VERMONT DISASTER RECOVERY FUND
Helping Vermonters Recover from Natural Disasters
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Our Current Focus
Since July of 2023, VDRF has worked to mitigate the disastrous flooding events of 2023 and 2024. This required a concerted effort on the part of federal, state and local organizations and non-profits to address the many needs of affected individuals and businesses. VDRF has been actively engaged as a partner in this effort throughout Vermont.
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As 2024 comes to a close, VDRF has taken steps to transition our work to the Vermont Community Foundation which will continue disaster relief efforts in the same manner as VDRF has done starting in early January. The money VDRF has raised over the years, as well as the balance of funds carried over from the tropical storm Irene disaster in 2011, has been transferred to VCF. VDRF will suspend operations in 2025. While VDRF will no longer accept applications from Case Managers, we will provide a link to the VCF disaster recovery website in the near future on this page.
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As of December 12, 2024, VDRF has approved more than $1.5 Million in grants for losses experienced by nearly 100 families in seven counties. As more cases are being considered, VCF will carry the ball forward, and will continue to provide assistance in response to extreme weather events that are being driven by climate change.
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The VDRF Board of Directors thanks everyone who has donated to the fund over the past 13 years. Donors have played a major part in helping families across Vermont recover from natural disasters, large and small, over the years.
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As of December 31, 2024, VDRF has terminated operation. Please see the Transition News to the right.
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Vermont Disaster Recovery Fund
PO Box 843
Montpelier, VT 05601
About VDRF
Our Roots
The Vermont Disaster Recovery Fund (VDRF) was established and is managed by an independent, non-profit organization, the Vermont Long-Term Recovery Group (VTLRG).
This volunteer Board works closely with Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) and the Vermont chapter of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VTVOAD), which represents national organizations who support on-the-ground efforts and help people impacted by disasters.
Our Mission
The mission of the Vermont Disaster Recovery Fund, a Vermont nonprofit corporation, is to be a source of last resort funding to help meet the unmet long term recovery needs of Vermont individuals and families impacted by disasters. VDRF shall raise, hold and allocate funds through an effective grant process recognized by State and local officials and partner agencies operating under the State Emergency Management Plan.
It is the intent of the Vermont Long Term Disaster Recovery Group to utilize these funds after an individual or family has used personal insurance, FEMA assistance, local long term recovery funds and other grant programs. Personal assets and Small Business Administration eligibility will be reviewed in determining a person’s grant request.
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Transition News
The Vermont Disaster Recovery Fund is in the process of transitioning its operations to the Vermont Community Foundation. Therefore, the grant application window for VDRF is closed. The VCF is expected to resume disaster recovery assistance in mid-January, 2025. A link to the VCF website will be provided here as soon as it is available.
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In the meantime, case managers with questions on outstanding or new cases related to disaster recovery can contact:
Laurie Anne Kozar, Allocations Director
email: lkozar@VermontCF.org
or call: 802-388-3355 EXT. 276
Hope Is Where the Heart Is
