“This small but mighty food shelf serves people from Sharon and surrounding towns. It serves over 3,081 people each year, providing fresh vegetables, bread, milk, butter and household staples.” - SJ

“It is a multi-generational community with people only a few months old to people nearing 100 that is rooted in love, welcome, and mercy. It feels like a breath of fresh air in our current world, and makes a real and distinctive difference in our community.” - KS

“They are such an incredible resource for families with young children. Besides offering Early Intervention services, TFP also offers free play groups throughout the Upper Valley, free classes for parents and children about topics such as nutrition, potty training, sleep, etc, and great activities for parents and kids. This is only scratching the surface—I can’t say enough wonderful things!” - JC

“GEMS is a small but mighty organization that offers week-long summer camp experiences for middle school aged kids, helping them develop self-confidence, leadership skills, and civic engagement. Follow-up get-togethers are offered throughout the school year.” - JI

“Amazing group of people who take pride in assisting homeowners in need throughout our region by repairing homes to keep them safely livable. Always treating people with the utmost respect and dignity.” - WT

“No longer just roofs, ramps and winterization. COVER is now offering ‘Whole House Repair,’ rejuvenating our aging housing stock and helping folks stay safe, dry and warm.” - MBS

“For more than 30 years this organization has harnessed the power of the human-horse connection to provide equine-assisted services for residents of the Upper Valley. Their clients range in age from 3-90, and include those with physical and mental- health conditions who benefit in remarkable ways, from riding, grooming or interacting with horses.” - RIA

“I see the value all over the Upper Valley. From the supply side: food saved and redistributed from CSA excess farm shares, grocery stores, restaurants and coops, not to mention the gleaning and gardening efforts. Then the demand side: out to all the food banks and helping other great programs like The Haven and LISTEN… it’s just elegant and slim and makes food thrift and sharing fun.” - ML

“This organization has revolutionized how we garden. The opportunity to share our extra produce with neighbors in need is heartening. Recent news makes an organization like this even more critical to keeping bellies full and hearts happy.” - MP

“This is a local athletic organization that offers more than a place to play sports together: They offer a pocket of affirming and supportive community to any member of our region. They have been a constant in our community for over a decade, and have shown up for community members at volunteer opportunities, town events, and more.” - CH

“Twin State Derby provides an athletic and inclusive environment and there is no skating experience required to join. Donations help cover rent on practice space, run home games, keep loaner equipment available to skaters, and add to the membership assistance fund.” - AC

“This venerable organization brings so many people to the Upper Valley! VINS encourages visitors to learn about the natural world, focusing on birds of prey and their role in the ecosystem as a ‘way in’ to understanding how all life is intertwined and interdependent. VINS is careful to follow all wildlife safeguards in their work, with a strong focus on agency for all the birds they shelter.” - MA

“This organization lovingly houses all kinds of pets, including from domestic violence situations and emergencies like fires, and REALLY supports families if possible. They are a hidden gem.” - RS

“I’ve seen this hardworking, compassionate staff give so many animals the soft landing they need to get to a new life they deserve. It’s not easy work, full of sad stories some days, but they keep reaching out with kindness and optimism. I admire their dedication.” - PT

Note: Readers also gave shout-outs to the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society in W. Windsor and the Sullivan County Humane Society in Claremont.

“Windsor County Mentors matches kids who for whatever reason could use a friendly adult in their lives with those friendly adults. Mentors give just a couple hours a week of their time but the impact they have on their mentees lasts a lifetime. They’re in need of more volunteers to serve as mentors--another wonderful way to give!” - LS

“It brings comfort to people who have cancer by providing, free of charge, massages in their homes. As a two-time cancer survivor, this service would have been invaluable to me.” - SA

“I know there is food insecurity and many issues with the unhoused and I contribute. But right now, there is almost no money for the arts. It has been shown that a theater in a community builds the economic base of that community, helping bring in more businesses and as such, a larger tax base. Theater done well, as Shaker Bridge is known to do, reflects the issues of the day and gives its audiences food for thought.” - AO

“LISTEN has been so helpful and friendly to me throughout a downslide into the ‘poverty class’: necessities at their thrift stores, assistance with forms at the program office, food at the pantry...I have much shame and anger at my current circumstances, so I'm grateful that their staff and volunteers always treat me with such kindness, more than I give myself.” - KR

“LISTEN serves the Upper Valley quietly in so many ways: help with heating and housing, a food pantry and hot meals 5 days a week, help navigating services and bureaucracy, and, of course, saving so much from landfills! A wonderful organization with truly dedicated staff!” - PT

“How lucky are we to live in this beautiful, rural community and still get see legendary artists like Jeff Tweedy?” - LS

