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- calendar_today November 11, 2026
Introduction to Mission Investing in Vermont
What if charitable contributions could lead to more than just grant-making? The Vermont Community Foundation is pioneering this approach through mission investing—allocating a portion of charitable funds toward local businesses and community projects that generate both financial returns and positive social impact for Vermont.
The Vermont Community Foundation’s Unique Investment Strategy
The Foundation invests approximately 5% of nearly every charitable fund it manages directly into Vermont-based businesses and community initiatives. This strategy seeks not only to bolster local economic growth and community development, but also to ensure continued support for future charitable endeavors. By blending financial returns with tangible local improvements, the Foundation redefines what it means to invest for the benefit of communities.
Local Examples: Businesses and Projects Benefiting from Mission Investing
A newly released short film from the Vermont Community Foundation highlights the effect of mission investing across the state. The film features organizations and businesses such as Glavel—an innovative company located in Burlington and Essex that transforms recycled glass into advanced building materials. Another spotlight is on Up End This, a Barre-based enterprise developing new strategies to address Vermont's urgent housing needs. The Northern Forest Center, operating in downtown St. Johnsbury, demonstrates how revitalizing historic buildings creates opportunities and strength within the community.
Amplifying Impact Through Partnerships and the Flexible Capital Fund
The Foundation’s mission investing work is amplified by partnerships with entities like the Flexible Capital Fund, supporting the growth of Vermont companies. Both Glavel and Up End This are part of the Flexible Capital Fund’s investment portfolio. These collaborations, along with the efforts of generous fundholders and committed nonprofit and community partners, help to turn local ideas into sustainable results—ranging from business growth and job creation to housing development and vibrant, resilient communities.
Insights from Community Stakeholders
The production of the Community Foundation’s film involved contributions from local leaders and investors, including Rob Conboy (Glavel), Stacie Fagan and Lawrence Miller (Vermont Community Foundation), Tabitha Howling and Rob Riley (Northern Forest Center), Heather Henyon (Mindshift Capital), Casey Johnson and Janice St. Onge (Flexible Capital Fund), Dan Smith (Vermont Community Foundation), and Michael Zebrowski (Up End This). Their combined expertise illustrates the diverse network of nonprofit partnerships and social enterprises working toward Vermont’s future.
Looking Ahead: Resources for Further Exploration
For those interested in a deeper understanding of mission investing and its outcomes, the Vermont Community Foundation offers an in-depth 2026 Mission Investing Report. This report provides a comprehensive look at how targeted community investments can foster sustainable growth and positive change throughout Vermont.
Source: vtdigger.org.
