What’s next for Vermont's future? After distributing $14M in flood recovery funds, the Vermont Community Foundation is looking forward. The next step? Supporting long-term solutions to help our communities withstand the impacts of climate change. Thanks to generous Vermonters, the work to foster resilience continues. (Paid Post) In July 2023, prolonged, torrential rainfall caused catastrophic flooding across Vermont. Creeks and rivers rose, washing away roads, damaging homes and flooding fields. Paddlers in canoes and kayaks floated down State Street in Montpelier. City hall was forced to relocate, Interstate 89 closed in both directions, and Gov. Phil Scott declared a state of emergency. So, Vermonters did what they do best: They came together and helped each other. Neighbors mucked out each other’s basements and started raising money for rebuilding efforts. Almost immediately, the Vermont Community Foundation stepped in to aggregate and distribute those donations. A public charity that’s home to hundreds of funds and individual giving accounts created by Vermonters to serve charitable goals, the community foundation was uniquely positioned for the role. In the immediate aftermath of Vermont’s devastating floods, the Vermont Community Foundation quickly mobilized to meet critical needs, providing rapid-response grants to ensure food, shelter and emergency assistance. Working with key partners such as the American Red Cross, community action agencies and local organizations, the organization supported temporary housing, case management, and supplies for individuals and families. Vermont farms were hit hard — and at the height of the summer season. According to the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, Vermont farms suffered more than $16 million in losses across more than 27,000 acres. “We’re already a trusted partner with organizations across Vermont. It was a natural step for us,” said Kate Neubauer, program officer for community and environment. Within the first day after the storm hit, Neubauer and her colleagues were making calls to identify who needed what and how the Vermont Community Foundation could help. Everyone wanted to chip in — from individuals to companies to nonprofit organizations — and the effort raised about $12 million for the VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund. Then, as the anniversary of the July 2023 flood approached and Vermonters were starting to get back on their feet again after a hard year, it happened again. On July 9, 2024, devastating floods once again swept through the state. What was supposed to be a day of reflection turned into a day of action. Because of what happened in 2023, the community foundation already knew what to do. Within 24 hours, it was able to get funds out to people in need. "While the overall damage in 2024 was lower than in 2023, some communities…