OVERVIEW: The The Windham Foundation is aVermont-focused funder that supports the Grafton region in funding areas of educational programs, local food initiatives, land conservation for public use, environmental protection, social services, cultural resources, and historic preservation.
FUNDING AREAS: Educational programs, local food initiatives, land conservation for public use, environmental protection, social services, cultural resources, historic preservation
IP TAKE: While this funder prioritizes local Vermont organizations, it funds projects beyond its home state.
PROFILE: Established in 1963, the The Windham Foundation is the foundation of Dean Mathey and is committed to preserving rural life in Vermont. Mathey was a New York financier who spent his summers in the Vermont town of Grafton and wished to support the local community here. The foundation is based in Grafton today, and seeks “to preserve and enhance the social, economic, and cultural vitality of Vermont’s smaller communities and their rural way of life, especially within and around the town of Grafton, Vermont.” It focuses on local history, natural resources, and agrarian traditions in the state.
As part of its goal to preserve small town life, Windham Foundation grants tend to support historical preservation efforts, ensuring open land stewardship, and education and charitable programs in Grafton. Other topics of interest include environmental protection, social services, local food, and cultural resources. Funding also supports the local elementary school and community programs as well in Grafton. The foundation has funded many local improvements in the town of Grafton over the years, including planting trees, highway projects, and hydrant systems.
Grants are awarded four times per year, and application deadlines typically fall in February, May, August, and November. Foundation grants have been awarded to the Housing Project Brattleboro, College of St. Joseph, Global Campuses Foundation, Governor’s Institute of Vermont, and the Vermont Jazz Center. Other featured grantees include the Vermont Hut Association, Food Connects, and the Rockingham Free Library. Grantmaking is restricted to the region around Grafton, Vermont, and many grassroots groups receive the funder’s support.
The foundation also administers the Grafton Fund, which offers small grants of up to $1,000 for community projects. Requests for these grants can be submitted at any time. The Grafton Village Cheese Company, which is a subsidiary of the foundation, also makes in-kind donations of cheese. In addition to awarding grants, the foundation operates the Grafton Village Cheese Company and the Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center. These are all social enterprises that the foundation keeps going to drive the region’s rural economy. To get in touch with the foundation, grantseekers can fill out its online contact form or call 802-843-2211. Nonprofits can expect a reply from the staff within about two business days.
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