Using this Resource
The Understanding Vermont program is designed to provide useful information for philanthropists and other grantmakers who want to learn more about the issues that shape Vermont.
On this website you will find updated facts, articles, studies, and events that supplement the information in the Understanding Vermont publication.
TrendsThe Understanding Vermont publication identified 29 different trends. These trends reflect issues that surfaced as we looked at articles and studies from recent years and talked with people across the state. We also identified trends with the guidance of an advisory group composed of regional representatives from the Vermont nonprofit, government, and business sectors.
There are 19 trends listed on this website. These 19 trends represent all of the 29 trends identified in the Understanding Vermont publication, though some have been combined to form one trend category. (For example the trend "Vermont leads the nation in education but achievement gaps still remain" was combined with the trend "national education testing sidelines other school subjects" to form the "Education" trend.)
Site Navigation & Trend Organization
The trends are organized into three different categories that align with the Foundation's primary grantmaking areas. The categories are:
If you expand or click on any one of these categories, you will find a list of trends for that category. From that list, you can click on any trend to find out more!
You can also use the alphabetical list of trends to find what you are looking for.
Trend Content
Under each trend you will find:
- A summary and a few "fast facts"
- Upcoming community events
- Recent headlines or publications