Vermont Council on Rural Development

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Montpelier, VT
Vermont Council on Rural Development

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Helping people build prosperous and resilient communities through democratic engagement, mobilizing resources, and collective action.

Unleashing the power of Vermonters to create a better future! The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the support of the locally-defined progress of Vermont's rural communities. VCRD is a dynamic partnership of federal, state, local, nonprofit and private partners. Actively non-partisan with an established reputation for community-based facilitation, VCRD is uniquely positioned to sponsor and coordinate collaborative efforts across governmental and organizational categories concerned with policy questions of rural import. Since its inception in 1992, VCRD has built a profile of rural policy leadership that is grounded by work in local communities and extends to collaborative partnerships with the highest levels of state and federal programs.

10/30/2026

Perhaps you've noticed our new logo? Our own Alyssa Johnson created a very seasonal rendition!

10/27/2026

UP for Learning and Vermont Council on Rural Development are conducting a survey on youth engagement in Vermont. The survey was developed by the Center for Rural Studies at UVM in collaboration with a diverse youth-adult Steering Committee, ensuring that youth and adult perspectives helped shape this important project. This project aims to explore the ways organizations across Vermont practice youth engagement, youth-adult partnership, and/or involve youth in their mission. The survey deadline is 10/30, scan the QR code or go to this link: https://www.upforlearning.org/vermont-input-needed/

10/22/2026

Help us celebrate Wardsboro’s momentum! Wardsboro Turns Up participants chose two top actions for their community’s future: “Increase Community Connection & Events” and “Expand Recreation, Trails, & River Access.” We heard a strong desire to get to know neighbors and have thriving relationships and events, as well as how much they value the natural landscape. On Nov. 5, the community will be finalizing a vision statement and creating action plans for each of these priorities with support from state and regional partners. Learn more at bit.ly/WardsboroTurnsUp.

10/20/2026

The The Preservation Trust of Vermont (PTV), Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD), and The Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) are pleased to announce the third cohort of communities selected for the Village Trust Initiative (VTI). Now in its third and final year, VTI is a partnership supporting rural communities undertaking transformational revitalization projects in their historic villages.

Communities selected for the third VTI round include:
*Bakersfield Village Trust Working Group - Bakersfield (Franklin)
*Friends of the Town Hall - Chittenden (Rutland)
*Irasburg Village Trust Initiative Group - Irasburg (Orleans)
*Plainfield Historical Society - Plainfield (Washington)
*Readsboro Hometown Redevelopment - Readsboro (Bennington)
*Roxbury Community Trust - Roxbury (Washington)
*Whitingham Community Trust - Whitingham (Windham)

Read more about our 18 cohort members on our website at https://www.vtrural.org/village-trust/

10/16/2026

October is full of more great conference opportunities! The CommonGoodVT.org Vermont Nonprofit Summit brings together nonprofit leaders, staff, board members, funders, and community partners from across Vermont for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration.

Featuring stories from the field, 20+ breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and conversations about the future of Vermont's nonprofit sector, the Summit is an opportunity to gain fresh perspectives, build relationships, and connect with peers from across the state.

Learn more and register: https://commongoodvt.org/vermont-nonprofit-summit

10/15/2026

10/14/2026

Thanks to Across the Fence for this fantastic interview with Denise Smith, VCRD Executive Director!

10/14/2026

Looking forward to returning to Wardsboro tomorrow, October 15th! Join us for Wardsboro Turns Up from 6-8:30pm at the Town Hall. Pizza, childcare, free rides and other accommodations will be provided. More details at bit.ly/WardsboroTurnsUp

Wardsboro residents of all ages have been sharing their ideas for the future! The community will gather on Oct. 15 to review their ideas for action and choose top priorities. This is a critical moment in the process where the community turns from brainstorming possibilities to making ideas into reality, so come out and make your voice heard! Join us on 10/15 from 6-8:30 at the Town Hall. Pizza, childcare, free rides and other accommodations will be provided. More details at bit.ly/WardsboroTurnsUp

10/13/2026

NEK Collaborative's NEK Together will be on November 4th in Island Pond! Join this regional gathering that brings together municipalities, businesses, nonprofits, institutions, state and federal agencies, legislators, community members, and leaders to strengthen collaboration and determine shared regional priorities. Early bird registration ends October 30th, register today!

Learn more at www.nekcollaborative.org/nektogether

10/08/2026

Address

9 Bailey Avenue
Montpelier, VT
05602

Telephone

(802) 223-6091

Website

http://www.vtrural.org/

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