Orleans, Island Pond nonprofits awarded Vermont Community Foundation grants

NEWPORT — The Vermont Community Foundation recently awarded a total of $37,720.39 through their “Spark! Connecting Community” grants to 15 nonprofit organizations.

Two of these organizations serve residents in Orleans and Essex County.

The Island Pond Historical Society received $3,000 to aid in the creation of an interactive museum and learning center to showcase the railroad, lumbering, and military culture of Island Pond and the surrounding towns.

The Jones Memorial Library in Orleans received $2,600 to support twice-monthly story readings and art-project sessions that will send children home with their own copies of the books, allowing them to start home libraries of quality children’s literature.

These grants go where a small amount can make a big difference, and are intended to light the spark that keeps Vermonters healthy and happy.

“Our work to close the opportunity gap in Vermont depends on building social capital in our communities and investing in projects that spark that social cohesion,” said Vermont Community Foundation President and CEO Dan Smith.