David R. Coates Fund for Vermont Disaster Relief Grant

The David R. Coates Fund for Vermont Disaster Relief Grant is dedicated to providing immediate and long-term support to Vermont communities affected by natural disasters. This fund emphasizes preparedness, swift relief for individuals and businesses, and long-term rebuilding efforts. Named after a respected leader in flood recovery, the fund aims to harness the power of collective giving to enhance Vermont's resilience against future disasters, ensuring families and communities receive the assistance they need.

As Vermont faces an increasingly unpredictable future with more frequent extreme weather events, the need for greater preparedness, along with both immediate and long-term support is more important than ever. Born from the sunsetting of the Vermont Disaster Recovery Fund and evolution of our learning from the VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund, the Disaster Relief Fund is a permanent resource dedicated to ensuring immediate and lasting support for Vermont communities affected by natural disasters.
Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, along with the catastrophic flooding of 2023 and 2024, have highlighted how Vermonters consistently come together in times of crisis, offering unwavering support and resilience to help one another rebuild and recover. This track record of support has shown the incredible power of collective giving and underscored the importance of having swift and flexible resources available for disaster recovery. The Disaster Relief Fund was created with exactly this goal in mind, supporting a comprehensive response at every level—from immediate relief for survivors and funding for the recovery of businesses, farms, and communities, to assistance for disaster response organizations and capacity building for future efforts. By balancing swift relief with long-term rebuilding, the fund provides the agility and commitment necessary to support Vermont’s families, homes, and businesses when they need it most.
Naming the fund after David Coates, the founding chair of the Vermont Disaster Recovery Fund (VDRF), honors one of Vermont’s most trusted and respected leaders. Coates’s impact spans numerous organizations, causes, and issues. His leadership was instrumental in the flood recovery efforts of 2011. Through this fund, we hope to carry forward the values Coates exemplifies.
When natural disasters impact Vermont Communities, the VCF will utilize a range of strategies to support relief, response, and recovery efforts, including:

• Preparedness and recovery for Vermont communities
• Immediate relief for individuals, families, and businesses impacted by disasters
• Long-term rebuilding of homes, infrastructure, and community spaces
• Support for local organizations responding to crises on the ground
• Capacity-building initiatives to enhance Vermont’s disaster readiness