Closing the Opportunity Gap

Closing the opportunity gap—the divide that leaves many Vermonters struggling to build bright, secure futures no matter how hard they work—is the cornerstone of our mission.

2 young children in blue kayaks on a lake in Vermont
blue filtered aerial of Vermont

In a state like Vermont, the scale of change we’re talking about is achievable when it is grounded in place, informed by data, and rooted in equity.

Why This Work is Important

The VCF Grants & Community Impact team has identified key areas where the need is great and where collective giving has the potential to have a long-lasting impact for Vermonters. 
Two people walking in the woods.
Recovery Programs

About 12,000 Vermonters come out of substance misuse treatment programs each year. That’s double the number of students graduating from high school.

Several homes in a suburban neighborhood.
Housing

Nearly a third of Vermont households are “cost burdened,” spending over 30% of their income on housing expenses. For renters, it’s even worse at 51%.

A woman sits on the floor in front of a row of cribs with two small children.
Childcare

With an average cost of $20,000 a year–if you can find a spot–quality childcare is unavailable for many families.

Impact Areas

Through collaborations with our nonprofit partners, we've developed a framework for addressing the systemic causes of the opportunity gap in Vermont.

Together, we can ensure that no Vermonter is left behind and that the promise of a brighter future becomes a reality for all.

A couple standing with their arms around each other in their new home.

Economic Equity

Building economic equity means creating opportunities for individuals to build financial security and generational wealth. Owning a home or a business is one of the most powerful ways to do just that.

VCF-OppGap-education

Education & Training

Grantmaking in this area is inspired by a vision of Vermont in which early education, college access, expanded learning opportunities, and career training drive economic equity and resilience for individuals, families, and communities.

paddle boarding on the lake

Health & Wellbeing

Ensuring health and wellbeing for all Vermonters involves focusing on specific issue areas such as mental health and health equity while also paying close attention to the needs of specific populations, such as youth, older Vermonters, and marginalized communities.

kids walking in nature

Climate & the Environment

Vermont’s deep connection to the working landscape, natural resources, and outdoor recreation ties our economic vitality directly to a healthy natural environment. Under pressure from overdevelopment and climate change, philanthropy can help protect our natural resources.

Community members gathered around tables for the monthly space on Main Democracy dinner.

Democracy, Trust, & Community Leadership

When we build institutions that people trust, decision-making processes that are accessible, and connections between neighbors, we greatly increase the chance that we can work together to create places that provide opportunity for all residents. 

Nearly $44M granted in 2023 to organizations that help close the opportunity gap.

Instead of each of us giving separately to needs that seem loudest or closest, by giving together we can give strategically and make important grants to reach more people in parts of the state than any one of us could on our own.

Give to the Opportunity Fund Read Our Annual Report

FAQs

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Support this Work Through Your Own Fund

Get in touch with a philanthropic advisor today to support this work through a new or existing donor advised fund at the Vermont Community Foundation.

A married couple in their 50s standing in a park.