The Climate Catalyst Innovation Fund supports innovative local projects for which a small grant could have a meaningful impact at the community level. In its first round, the Fund received 32 applications for a total requested amount of over $76,000. Of those, 18 projects were awarded small grants to support local innovators developing solutions that move Vermont closer to its climate and energy commitments. Projects were chosen by a team of VCRD staff and Climate Economy Initiative Advisory Committee member representatives from VSECU and Efficiency Vermont. In making award decisions, we looked for projects that are innovative, replicable, collaborative, equitable, and have positive climate/energy impacts. Thanks to the generous support of VLITE, the Green New Fund of the Vermont Community Foundation, and VSECU who together provided $40,000 in funding.
This report describes the outcomes of first-round projects in the words of the awardees. Read the full Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund 2022 Report.
We appreciate the dedication and efforts of each team and the collective impact of the work for Vermont’s future.