David R. Coates Fund for Vermont Disaster Relief
The David R. Coates Fund provides immediate and long-term disaster relief and recovery support to Vermont communities impacted by natural disasters.
Funder: Vermont Community Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (annual funding/application invitation, projected)
Funding Amounts: Flexible; award sizes vary by disaster and need.
Summary: Permanent fund providing immediate and long-term disaster relief and recovery support for Vermont communities affected by natural disasters.
Key Information: By invitation only; no open application process—organizations may introduce themselves to be considered.
Description
The David R. Coates Fund for Vermont Disaster Relief, managed by the Vermont Community Foundation, is a permanent resource dedicated to supporting Vermont communities before, during, and after natural disasters. The fund was established to ensure that immediate, flexible, and long-term support is available to address the impacts of increasingly frequent and severe weather events in Vermont. It draws on lessons from previous disaster response efforts, including the Vermont Disaster Recovery Fund and the VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund.
The fund provides support for:
- Immediate relief for disaster survivors
- Recovery and rebuilding of businesses, farms, and community infrastructure
- Support for local disaster response organizations
- Capacity building for future preparedness and resilience
The fund operates primarily by invitation, with the Community Foundation actively identifying and reaching out to organizations leading disaster response and recovery. Organizations engaged in disaster response may introduce themselves to the Foundation to be considered for funding.
