June 2026 Newsletter
Greetings!
Summer is in full swing across the state, and we’re celebrating more than just the sunny days—we’re celebrating what’s possible when we work together to create lasting change. Thanks to your generous support, we surpassed our Mother’s Day matching gift goal just days before awarding more than $400,000 to 43 nonprofit organizations as part of our 2026 grant cycle.
These grants support local organizations working to expand opportunity, strengthen economic security, and improve the health and well-being of women+, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. From increasing access to childcare and advancing pay equity to building leadership pathways, this work reflects both the urgency of the moment and the power of collective giving.
As Alison Whritenour, co-chair of our council, put it, “We are witnessing incredible community support, but the pressures on Vermont women and girls are intensifying. We cannot ignore the widening gaps in essential needs like stable housing, personal safety, and accessible childcare. As nonprofits face unprecedented demand, our collective commitment to supporting one another must grow even stronger.”
That same spirit was evident in our Mother’s Day campaign. With donations up to $5,000 matched by an anonymous donor, you helped raise more than $10,000 to honor the women who have shaped our lives. At the end of this newsletter, you’ll find the names of some of the mothers honored through these meaningful gifts.
This belief in collective impact is at the heart of the Vermont Community Foundation’s 2025 Annual Report, where the Vermont Women’s Fund is proud to be featured, highlighting the power of communities working together to create a stronger, more equitable Vermont. By learning, connecting, and collaborating, we can amplify community leadership and deepen our impact.
With several opportunities to engage in the months ahead, I hope you'll join us. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event.
Warmly,
Emily Bush, Director
Our work is powered by a community dedicated to advancing economic opportunity, self-sufficiency, and equity for Vermont’s women and girls.
JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT
ANNOUNCING OUR 2026 GRANT AWARDS
The Vermont Women’s Fund has awarded $411,650 to 43 nonprofits across Vermont!
This year’s grantmaking, one of the largest in the fund’s 30-year history, reflects both the power of collective giving and the growing needs of communities, with requests reaching a record $1.3 million. These investments will help expand childcare access, strengthen leadership opportunities, advance pay equity, and address systemic barriers to gender equity statewide.
Read More.
WELCOME MARLEY!
Marley Hauser joined the Women’s Fund in April as Marketing & Development Associate, bringing over seven years of nonprofit experience and a passion for pairing storytelling and impact.
She previously served as Sr. Coordinator of Youth Leadership at the National Wildlife Federation, where she led communications, managed their Youth Advisory Council, and helped launch a project management office. Her background also includes nonprofit development and program management.
Marley holds a BA from Lewis & Clark College and an MPA from Cornell E. Brooks School of Public Policy. Born and raised in Vermont, she returned to the state in 2022 and enjoys reading, writing, and hiking with her dog, Fergus.
EVENTS & GATHERINGS
WOMEN, WORK, & WAGES 2026 REPORT LAUNCH
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 || Hula, Burlington || 2:00 - 6:00 PM ET
The Vermont Women’s Fund, Vermont Works for Women, and the Vermont Commission on Women, in partnership with Hula, invite you to the launch of the Women, Work, & Wages 2026 Report. The new report explores factors affecting women's economic success in Vermont.
The event features:
- Release of our Women, Work, & Wages 2026 Report
- Panel discussion and networking
- Screening of No Country for Mothers, a documentary examining the culture wars surrounding American motherhood
Purchase your tickets ($15) today!
THE FIRST STEP PILOT PROGRAM SUMMER GATHERING
Wednesday, July 29th || Burke Mountain Resort || 10:00 - 12:00 PM ET
Join the Vermont Women’s Fund and the Office of the Vermont State Treasurer as we celebrate the First Steps Forward pilot program and collective work strengthening Vermont families.
The program will feature Baby Bonds champions and partners from the pilot, along with key insights from the Women’s Fund’s Women, Work, & Wages 2026 Report and remarks from Treasurer Mike Pieciak.
Register for free online.
SAVE THE DATE: 2026 ANNUAL CELEBRATION
Thursday, September 17, 2026 || UVM Davis Center || 5:00 - 7:00 PM ET (Doors open at 4:30 PM)
Tickets are on sale for this year's Annual Celebration!
We’ll welcome Shabana Basij-Rasikh, who co-founded the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA) in 2008 while an undergraduate at Middlebury College. SOLA, which translates to “peace” in the Pashtun language, is Afghanistan’s only all-girls boarding school. In 2021, Basij-Rasikh destroyed any trace of SOLA’s records and evacuated every student and most of the staff to Rwanda. The school draws Afghan girls from around the world, providing a rigorous education promoting critical thinking, a sense of purpose, and respect for self and others.
Interested in becoming a Sponsor or joining the Host Committee? Please reach out to Emily at ebush@vermontcf.org.
Check out our online calendar for more events hosted by the Vermont Women's Fund, our program partners and grantees, as well as activities that we are sponsoring.
LEAVE A LEGACY
Planned giving helps ensure that generosity lasts beyond a lifetime. By including gifts such as bequests, beneficiary designations, or charitable trusts, you can create lasting change while supporting your personal financial goals. These commitments turn love, gratitude, and values into sustained support for women and girls across Vermont.
If you would like to learn more about planned giving opportunities, we would be honored to speak with you. To start a conversation, please reach out to Emily at ebush@vermontcf.org.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026
ANNUAL SPONSORS
