Name of Cultural Fund
Vermont Arts Endowment

Year Authorized
1990

Purpose of Fund

The Vermont Arts Endowment is an independent fund created to support artists and organizations of all sizes. The stated purpose is to “promote art for art’s sake.”

Total Funding Goal

$1 million (achieved)

Funding Sources

National Endowment for the Arts: $50,000 challenge grant

Private funds: a single, anonymous donor

Special Taxes or Legislation

None

Current Principal Amount

about $1 million

Financial Management

The Endowment is housed in the Vermont Community Foundation, which acts as administrator and financial advisor.

How Funds Will Be Distributed

The Foundation distributes $60,000-$75,000 each year through project grants to individual artists and organizations. Grants have a matching requirement and requests are in the $3,000-$5,000 range. Awards are determined by a peer-review panel.

State Arts Agency Role

The state arts agency was the primary actor for originating the Endowment, and acts as an advisor for grant panels.

Partners

Vermont Community Foundation

Other Notes and Comments

Due to its status, the state arts agency can apply for funding from the Endowment.

Many thanks to Vermont Arts Council Executive Director Alex Aldrich for providing this information.

Updated May 2011 by Elizabeth Bentley-Smith