A New Chapter for Community Resilience in Montpelier
Montpelier has always shown up for itself—especially in moments that call for care, collaboration, and long-term thinking. This month, that commitment takes a new form with the launch of the Foundation for a Resilient Montpelier, a new organization focused on building a healthy, resilient future for our city.
The Foundation for a Resilient Montpelier brings together the work of two long-standing community efforts: the Montpelier Foundation and the Montpelier Commission for Recovery and Resilience (MCRR). By merging these organizations, the Foundation creates a single, action-oriented hub for democratic engagement, community-led projects, and resource-sharing—all with an eye toward long-term resilience.
Built on a Strong Local Legacy
The Montpelier Foundation has supported community improvement projects since 1994, helping fund brick-and-mortar initiatives that strengthen the city we call home. In partnership with Montpelier Alive, the Foundation also played a key role in raising and distributing more than $2 million following the devastating floods of 2023—supporting the recovery of local businesses and residents when it mattered most.
The new Foundation for a Resilient Montpelier carries that work forward, while also continuing the resilience planning and implementation efforts led by MCRR over the past two years. Together, this merged organization is designed to be nimble, responsive, and deeply rooted in community priorities.
How the Foundation Will Work
At its core, the Foundation for a Resilient Montpelier exists to bring people together—around shared challenges, shared values, and shared solutions. Its work includes:
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Supporting community-led initiatives
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Raising and distributing funds for positive local projects
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Facilitating public participation and democratic engagement
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Providing strategic support to help ideas turn into action
The organization is led by a board made up of former Montpelier Foundation Trustees and MCRR Commissioners. Jon Copans serves as Executive Director, with Jillian Turcola joining the team as Community Resilience Projects Coordinator through the AmeriCorps VISTA program.
“Montpelier is a great place to live and to visit, and it has the potential to be even better,” said Board President Sarah Jarvis. “This new organization will serve Montpelier by rallying the community together to identify priorities for action—and by providing meaningful ways for people to get involved in making those priorities a reality.”
Get Involved
Community participation will shape the Foundation’s direction from the start. The organization plans to host regular community gatherings, with the first scheduled for April 2026. Details will be shared soon.
In the meantime, residents, businesses, and supporters are invited to sign on as founding supporters and learn more about the Foundation’s mission and leadership at montpelierfoundation.org.
As Montpelier continues to adapt, recover, and grow stronger, the Foundation for a Resilient Montpelier represents a shared commitment to doing that work together.