Building Bright Futures (BBF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Williston, Vermont. Established in 2011, BBF operates as Vermont's Early Childhood State Advisory Council, functioning as a public-private partnership charged with advising the Governor and Legislature on the well-being of children from the prenatal period through age 8 and their families.
Key facts about Building Bright Futures
In short: Building Bright Futures gave $2.7M across 56 grants in 2025 (avg $48K), mostly in Vermont. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 45-2392293
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,671,645
- Grants made (2025)
- 56
- Average grant
- $47,708
- Median grant
- $40,113
- Total assets
- $2,538,054
- Primary geography
- Vermont (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$2.5M
+62.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.7M
+558.7% YoY
Grant Count
56
+250.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$48K
+88.2% YoY
How Building Bright Futures gives
- 21% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: To improve the well-being of children and families in Vermont by using evidence to inform policy and bringing voices together to discuss critical challenges and problem-solve.
BBF addresses complex social and systemic problems facing Vermont's children and families, including affordable childcare access, adverse childhood experiences, and kindergarten readiness. The organization's primary initiatives include:
- Advising the Governor and Legislature on child well-being and making policy recommendations
- Maintaining Vermont's Early Childhood Strategic Plan as a shared vision and roadmap for the early childhood system
- Operating Vermont's Early Childhood Data & Policy Center, a nonpartisan, independent source of data, research, and publications for policymakers, researchers, and the public
- Monitoring Vermont's early childhood system and national policy priorities
- Fostering family and community partnership and engagement through the Families and Communities Committee, Regional Councils, and Early Childhood Action Plan committees
- Ensuring accountability and measuring success of Vermont's Early Childhood Strategic Plan and Act 76 (Vermont's 2023 child care law)
Grantmaking
BBF distributes grants through the Vermont Early Childhood Fund. In fiscal year 2025, BBF awarded $2.7 million through 56 grants, with a median grant size of $40,000 and a grant range of $5,000 to $194,000. In 2024, the organization funded $2.6 million in Vermont Early Childhood Fund grants.
Grant Range
of $40,000 and a grant range of $5,000 to $194,000. In 2024, the organization funded $2.6 million in Vermont Early Childhood Fund grants.
Ready to take the next step with Building Bright Futures?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Building Bright Futures operates exclusively in Vermont, with a statewide structure comprising 12 Regional Councils that align with Agency of Human Services districts.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 56 itemized 2025 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
72 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| SEED & SEW Burlington, VT | SEW & SEED S.E.E.D | $194,256 |
| NORTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER St Albans, VT | INCREASE ACCESS | $175,719 |
| THE JANET S MUNT FAMILY ROOM Burlington, VT | ENGAGE FAMILIES | $154,245 |
| MYERS PROUTY CHILDREN'S CAMPUSES Shaftsbury, VT | MPCC HEALTH TEAM | $117,780 |
| STEPS TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Burlington, VT | EARLY INTERVENTION | $96,377 |
| LIL SUNSHINE CHILD CARE CENTER Randolph, VT | INFANT-TODDLR SETUP | $83,370 |
| SOUTHWESTERN VERMONT MEDICAL CENTER Bennington, VT | THE LEARNING TREE | $80,000 |
| WINSTON PROUTY CENTER Brattleboro, VT | INCREASE CAPACITY | $79,062 |
| PERKINSVILLE PRESCHOOL & CHILDCARE Perkinsville, VT | CHILDCARE EXPANSION | $75,194 |
| MOUNT MANSFIELD UNIFIED SCHOOL DIST Jericho, VT | EMTSS AND UDL | $67,233 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Fiscal Year 2025 (ending June 30, 2025):
- Total Assets: $2,538,054
- Total Revenue: $5,433,103
- Total Expenses: $5,163,694
- Net Income: $269,409
- Net Assets: $1,324,986
Revenue Composition (FY 2025):
- Contributions: $5,421,358 (99.8% of total revenue)
- Investment Income: $8,994 (0.2% of total revenue)
Notable Financial Trends:
- Assets increased 63% from FY 2024 ($1,557,842)
- Revenue increased 89% from FY 2024 ($2,873,789)
- Expenses increased 114% from FY 2024 ($2,410,454)
Historical Assets:
- FY 2024: $1,557,842
- FY 2023: $676,711
- FY 2022: $725,468
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $2,538,054 | $1,557,842 | $676,711 |
| Revenue | $5,433,103 | $2,873,789 | $1,300,995 |
| Expenses | $5,163,694 | $2,410,454 | $1,318,608 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $8,994 | $3,300 | $352 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 14, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 15, 2026)
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Janice Mantell is listed as a key contact for the organization.
