Vermont Humanities works to engage all Vermonters in the world of ideas, foster a culture of thoughtfulness, and inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning. This October, it will sponsor a special month of programming, centered around how communities adapt to a changing world and is offering grants of up to $2,500 for innovative programs on the theme of “Resilient Patterns.”
The Vermont Reads 2025 book, The Light Pirate, raises the question of how people choose to adapt and grow after experiencing climate-related crisis and trauma. Vermont Humanities wants to highlight similar stories of hope as Vermont cities, towns, and villages face interrelated, complex problems such as climate change and the housing crisis.
What Does This Program Fund?
The program provides support for groups (including municipalities) organizing a program reflecting on and imagining what community resilience looks like in Vermont. Possible program ideas include but are not limited to:
- Community discussions on the local effects of global conflicts
- A design competition to make public spaces more climate-resilient
- Storytelling presentations on how people connect with nature
How Does My Community Apply?
Apply thorough Vermont Humanities online grant portal, Submittable, at https://vermonthumanities.submittable.com/submit/1f982e28-fcaa-462f-9d34-66a773953446/2025-fall-festival-projects.
How Can My Community Learn More?
For questions about this process or about the Fall Festival 2025 in general, contact Community Programs Officer Jacob Pelletier at jpelletier@vermonthumanities.org.
Where can my community find help with grant writing or administration?
VLCT published a resource, Increasing Municipal Capacity for Grants, that offers ideas for assistance with grants. Many of the capacity builders also provide project management services. Hiring experienced project management assistance can increase the speed of project development and help avoid cost, per