A way for communities to build and implement plans that model state-of-the-art rural development in an age of climate change.
In the wake of the July 2023 flooding event, the newly formed Barre Up (Long-Term Flood Recovery Committee) and the City of Barre invited VCRD to facilitate a process to bring the full diversity of the Barre community together to listen to each other, share experiences, and think together about what comes next for flood…
The Vermont Council on Rural Development’s (VCRD) Climate Economy Resilient Communities Program helps communities build and implement priority actions that increase economic vitality and affordability in a time of climate change. In 2023, VCRD worked with towns in the White River Valley Region to explore putting in place a regional coordinator initially modeled after the…
The Vermont Council on Rural Development’s (VCRD) Climate Economy Resilient Communities Program helps communities build and implement priority actions that increase economic vitality and affordability in a time of climate change. In the fall of 2023, VCRD worked with the Sharon Energy Committee to reignite collaborative actions towards community resilience. The “Sharon Connects” process engaged…
The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) announces the opening of applications for the third competitive round of the Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund. In collaboration with VLITE, VSECU, Vermont Community Foundation Flood Response & Recovery Fund, the Sunflower Fund, and the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, VCRD is supporting innovators in developing solutions that move Vermont…
VCRD is seeking a dedicated, energetic and hardworking Community Engagement and Policy Associate to support VCRD community leadership and engagement efforts, and rural policy initiatives. The Associate must be a team player with excellent communications skills, an eagerness to learn, and a strong sense of mission in service to rural Vermont communities. We’re looking for…
The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) announces the opening of applications for the second competitive round of the Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund. In collaboration with local funders, VCRD is supporting innovators in developing solutions that move Vermont closer to its climate and energy goals by providing at least $20,000 in grant funding toward local…
The greater Rochester area participated in VCRD’s Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP) in 2021. CEMCP is community-driven process with local leaders, VCRD, Green Mountain Power, and Efficiency Vermont to cultivate economic development, innovation, and affordability in the face of climate change. Over 80 residents participated in the “Rochester Area Climate Initiative” (RACI) process with…
New round of applications are now open and available: APPLY HERE The Vermont Council on Rural Development, in collaboration with local funders invites applications for small grants to support local innovators developing solutions that move Vermont closer to its climate and energy goals. The fund is initially capitalized with at least $20,000 and will be administered…
Dorset participated in VCRD's Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP) in 2020. CEMCP is community-driven process with local leaders, VCRD, Green Mountain Power, and Efficiency Vermont to cultivate economic development, innovation, and affordability in the face of climate change. Over 110 residents participated in the “Dorset Tomorrow” process with support from 26 visiting resource team…
This class of Climate Catalysts was announced in November 2020: RJ Adler is the founder of Easy A House, and the Business Development Director for Wheel Pad. Previously he worked at SunCommon and the Keewaydin Foundation. He’s lived in VT since 2008 mostly in Middlebury, but followed his heart to Central VT to live with…