The Kingdom Supporting the Kingdom: The Northeast Kingdom Fund

“We have been very impressed by the Kingdom’s nonprofit organizations supported through my family’s small foundation. They clearly understand the region’s special challenges and help maintain the fabric of our community. We were excited about contributing to the Northeast Kingdom Fund, which will allow the region to take a quantum leap forward in its own unique way.” —Karen Bufka, pictured above

In 2011, the Community Foundation and local partners established the Northeast Kingdom Fund with the strong belief that this region exemplifies the best of Vermonters’ aspirations for their communities, and because it offers extraordinary opportunities for people to help each other. It was founded with generous support from Passumpsic Savings Bank and Community National Bank, as well as other donors. 2012 marked the first year of annual grantmaking to support the people of Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans Counties. A total of $50,337 in grants was awarded to 24 organizations, supporting issues ranging from food systems to the arts to land conservation.

The Vermont Foodbank (pictured below) received a $5,000 grant for its BackPack Program in Lunenberg. This program also received a grant directly from the Bufka Foundation.