Community Report
The Northeast Kingdom T
he Northeast Kingdom (Essex, Orleans, and
build environmental and community resilience to
Caledonia counties) spans more than 2,000
Vermont’s changing climate.
square miles of forests, farms, glacial lakes, and river valleys in Vermont’s remote northeastern corner. Named by Senator George Aiken in 1949, the region wears the title with pride. Its wild character is defined by landmarks like Lake Willoughby’s glacial cliffs, the iconic summit of Jay Peak, and vast working forests that have shaped life and livelihoods for generations. The region’s roots run deep in dairy farming and logging, and a strong French-Canadian heritage
The Northeast Kingdom faces real challenges— housing availability, limited healthcare access, frequent flooding, and persistent economic pressures—yet its communities respond with characteristic resilience and fierce local pride. In the Kingdom, remoteness is not a deficit but an identity, and the region’s future is being shaped by the same self-reliance that has always defined it.
35.4%
adds cultural richness—particularly in towns along the Canadian border. Hardwick is recognized as a
Climate & Environment
5.8%
model of local food system innovation, and that spirit of resourceful, community-driven problem-solving remains a defining trait of Kingdom residents. Recreation is a vital economic engine deeply rooted in the region’s natural assets. In recent years, flooding has damaged not only homes,
Total 2025 Grantmaking in The Northeast Kingdom
$1.6M
but also trails, businesses, and landscapes on which the economy depends. As the community rebuilds, it is also pursuing long-term solutions that
Democracy, Trust, & Community Leadership
6.8%
Economic Equity
9.8%
Education & Learning
42.2%
Health & Well Being
$1.6M Total 2025 Grantmaking | 270 Total 2025 Grants | $1.9M in Active Mission Investments (as of March 2026) Several key organizations contribute to the Northeast Kingdom’s vitality, enhancing life for residents and welcoming visitors and new community members. Here are just a few of those organizations: Northeast Kingdom Organizing (NEKO) has received support from many donor advised and VCF-led funds, the NEK Fund, and the VCF Flood Fund to strengthen mutual aid and community connection through nine resilience hubs across the region.
kingdom united Resilience & Recovery effort (kuRRVE) has received support from donor advised funds and the VCF Flood Fund to coordinate long-term flood recovery and rebuilding efforts in collaboration with NEKO’s resilience hubs.
Northern Forest Center received an early VCF planning grant and later a mission investment to help renovate the historic Railroad Street building in St. Johnsbury, creating nine middle-market apartments and two commercial spaces.