Children running along the shores of Lake Champlain at the Alburgh Family Clubhouse are enjoying a newly supported space, thanks to a fresh round of regional funding. Vermont Business Magazine reported that an Alburgh playground and several local food pantries are among the non-profit efforts receiving support from the latest funding cycle of the Vermont Electric Co-op’s Community Fund.
Established in 1938, the Vermont Electric Cooperative is a non-profit, member-owned electric distribution utility providing service to approximately 33,000 members across 75 communities in northern Vermont. The co-op operates with a 100 percent carbon-free power supply.
The community fund operates entirely separate from money collected through standard electricity sales. Instead, about 2,500 co-op members voluntarily support the initiative by rounding up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar, donating their member capital, or making one-time contributions. Since issuing its first donation in 2015, the fund has awarded over 300 separate grants of up to $1,000 each to regional non-profits, pushing total contributions past the $200,000 mark.
The Alburgh Family Clubhouse provides care and early education for 62 children, including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. A $1,000 grant from the co-op is designated for finishing a new playground at the site, which includes the installation of two new sandboxes.
“We really appreciate the support,” said Gina Lewis, president of the Alburgh Family Clubhouse. “Providing age-appropriate playground equipment will help encourage interactive play and support developmental skills.”
Across VEC territory in Sheffield, the local food pantry also secured a $1,000 grant. The money will help purchase a refrigeration unit and additional equipment necessary for storing perishable food items safely.
“Many thanks to VEC,” said John T. Gayton, secretary/treasurer of the Sheffield Food Pantry. “The funds will go a long way in helping our community members.”
In addition to the Alburgh and Sheffield projects, the latest funding distribution reaches a diverse array of community organizations across northern Vermont. Amy’s Armoire received support for temporary rental space used to store donated furniture for foster and adoptive children. The Champlain Islands Developing Essential Services (CIDER) secured backing to provide meals for individuals in need.
Other recipients include the Hard’Ack recreational facility serving the St. Albans area, the Hinesburg Community School for the purchase of a 3D printer, and the Johnson Haunted Forest for its community Halloween event. The Kelly Brush Foundation received funding for adaptive mountain bike efforts geared toward people with disabilities, while NEK Human Services obtained support for an indoor garden program tailored for individuals with developmental challenges.
The Northeast Organic Farming Association received assistance to offer free or lower-cost admission to its annual conference. In Westmore, the RAMP-Town of Westmore project secured funds to match a Vtrans grant aimed at making Route 5A safer. The Sheldon United Methodist Church Food Pantry is using its grant to purchase food staples for holiday boxes prepared for food shelf clients, and the Johnson skate park received support to install a new skate park feature. Finally, the Vermont Farm Show received funding to support its new Agricultural Exhibition held this spring.
