United Way of Addison County (UWAC) has approved $150,000 in Community Impact Funding (CIF) for the 2026 grant cycle, advancing its commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities across Addison County. Thanks to the continued generosity of local donors, UWAC will invest $22,263 more in partner organizations in 2026 than it did in 2025, supporting programs that address critical community needs.
Each year, UWAC focuses its Community Impact Funding on one of its three strategic priorities: Health, Education, and Financial Stability. The 2026 funding cycle centered on Education, providing resources to organizations that ensure that all people in Addison County are ready to learn and can acquire the skills and competencies to succeed.
Through the CIF process, UWAC establishes new three-year funding partnerships with nonprofit organizations whose missions align with its focus areas. Funding decisions are informed by a thorough review process led by Addison County volunteers, who assess applications, evaluate community needs, and provide recommendations to UWAC’s Board of Directors.
A hallmark of UWAC’s approach is its commitment to trust-based philanthropy. Rather than requiring extensive grant proposals, organizations begin by submitting a brief Letter of Interest. UWAC’s volunteer review team then conducts additional research, reviews relevant community data, and visits organizations to gain a deeper understanding of their work, impact, and goals. This collaborative process helps ensure funding decisions reflect both local priorities and the realities facing nonprofit partners.
“Community Impact Funding represents more than financial support; it is an investment in the people and organizations working every day to make Addison County stronger,” said Helena Van Voorst, Executive Director of UWAC. “We are committed to providing flexible funding that allows nonprofits to respond to emerging needs and maximize their impact. By aligning our financial resources with strategic partnerships and community relationships, we can help create lasting change.”
The funding process was coordinated by UWAC Community Impact Manager Amy Hoekstra, who guided the review and recommendation process.
“We are grateful to the volunteers, community partners, and Board members who dedicated their time and knowledge throughout this cycle,” said Hoekstra. “Their thoughtful work helps ensure that our investments are equitable and focused on achieving meaningful outcomes for our community.”
The nonprofits selected for 2026 Community Impact Funding under the Education focus area, along with their annual award amounts, are listed below:
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Addison County Parent Child Center ($15,500)
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Addison County Readers ($2,500)
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Bristol Family Center ($12,000)
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Bristol Hub - Teen Center & Skatepark ($10,000)
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Commodore Club ($7,500)*
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Common Ground Center ($2,000)*
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DREAM Program ($1,000)
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Henry Sheldon Museum ($3,500)*
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Lake Champlain Maritime Museum ($6,500)*
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Mary Johnson Children’s Center ($10,000)
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MAUSD Mentoring ($1,000)
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Middlebury Area Land Trust ($5,000)
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Middlebury Community Music Center ($5,000)*
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Otter Creek Child Center ($10,000)
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Red Clover Children’s Center ($4,000)
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Rokeby Museum ($5,000)*
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Starksboro Cooperative Preschool ($12,000)
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The Teen Center ($7,500)
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Town Hall Theater ($5,000)*
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Vermont Adult Learning ($15,000)
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Willowell Foundation ($10,000)
* - indicates a new partner to UWAC in 2026
See a full list of UWAC’s funded partners here.
