NVRH Community Health Fund

Geographic Scope: NVRH primary service area (Caledonia and Southern Essex counties, Vermont)

Background: Created in 2012 to ensure consistent and continuous funding for community health programs and services aligned with NVRH Mission and Community Strategic Initiative goals. Since inception, the fund has awarded over $145,000 in mini grants to local community partners. Funding comes from donations and hospital commitment.

Funding Sources: Donations and long-standing hospital commitment

Focus Areas:

• Community health initiatives
• Health promotion programs
• Disease prevention
• Social determinants of health
• Youth wellness
• Senior health and wellness
• Substance misuse prevention
• Arts and culture for health

Eligibility Criteria:

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• Serving people in the NVRH primary service area
• Provides programs, services, or activities that promote health
• Provides clear link to identified community need
• Exhibits collaborative approach to delivering services
• Have measurable goals and objectives

What They Fund (Recent Examples - FY2026):

• Winter Wellness Program for students (Danville School - $3,500)
• Experiential Learning Winter Program (Kingdom East School District - $3,500)
• Dance-based health programming for older adults (Quahog Dance Theatre - $2,300)
• School wellness initiatives (OCSU PTCA - $2,000)
• Chair yoga lending library for seniors (RuralEdge SASH - $1,000)
• Wound care for population experiencing homelessness (NEKCA - $1,700)
• Substance misuse prevention program (Catamount Arts - $1,000)

Application Process

Project Timeline (FY2026):

• September 9 – October 17, 2025: Grant opportunity announcement and proposal development period
• October 18 – November 14, 2025: Community Health Advisory Committee grant review period
• December 1, 2025: Grantee award notification deadline
• December 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026: Implementation/Project Period
• October 31, 2026: After Action Report due

Required Application Materials:

1. Application form (available as Word and PDF)
2. Project narrative (1-3 pages) - Word or PDF format
3. Budget form - Word or Excel format
4. Letters of support from at least two community partners
5. Copy of tax-exempt status from IRS (for nonprofits)
6. Applicants may be asked to supply additional information not outlined in the application

Submission Format: Electronic submission required

After Action Report:

• Due October 31 following the project year
• Template provided in Word and PDF formats
• Required for all funded projects