Building Bright Futures's 2025 filing lists 28 officers; 2 of 28 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Morgan Crossman
Executive Di
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$56K (2020) → $128K (2025)
Beth Truzansky
Deputy Director
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$112K (2024) → $120K (2025)
Cheryle Wilcox
Council Member
Co-Chair → Council Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christy Swenson
Secretary
Council Member → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Flor Diaz Smith
Co-Chair
Council Member → Treasurer, 2021
Treasurer → Co-Chair, 2022
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ilisa Stahlberg
Co-Chair
Council Member → Co-Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jessica Brumsted
Council Member
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Renee Kelly
Council Member
Secretary → Council Member, 2025
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Eddie Gale
Council Meme
Council Member → Council Meme, 2023
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Becca Webb
Treasurer
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dimitri Garder
Council Member
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Janet McLaughlin
Council Member
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kendal Smith Non-Voting
Council Member
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ruth Hardy
Council Member
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jessica Vintinner
Council Member
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Libby Daghlian
Council Member
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sharron Harrington
Council Member
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Xusana Davis
Council Member
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amber Hewson
Council Member
On filings since 2024
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Carlie Thibault Non-Voting
Council Member
On filings since 2024
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Carol Lang-Godin
Council Member
On filings since 2024
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Danielle Lindley Mitchell
Council Member
On filings since 2024
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Debra Hartswick MD
Council Member
On filings since 2024
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Erica McLaughlin
Council Member
On filings since 2024
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kiona Baez Heath
Council Member
On filings since 2024
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Monica Ogelby
Council Member
On filings since 2024
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Miranda Gray Non-Voting
Council Member
New on the 2025 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Zoie Saunders
Council Member
New on the 2025 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (31)
- Former: Meg Porcella (2024) — Council Member
- Former: Amy Johnson (2020–2023) — Council Member · Filing note: Until March 2023
- Former: Kate Rogers (2020–2023) — Council Member
- Former: Kenneth Jones (2020–2023) — Council Member
- Former: Alexis Duquette (2021–2023) — Council Member
- Former: Ashley Miller (2021–2023) — Council Member
- Former: Mike McRaith (2021–2023) — Council Member
- Former: Miranda Gray (2021–2023) — Council Member · Filing note: Until March 2023
- Former: Paul Dragon (2021–2023) — Council Member
- Former: Heather Wilcoxon (2022–2023) — Council Member
- Former: Sarah Truckle (2022–2023) — Council Member · Filing note: Until March 2023
- Former: Aryka Radke Non-Voting (2023) — Council Member
- Former: Carol Lang Godin (2023) — Council Member
- Former: Heather Bouchey (2023) — Council Member
- Former: Shayla Livingston (2023) — Council Member
- Former: Aly Richards (2020–2022) — Council Member · Filing note: Until February 2022
- Former: Chloe Leary (2020–2022) — Council Member · Filing note: Until March 2022
- Former: Emily Merrill (2020–2022) — Council Member · Filing note: Until January 2022
- Former: Wendy Trafton (2021–2022) — Council Member · Filing note: Until March 2022
- Former: Rebecca Webb (2021) — Council Member
- Former: Auburn Watersong (2020) — Council Member
- Former: David Young (2020) — Council Member · Filing note: Until March 2020
- Former: Julie Cadwallader-Staub (2020) — Council Member
- Former: Katie Watts (2020) — Council Member · Filing note: Until December 2019
- Former: Kim Keiser (2020) — Treasurer
- Former: Nicole Grenier (2020) — Council Member
- Former: Reeva Murphy (2020) — Council Member · Filing note: Until April 2020
- Former: Richard Westman (2020) — Council Member · Filing note: Until March 2020
- Former: Sara Barry (2020) — Council Member · Filing note: Until decemer 2019
- Former: Steven Berbeco (2020) — Council Member
- Former: Sue Ceglowski (2020) — Council Member · Filing note: Until December 2019
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
BBF published its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting the funding of $2.6 million in Vermont Early Childhood Fund grants and the launch of new resources on family leadership and early childhood data.
The organization released the 2025 Year in Review for "The State of Vermont's Children" and published 2026 Policy Recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.
BBF maintains an active calendar of public events, including Families and Communities Committee meetings held on Zoom that are open to parents, caregivers, and the public.
The organization holds a Four-Star rating and has completed the Accountability & Finance beacon in its organizational assessment.
Frequently asked questions about Building Bright Futures
How much does Building Bright Futures give each year?
Building Bright Futures gave $2.7M across 56 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $406K across 16 grants.
What is Building Bright Futures's typical grant size?
Building Bright Futures's median grant in 2025 was $40,113, and its average grant was $47,708, across 56 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Building Bright Futures give grants?
Building Bright Futures gives mostly in Vermont: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Burlington, VT (13 grants), Rutland, VT (4 grants), Montpelier, VT (4 grants) and St Johnsbury, VT (2 grants).
Does Building Bright Futures give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 56 grants with a stated purpose on Building Bright Futures's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Increase Access" (6 grants) and "Workforce Dev." (3 grants).
Who are Building Bright Futures's largest grantees?
Building Bright Futures's largest 2025 grantees include Seed & Sew ($194,256), Northwestern Medical Center ($175,719) and The Janet S Munt Family Room ($154,245), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 20% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Building Bright Futures?
Building Bright Futures reported $2.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $5.4M.
What does Building Bright Futures fund?
**Mission:** To improve the well-being of children and families in Vermont by using evidence to inform policy and bringing voices together to discuss critical challenges and problem-solve. BBF addresses complex social and systemic problems facing Vermont's children and families, including affordable childcare access, adverse childhood experiences, and kindergarten readiness. The organization's primary initiatives include: • Advising the Governor and Legislature on child well-being and making po…
How do I apply for a grant from Building Bright Futures?
BBF distributes grants through the Vermont Early Childhood Fund. In fiscal year 2025, BBF awarded $2.7 million through 56 grants, with a median grant size of $40,000 and a grant range of $5,000 to $194,000. In 2024, the organization funded $2.6 million in Vermont Early Childhood Fund grants. **Application Policy:** BBF does not accept unsolicited applications; grants are made on an invite-only basis. **Geographic Focus:** Grants are restricted to Vermont.
What is Building Bright Futures's EIN?
Building Bright Futures's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 45-2392293. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Building Bright Futures accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
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