Vermont Community Foundation announces Hills and Hollows Fund

The Hills and Hollows Fund, a program of the Vermont Community Foundation, is dedicated to fostering the future sustainability of Poultney and its nearby communities. Its mission aligns directly with promoting sustainable, healthy, vital, and democratic communities through its grant programs. The fund supports educational opportunities, children and families, and broader community efforts, reflecting a strategic priority to invest in the foundational elements of a thriving local environment. The program targets schools, municipal entities, and nonprofit organizations whose service areas include Poultney or its nearby communities. The beneficiaries include children, youth, families, the elderly, and residents participating in various community organizations. The impact goals are to support existing services, provide seed money for promising new projects, and enable organizations outside of Poultney to expand their outreach, ultimately strengthening community engagement and a sense of connection and belonging. The Hills and Hollows Fund focuses on several key areas, including educational opportunities; services for children, elderly, and family health; food security; community organizations that preserve local culture and environment; programs addressing natural resource use and climate change; and initiatives promoting community engagement. The fund operates two distinct grant programs: Hollows Grants ($250 – $1,500) for modest educational and enriching activities, and Hills Grants ($1,501 – $7,500) for larger projects addressing long-standing needs and encouraging fresh ideas with community involvement. Expected outcomes include enhanced educational and enriching activities for children and families, improved access to services for vulnerable populations, increased food security, strengthened local cultural and environmental preservation, more effective responses to climate change, and a greater sense of community connection. The fund emphasizes proposals where grants leverage additional resources, demonstrating a theory of change that aims for broader community investment and sustainable impact beyond the initial grant. The foundation's strategic priority is to build resilient communities by empowering local initiatives and fostering active participation among residents.