The first cohort of the Village Trust initiative (VTI) has gotten off to an energetic start. Since launching in April 2024, the communities of Benson, Braintree, Greensboro Bend, Lunenburg-Gilman, Reading, West Fairlee, and Wolcott have been gathering community input through events, surveys, and facilitated conversations to lay the groundwork of an impactful community-driven project for their town. Community trust organizations serving as backbone support in all communities have become official entities and are in the process of receiving their 501c3 non-profit status. Feasibility work is underway for projects ranging from general stores, to community amenities such as cafe’s, child care, housing, and community and recreation spaces.
VTI is a partnership of the Preservation Trust of Vermont, VCRD and the Vermont Community Foundation. The program offers expertise and funding to help small towns create or bolster a local community trust organization and take on a transformational revitalization project in their village. An application round for the next cohort will open in summer 2025. Contact info@vtrural.org to be added to the list for announcements.
Reflections of Denise Smith, VCRD Executive Director
I had the privilege of visiting Reading in March. VCRD and partners are working with the community through the Village Trust Initiative and we’re getting ready for a Village Meet-Up Event in early June. I was fortunate to have a beautiful warm spring day to travel and greatly enjoyed my drive over the hills and through the woods.
As I pulled into the village center, I was struck by the preservation of their village core and the charm that exudes from their main street. Reading also happens to be the home of the Hall Art Foundation, an incredible gallery that opened in 2012 that has both indoor and outdoor gallery space and curates exhibits from around the world.
I continue to be surprised and amazed by Vermont – the place we call home. Our shared history of place, the values we hold of taking care of one another and our legacy, and our incredible resilience and creativity during challenging times. If you are looking for inspiration right now, look no further than our rural towns. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.