Bennington County Regional Commission

06/04/2026

A new round of funding and support will soon be available to help a third cohort of small Vermont towns breathe new life into the historic buildings and shared spaces at the heart of their communities! Join The Preservation Trust of Vermont, The Vermont Community Foundation and VCRD for an informational session on June 17th at noon (applications will open on the same day). Community groups with a vision for their village that could be bolstered by this program are encouraged to attend. To register for the webinar, click https://us02web.zoom.us/.../register/Pg2Uuzg2Rg6oWN38ohuPow or visit vtrural.org/village-trust.

A new round of funding and support will soon be available to help a third cohort of small Vermont towns breathe new life into the historic buildings and shared spaces at the heart of their communities! Join The Preservation Trust of Vermont, The Vermont Community Foundation and VCRD for an informational session on June 17th at noon (applications will open on the same day). Community groups with a vision for their village that could be bolstered by this program are encouraged to attend. To register for the webinar, click https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Pg2Uuzg2Rg6oWN38ohuPow or visit vtrural.org/village-trust.

06/03/2026

What is STRIVE?

STRIVE is a statewide initiative working to expand STEM learning, research, and innovation across Vermont. Through our STEAD funding, we support educators, schools, and community organizations in creating hands-on STEM experiences that spark curiosity, build scientific thinking skills, and connect students with future opportunities.

From classroom projects and afterschool programs to community-based STEM events, STRIVE K–12 Mini Grants provide up to $2,500 to help bring innovative ideas to life.

🔹 Learn more about our funding opportunities at strivevt.org/grants/

🔹 Register at strivevt.org/event/funding-info-session/ for a free information session to learn how to craft a competitive proposal and maximize your chances of success.

05/14/2026

Thank you to all who participated in the 2026 Vermont Walk/Bike Summit in Bennington – you made it a success! Our expectations were exceeded with great weather, enthusiastic participation, and of course awesome and informative keynote and presentations.



Organizing a high quality and engaging conference requires community-wide support. We are grateful to our partner organizations and sponsors for their support this year, and to Vermont’s community of active transportation enthusiasts.



Visit our website for photographs from this year’s event and to look forward to 2028’s event: https://vtwalkbikesummit.com/

05/08/2026

Don't Miss the 2026 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference on June 4th

The Downtown & Historic Preservation Conference is Vermont’s go-to gathering for people passionate about vibrant downtowns and preserving the places that make our communities unique. Connect with local leaders, community builders, and advocates at this energizing conference—share ideas, spark inspiration, and walk away with practical strategies to strengthen and revitalize the places we care about most, from housing and adaptive reuse to economic vitality and placemaking.

Learn more and register to attend in St Albans on June 4th: Register Here: https://accd.vermont.gov/event/2026-downtown-and-historic-preservation-conference

04/30/2026

NSF STRIVE has funding opportunities to support research and STEM programming that expand Vermonters’ access to science and meaningful learning.
Our seed grants are designed to be approachable and we’re here to support you throughout the application process.
🔬 K–12 educators: Looking to build or expand STEM programming in your classroom?
STEAD funding deadline: August 15
📊 Researchers & partners: Interested in piloting ideas that can grow into larger, long-term funding?
STaRS seed grant deadline: October 15
💡 Have a different idea? If you’re planning an event or program that doesn’t quite fit these categories, reach out—we may be able to support it through sponsorship.
👉 Learn more and apply: STRIVEvt.org
📧 Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

NSF STRIVE has funding opportunities to support research and STEM programming that expand Vermonters’ access to science and meaningful learning.

Our seed grants are designed to be approachable and we’re here to support you throughout the application process.

🔬 K–12 educators: Looking to build or expand STEM programming in your classroom?
STEAD funding deadline: August 15

📊 Researchers & partners: Interested in piloting ideas that can grow into larger, long-term funding?
STaRS seed grant deadline: October 15

💡 Have a different idea? If you’re planning an event or program that doesn’t quite fit these categories, reach out—we may be able to support it through sponsorship.

👉 Learn more and apply: STRIVEvt.org
📧 Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

04/24/2026

Register today!

US National Weather Service Albany NY is offering a Skywarn Spring Weather Spotter Training in Bennington on May 2nd.

Get trained in how to provide timely and accurate reports of impactful weather to NWS.
Register here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeDWxDjdoSwjo.../viewform

Love watching the weather? Want to share what you see?

US National Weather Service Albany NY is offering a Skywarn Spring Weather Spotter Training in Bennington on May 2nd.

Get trained in how to provide timely and accurate reports of impactful weather to NWS.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeDWxDjdoSwjo.../viewform

04/22/2026

Looking for a ride to the 2026 VT Walk Bike Summit on May 8th? Check out the Go! Vermont event page: https://govermont.agilemile.com/?agile_tp=true&trip_type=3&event_id=2387887

P.S. There's still time to register for the Summit! https://tinyurl.com/2026walkbikesummit

Join Go! Vermont and get rewards when you walk, bike, telecommute, carpool, vanpool, take the bus, or work a compressed week. It's free and easy to do.

04/13/2026

Announcing the 2026 Downtown and Village Center tax credit program!

In FY2027, roughly $3.5 Million in state income tax credits are available. Credits are awarded to projects that improve building safety, attract new business, and create jobs. Projects must be within a state-designated downtown, or village center. Funding supports general rehabilitation and code compliance work. The program also funds flood mitigation upgrades and exterior façade improvements.

Applications for the next round of tax credits are now available and are due Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

Federal and state tax credits help to stimulate private investment and create jobs. They support the creation and improvement of rental housing. Tax credits can restore buildings and jump start revitalization in Vermont communities. Successful projects range from modest renovations in small centers....

04/07/2026

Love watching the weather? Want to share what you see?

US National Weather Service Albany NY is offering a Skywarn Spring Weather Spotter Training in Bennington on May 2nd.

Get trained in how to provide timely and accurate reports of impactful weather to NWS.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeDWxDjdoSwjo.../viewform

04/01/2026

We are just over a month away from the 2026 VT Walk/Bike Summit on May 8th in downtown Bennington! Registration is now open at https://tinyurl.com/2026walkbikesummit. We also want to thank our generous sponsors, without which this event wouldn't be possible! See the complete list on the summit website.

Let's pedal and stroll through the 2026 Vermont Walk/Bike Summit together!