The Preservation Trust of Vermont is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Montpelier, Vermont, dedicated to historic preservation and community development. Founded in 1980 and granted tax-exempt status in 1982, the organization works to preserve Vermont's historic built environment, including town halls, general stores, community centers, historic churches, and barns. The organization employs 10 staff members and maintains offices at 90 Main Street, Suite 304, Montpelier, VT 05602.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$12.4M
+13.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.3M
+8.1% YoY
Grant Count
34
-8.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$37K
+17.6% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: The Preservation Trust of Vermont's mission is to initiate and assist the efforts by Vermonters to preserve and use their rich collection of historic architectural resources, the cultural landscape, and the fabric of communities. The organization has a special interest in helping build vibrant downtowns and village centers.
Primary Focus Areas:
- Historic buildings preservation
- Historic preservation grants
- Educational and technical support programs
- Direct financial assistance for preservation projects
- Community development and downtown revitalization
Grantmaking
The organization distributes preservation grants in partnership with several major foundations, supporting restoration and rehabilitation projects throughout Vermont. Recent grant activity includes:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization funds preservation projects throughout Vermont, having distributed direct support to over 360 towns, individuals, and organizations across the state. The organization holds historic preservation easements on 88 historic sites and structures around Vermont, including Officers Row at Fort Ethan Allen, the Marble House in Fair Haven, and the Farm Barn at Shelburne Farms.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $12,448,682
- Total Revenue: $2,853,459
- Total Expenses: $2,737,261
- Total Giving: $1,424,215
Rating: Four-Star rating with 90% overall score from Charity Navigator, reflecting strong accountability and financial practices.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $12,448,682 | $11,000,680 | $10,529,720 |
| Revenue | $2,853,459 | $2,236,591 | $2,717,090 |
| Expenses | $2,737,261 | $2,318,842 | $2,002,059 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $295,520 | $164,402 | $500,463 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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 2024
Grant Size Distribution
169 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Chair: John Wadhams
Historical Leadership: Paul Bruhn was hired as the first Executive Director of the Preservation Trust in 1980.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIZ GAMACHE | CHAIR | 3 | — |
| MARK BEAMS | VICE-CHAIR | 3 | — |
| JUSTIN MCCABE | TREASURER | 3 | — |
| INA SMITH | SECRETARY | 3 | — |
| TED BRADY | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| AMY CUNNINGHAM | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| CHRISTINE GRAHAM | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| PHET KEOMANYVANH | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| ELISABETH KULAS | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| JAIME LEE | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| NEAL LUNDERVILLE | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| VIKAS MANGIPUDI | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| DAVID MARVIN | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| CHARLIE SINCERBEAUX | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| DAVID TAPLIN | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| EMILY WADHAMS | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| PAUL WYNCOOP | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| BEN DOYLE | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $143,124 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The organization continues active grantmaking and community engagement:
**2025:** The Village Trust Initiative selected five communities for the 2025 cohort
Village Trust Initiative selects five communities for 2025 cohort**2025:** Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants were awarded in September 2025
2024 Vermont Preservation Grants Awarded \u2014 The 1772 Foundation**2024:** Vermont Preservation Grants were awarded through partnership programs
2024 Vermont Preservation Grants Awarded \u2014 The 1772 Foundation**2023:** Vermont Preservation Grants were awarded through partnership programs
2024 Vermont Preservation Grants Awarded \u2014 The 1772 FoundationSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
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Vermont State Employees Credit Union
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Assets
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Total Given
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Kratt Brothers Creature Hero Society
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Assets
$1.4M
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Total Given
—
Louise Judith and Edgar May Foundation
SHELBURNE, VT
Assets
$2.1M
Grants
31
Total Given
$86K
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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