Vermont Women’s Fund Announces Gift to Let’s Grow Kids
The Vermont Women’s Fund, a philanthropic resource committed to the advancement of women and girls, announces a special $25,000 grant to Let’s Grow Kids in support of childcare and early care providers.
“We strongly support the need for a statewide childcare system,” says Meg Smith, director of the fund. “And, in honor of Women’s History Month, it’s time for Vermont to make history and create a workable, safe, and affordable childcare system.”
A component fund of the Vermont Community Foundation, the Vermont Women’s Fund has grown from its grassroots beginnings nearly thirty years ago to a $6 million resource. Comprised of a council of people from around the state, the fund supports programs that provide essential services, career and workforce training opportunities, and widespread systems change to achieve gender and wage equity.
“This special grant to Let’s Grow Kids reflects the urgency of the child care campaign,” says Smith. “It is a continuation of a commitment the Women’s Fund made in 2019 to increasing the wages of early care providers. Our council felt this support was well-timed as child care is on the minds of lawmakers and Vermonters.”
“This campaign gift is the capstone on a long-standing partnership with the Vermont Women’s Fund,” says Aly Richards, CEO of Let’s Grow Kids. “It’s especially meaningful given their demonstrated commitment to advancing social justice and to creating conditions for women to thrive. We are grateful to the Women's Fund for all they do for the women and girls of Vermont.”
In partnership with thousands of Vermonters from all walks of life, Let's Grow Kids is a nonprofit organization leading a campaign to end Vermont's child care crisis by 2025. Learn more at letsgrowkids.org.
This special, out-of-cycle gift is separate from the Vermont Women’s Fund regular 2023 annual grant round, which is currently accepting applications from nonprofits that support economic security and provide career opportunities and programs that drive change for Vermont women and girls. Applications will be accepted through March 21, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Visit vermontwomensfund.org/grants to learn more about the Vermont Women’s Fund, its mission, and grantmaking guidelines.