the road ahead will likely be long and bumpy. In Vermont, we know the bumpiest roads lead to the most beautiful places. It is through continued partnership, for which we remain ever grateful, that Vermont communities will sustain their abundant vitality.  

 

Dan Smith
President & CEO