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Community Giving

CVPS is pleased to continue its tradition of contributing to the communities it serves throughout Vermont through the Community Giving Program. The Community Giving Program provides financial assistance in grants up to $1,000 to non-profit organizations in Vermont in which one or more CVPS employees are actively involved.

Use the links below to view the Community Giving Guidelines, which explain the requirements and process for applying for a Community Giving Grant and to view The Community Giving Application which can be completed online or in hard copy and must be submitted to be considered for a Community Giving Grant.

Community Giving Guidelines (link to application below)

Restrictions
As a company, CVPS generally does not provide:

• Sponsorships to individuals (employees or non-employees).
• Contributions to political candidates, or political parties.
• Contributions to service or fraternal organizations.
• Contributions to employees’ colleges and universities.
• Contributions to religious organizations, except for those related to parochial school activities (sports, music, drama, etc.).
• Contributions to organizations that have already received a CVPS grant within the calendar year or in the prior calendar year.
• Contributions to support operating budgets.
• Contributions that will be used to support benefit golf tournaments and special event dinners.

Requirements

• All organizations receiving funding must have an employee sponsor. This person may be either an employee of CVPS and must be actively involved in the organization.
  Examples of employees being “actively involved” include, but are not limited to:
  1. Participation at the board/officer level.
  2. Participation in regular volunteer activities of the organization.
  3. Planning or organizing events for the organization.

• Organizations receiving funding must be designated non-profit organizations. Proof of non-profit status must be provided, if requested.

• Organizations must request a specific amount of funds and state the intended use of the grant.

• Organizations receiving funding must use their grants to benefit Vermonters.

Priority Considerations

• Priority will be given to Vermont-based organizations operating within CVPS’s service territory.

• Priority will be given to requests in the following categories:
  1. The Environment
  2. Community Development
  3. Health, Wellness & Safety
  4. Children & Youth Development

• Priority will be given to organizations that provide opportunities for public acknowledgement of CVPS’s contribution or enhance the company’s image in a meaningful way.

• Priority will be given to organizations that request challenge grant funding. Challenge grant funds are used to leverage other fundraising opportunities for the organization by matching additional contributions (such as dollar-for-dollar) or meeting a specified fundraising goal through additional contributions.

Community Giving Grant Application Process & Information
1. Organizations must complete and submit a CVPS Community Giving Application Form, either on-line or in hard copy.

2. The application must be accompanied by evidence from the CVPS employee sponsor that describes the nature of their involvement in the organization.

3. Requests for Community Giving Grants should be submitted to: Central Vermont Public Service, Community Giving Grants c/o Andi Bove, 77 Grove Street, Rutland, Vt. 05701.
Grant Deadlines & Follow-up Communications
4. Community Giving Grants are awarded quarterly. Deadlines are March 31, 2010, June 30, 2010, Sept. 30, 2010 and December 31, 2010. Grants will generally be awarded within two weeks of the quarterly deadlines. Funding for grants is determined by the number of applicants, the type of requests received, and the funds available.

CVPS will notify employee sponsors and organizations about grant approvals and rejections. A notification letter and check will be sent directly to the organization for those that are approved.

Unfortunately, CVPS is not able to provide funding for every request that meets its requirements and priorities. Those who qualify for a grant, but are rejected during a particular grant cycle, are welcome to apply at another time.

Community Advertising Requests Community Advertising
CVPS has limited funds available to fulfill requests for community advertising from non-profit and community organizations that fall outside of the guidelines. Such advertising is commonly used to support community events and activities such as school yearbooks, arts performances, sporting events, etc. These requests are reviewed as they are received and funding granted accordingly. Requests for Community Advertising should be directed to: Central Vermont Public Service, Community Advertising, c/o Wanda McGann, 77 Grove Street, Rutland, Vt. 05701.

Community Giving Application Online
Download the Community Giving Application