Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund

Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund

Funder: Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD)

Status: Active program with multiple rounds of funding

Geographic Scope: Vermont statewide

Focus Areas:

Community-scale climate solutions

Local climate-based innovations

Energy efficiency and renewable energy projects

Projects that reduce energy use and save communities money

Climate workforce development

Weatherization initiatives

EV charging infrastructure

Community resilience projects

Award Amount: $500 - $4,000 per project

Eligible Applicants:

Municipalities

Town committees

Schools

Businesses

Non-profit organizations

Selection Criteria: Projects are selected based on demonstrating a mix of:

Innovation

Collaboration

Replicability

Addressing Vermonters in need

Program Background:

First round (2021): $35,000 awarded to 18 projects out of 29 applications

Second round (2022-2023): $82,000 awarded to 25 projects out of 37 applications

VCRD anticipates opening new rounds subject to funding availability

Funding Partners: VLITE, VSECU, Sunflower Fund of the Vermont Community Foundation, and other local funders

Contact: Laura Cavin Bailey, Program Manager

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (802) 223-6091

Example Projects Funded:

Farmer-led network hosting climate-focused events

Library resilience center energy systems

Climate economy workforce training

Window Dressers weatherization programs

Library e-bikes for loan programs

Public EV charging stations

Community solar arrays

Renewable energy education initiatives