Explore the elements of community development – and learn what it is, how it differs from economic development, and why it matters for your municipality. A panel of seasoned community development experts will share practical insights; answer your questions; and walk through a real-world project that successfully leveraged funding to strengthen local infrastructure, services, or quality of life.  

Whether you're new to grants or looking to sharpen your competitive edge, you’ll leave with actionable strategies, funding sources to explore, and a clearer understanding of how to align your community’s needs with available opportunities.

Presenters
Bonnie Waninger, Project & Funding Specialist, VLCT
Kelley Stoddard Poor, Associate State Director, AARP Vermont
Nicole Gratton, Field Service Representative, Preservation Trust of Vermont
Annie McLean, Community and Economic Recovery Specialist, Northeast Vermont Development Association (invited)

About the Grants and Funding Chat Series
This bi-monthly series from our Municipal Operations Support team helps local government officials and staff learn about specific funding opportunities and ways to make their funding applications more competitive. Each topic-oriented event begins with a presentation then transitions to a participant Q&A, where attendees can ask questions of the presenter and each other. Bring your questions, share your challenges, and learn from other communities.

Registration Information
Register once and attend all sessions! Once you register, your link to join will be the same for every 2025 Grants & Funding Chat. Zoom will send you an email with the link to join ahead of each chat.

Future Dates and Topics
Coming soon!