Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival - Pledge Partner Program

Geographic Scope: Vermont (local organizations)

Focus Areas: Cancer survivorship support, breast cancer support organizations

Program Description: Each year, Dragonheart Vermont's Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival designates a "Pledge Partner" — a like-minded organization that receives funds raised through the festival. The festival has raised over $1.1 million for cancer-related causes since 2006.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be an established 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization
• Must be local (not national) organization
• Must have at least two years of service to the Vermont community
• Work must benefit breast cancer or cancer-related survivorship challenges
• Must share commitment to Vermont community and demonstrate how work benefits a sizable number of people in the area

What They Fund:

• Organizations supporting cancer survivors and their families
• Cancer survivorship programs and wellness initiatives
• Emergency financial assistance for cancer survivors
• Cancer support services and therapies

What They Don't Fund:

• National organizations
• Organizations with less than 2 years of service
• Organizations not focused on cancer survivorship

Background: Since 2006, the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival has been a major fundraising event for Dragonheart Vermont's mission to strengthen and empower breast cancer survivors through dragon boating and community giving.

How to Apply

1. Review eligibility criteria (501(c)(3) status, local organization, 2+ years of service, cancer survivorship focus)
2. Contact Vicky Drew, Events Coordinator at VickyD@dragonheartvermont.org with questions
3. Submit Pledge Partner Application
4. Deadline: December 9 (annual)

Required Information:

• Organization 501(c)(3) status documentation
• Evidence of at least 2 years of service to Vermont community
• Description of how work benefits cancer survivors or cancer-related causes
• Demonstration of impact/number of people served in Vermont
• How organization aligns with Dragonheart Vermont mission