“It comfortably and compassionately serves seniors in end-of-life care. It tries to keep rates as low as possible and to have some designated Medicaid beds.” - MH

“JAM brings so much energy into the local world. Between the art installations, WRIF (filmfest), TWIST (the comics/zine fair), The Rocky Horror Shadowcast, camps and workshops and other multitude ways, they reveal and share life and fun happening all the time in the Upper Valley community!” - AO

“Creating a media community and media literacy for all ages, this Upper Valley nonprofit is the definition of community. It’s arts, it’s media, it’s freedom of expression, and promoting government transparency while educating all of us to understand how to engage with media and interact politely with one another.” - DC

“The Montshire brings together an opportunity to learn together with my favorite people—my family! The fun event days and now the adult nights: The Montshire does a great job of offering science in approachable and creative ways.” - CM

“A community gem! Seven Stars provides music and art instruction for area residents and scholarships for those who may not otherwise have access. But the big reason I appreciate Seven Stars is for the live performances: a chance for area residents to hear fantastic musicians at an accessible cost without having to drive to urban centers.” - DG

“Music Helps provides scholarships and grants to facilitate musical opportunities for all. They provide individual scholarships for students to take lessons from local music teachers, and support music programs in schools. One small Upper Valley elementary school now has a band program because a Music Helps grant provided the instruments!” - SG

“If the world is going to be saved from a climate change apocalypse, it will be because of groups like Sustainable Lebanon that do the slow, painstaking, and often unglamorous work of weaning society off fossil fuels and building a regenerative way of life.” - TM

“They focus on helping the staff with mini-grants to boost educational experiences, scholarships for graduates for all kinds of post secondary experiences, and food for the students in the form of snacks and take-home items—as well as two public pantries for Mascoma Valley residents. It’s a small group with a big heart.” - BL

“MoonRise provides equine-assisted mental health services to individuals, groups, children, families, veterans and others regardless of ability to pay. I admire this non-profit because it is a dedicated group of staff, volunteers and board members who provide compassionate care to both human clients and the equine partners who are so critical to the work done daily at MoonRise.” - DH

“Not only are they keeping tons out of the landfill, they are kind, inclusive, and helpful. Plus for those of us struggling to make ends meet, their ‘pay what you can’ model allows me to be creative and escape daily worries for a while.” - RS

“You can find anything you need from simple craft supplies - paper, markers, crayons,all kinds of paper, cardboard, scissors, glue - to fabric, thread, ribbon, fiberfill, buttons, zippers, etc. All is by donation or what you can afford. It makes all creativity available to everyone.” - CP

“Joining a quilting group is what got me there. What keeps me there is the friendly welcoming atmosphere filled with activities and resources that fill my calendar each month. Always fun, always laughter, always conversation!” - KD

“Staff is outstanding, dedicated, creative and compassionate. Activities range from swimming, rowing, pickleball to lectures, games, Tai chi, crafts, bingo, computer support, lunches and trips both big and small. Cannot say enough good things about the Center, its staff and all it does to support Seniors in the Upper Valley! We are so fortunate!” - ND

“The nine legal clinics at the school provide pro bono representation for Vermonters in need of small business help, VA benefits, bankruptcy, clean energy transitions, environmental protection of public lands, etc. The value the clinics provide to the state is immense and they can't run without public support.” - BF

“An all-volunteer agency that aims to keep qualified veterans from becoming homeless. More than a dozen unpaid volunteers work to provide grants to pay for housing, utility bills and more to assist vets get back to financial sustainability after hitting bumps in the road.” - AD

“They support and encourage full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in our community. Visions is a great place to live and they show they value direct support staff by paying the best wages in our area!” - DM

“The Bradford Public Library is a vital community hub that provides free access to information, fosters education and lifelong learning, and serves as trusted public space. I have been bringing my children to the Friday morning story hour since they were born.” - JE

“The NWPL supports not only the town of Woodstock but also my hometown of Bridgewater and many other smaller communities in the area. It's a hub for all kinds of services and events for all ages - a true third place for its patrons.” - KM

“Wonderful people organizing a neighbor-helping-neighbor charity.” - JRE

“An extraordinary community anchor—a template and example for small farm survival and innovation into the future. Activism in farming!” - JB

“Since the Town of Newbury purchased 635 acres of undeveloped land in 2018 to become the Tucker Mountain Town Forest, it has become a destination for people from all over the Upper Valley. The Friends of Tucker Mountain have launched a fundraising effort for the construction of an all-persons accessible trail that would make the beauty and peace of the natural world available to everyone.” - EH

“Whaleback is such a valuable asset to the community, and is still here as a ski area only because of community support.” - NB

