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Community Health Fund

Improving our communities’ quality of life.

The NVRH Community Health Fund, which supports a community-building approach that goes beyond the delivery of medical care, to improving the health and the quality of life of its communities, supports community health initiatives through an RFP and grant process. In general, grants are given to organizations that meet these criteria:

  • 501c3 organizations serving people in the NVRH primary service area
  • Provides programs, services, or activities that promote health
  • Provides a clear link to an identified community need
  • Exhibits a collaborative approach to delivering services
  • Have measurable goals and objectives

    Learn more about the FY24 grant recipients below.

    H.O.P.E. Backpack Program

    Organization: H.O.P.E.
    Amount: $6,000.00
    Description: Working with nine area schools, HOPE will expand their Backpack Program that is designed to provide food insecure students with shelf-stable meals that bridge meal access over weekends and school breaks. The Backpack Program, now in its 13th year, serves over 100 students to ensure students have access to easy-to-prepare meals, including oatmeal, soups, and peanut butter.

    The HUB Hygiene and Health Project

    Organization: The St. Johnsbury Community HUB
    Amount: $2,000.00
    Description: The St. Johnsbury Community HUB will implement a Health and Hygiene initiative, helping to support the laundry needs for the community, while also facilitating connection to local resources. The HUB is a space where community members and resource providers are co-located, allowing for access to programming, food, and socialization. This initiative will support good personal hygiene, eliminating the stress and stigma associated with limited access to clean clothing. Increasing access to laundry services will also result in greater confidence for community members, encouraging engagement and inclusion.

    LNA Program at LI

    Organization: Lyndon Institute
    Amount: $1,000.00
    Description: Lyndon Institute will support high school students and adult learners to complete their Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) program, supporting healthcare workforce development. The Community Health Fund award will support LNA exam fees and required criminal background processes for students pursuing their LNA licensure.

    Health and Wellness Initiative

    Organization: NEK Community Growth Center, Inc.
    Amount: $4,000.00
    Description: The NEK Community Growth Center, Inc. will provide health and wellness events, targeting families with children birth to 13 years old in St. Johnsbury and surrounding areas. This upstream prevention initiative will offer education, demonstrations, health screening, and greater understanding of key aspects of wellness for area families, including dental hygiene, healthy food and preparation skills, outdoor safety, and providing vaccinations. This initiative aims to serve 20 families with the goal of bridging the gap between school and home to make wellness accessible.

    Welcome Home Starter Kits

    Organization: Northeast Kingdom Youth Services
    Amount: $2,000.00
    Description: Northeast Kingdom Youth Services will develop and provide Welcome Home Starter Kits to meet basic cleaning and personal hygiene needs for recently unhoused youth, ages 16-24, supporting them in their transition to independent living. Welcome Home Starter Kits will be provided along with education on how to maintain a heathy living environment utilizing these resources, leading to improved confidence, mental health, and an overall sense of wellbeing.

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    More Information

    For more information, please contact Diana Gibbs at
    802-748-7590 or d.gibbs@nvrh.org.

    The NVRH Community Health Fund was created in 2012 to ensure consistent and continuous funding for community health programs and services as defined by the NVRH Mission and Community Strategic Initiative goals. The NVRH Community Health Fund confirms the hospital’s ongoing commitment to community health improvement.

    Since its inception, the Community Health Fund has awarded over $115,000 in mini grants to local community partners. Funding for the Community Health Fund comes from donations and a long-standing hospital commitment.

    Click here to view the application and project timeline

    The Community Health Fund application has closed for FY24.

    Project period timeline:
    • September 14 – October 20, 2023: Grant opportunity announcement and proposal development period
    • October 20 – November 17, 2023: Community Health Advisory Committee Grant Review Period
    • December 1, 2023: Grantee award notification deadline
    • December 1, 2023-September 30, 2024: Implementation/Project Period
    • October 31, 2024: After Action Report due
    Application Process:
    • Application Template and 1-3 Page Narrative
    • Budget Form
    • Additional Documentation:
      • Letters of support for the project from at least two community partners
      • Copy of tax exempt status from IRS (for non-profits)
      • Applicants may be asked to supply additional information not specifically outlined in the grant application