“It is an arts organization that built itself up from a space in someone's barn to a fully functioning arts center over the past 50 years. There is new energy at AVA and it will become a real hive of activity as time goes on. I volunteer at AVA and I've met adults there who fondly remember their classes at AVA as children. It is a place that matters.” - JD

“The Good Neighbor Health Clinic has been providing care to people without health insurance for more than 34 years. Sadly, that population is going to mushroom with the pending loss of both Medicaid funds and premium supports for insurance on the Exchange of both NH and Vermont. Good Neighbor is going to need to provide care for many more people.” - DK

“When the two founders started the clinic 33 years ago, they thought it would only be around a couple years until universal health care kicked in. This year it provided FREE medical and dental services to almost 900 patients. I am so grateful that over 50 licensed medical/dental providers volunteer their services.” - TA

“NESA is a new, Upper Valley school providing immersive arts-based learning opportunities for its students. More importantly, it's providing a safe and supportive community for students to explore their creative side, inspiring critical thinking, imagination, and innovation. It's making a difference for these kids, and making a difference for the arts in the Upper Valley.” - SS

“It offers free aging-in-place and support for Sharon residents. Its support is critical for continuity of care, reducing isolation, promoting health literacy, and creating supports for our older adults. SHI runs entirely on grants, town funding and individual donations.” - DW

“The trust helps eight non-profit projects more efficiently pursue their missions: The HUB provides financial support and guidance to individuals and households facing unexpected hardship; Local Deeds converts residences into workforce housing with a one-time grant and perpetual deed restriction; East End Park maintains a vibrant public greenspace; the Ottauquechee River Trail provides an accessible opportunity to access nature; Woodstock Village Conservancy helps enhance and maintain public spaces and connectors; Inner Rhythms provides schoolchildren with mental health resiliency skills; Pride of Woodstock celebrates community; and Mountain Views Education Fund provides programming beyond what the school budget can support.” - WS

“When we moved to the Upper Valley my son was 3. The Fridays on the Farm program has been instrumental in my son’s love for animals, nature, and sense of community. It has helped teach him stillness (calm body and voice around the animals), stewardship of land (planting and harvesting and everything in between), sharing, teamwork and how many hands make light work. It has been invaluable, a joy to watch and be part of. StoneLedge Stables welcomed us and we found and are part of a wonderful community.” - JD

“Loving Moms Together is a very small nonprofit organization that provides Welcome Baby Bags to women in need who have just given birth. The bags provide infant care items (diaper bag, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, thermometer) as well as a baby toy and baby book, and information about community services available. It works with DHMC, Concord, and Nashua hospitals. - DS

“This group of eight volunteers takes on restoring historic buildings in Canaan, Dorchester, Enfield, Grafton, and Orange with the goal of putting the buildings back to use for the local community rather than staying as museums. It involves a lot of grants, donations, hard work, and dedication.” - EF

“This organization is only six years old, but has grown from a teen drop-in space in a basement with a pool table, to a large community center on Bradford Main Street that offers not only recreation and learning for teens, but also a community food shelf and co-working space. It's a valuable resource right in the middle of Bradford.” - BA

“The Hanover Conservancy is NH's oldest land trust. It protects some of the Upper Valley's most loved trails and woodlands, including Mink Brook and conservation areas adjoining the AT on Moose Mountain.” - AH

“This organization is amazing!! It has worked tirelessly over the years to protect parcels of land to protect our water sources, wildlife, and old-growth forest stands, and to prevent things like erosion.” - LM

“Without food and shelter, a person cannot survive. I've met and shared food, conversation, caring, cribbage, clothes, and companionship with many homeless people over the years through my connection with the Haven. Being part of our community requires being there for your neighbor.” - JA

“Kearsarge Food Hub and Sweet Beet Market connect local farmers and consumers, create community, educate and support the ever-present food security needs of the Kearsarge region. The team there does an incredible job at each of these important pillars and like all non-profits, depends on support from the Upper Valley community to do this important work.” - BR

“There is a growing need among DCC’s patients, many of whom struggle with being able to afford food while they are undergoing treatment. This may be due to inability to work or cost of medical expenses, just to name a few reasons. The growing demand exceeds the funding Healing Harvest receives. Monetary donations help patients get food they need to support them while undergoing treatment.” - NP

“It will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the Enfield Shaker Museum in June, 2026 of advanced trumpeting from all across the world in the Upper Valley. A rich musical legacy and marvelous partnership between two Upper Valley nonprofits.” - EC

“I’ve seen how it changes kids’ lives by helping them grow in confidence, friendship, and purpose. What makes it even more special is that everything they do also gives back to our community.” - FH

“The large majority of those who spend time in prison return to the community, so having support for this process is important. Dismas provides low-cost housing, meals and other support for these individuals. Volunteer cooks who also join the residents for the evening meal are a key part of what Dismas does. Other volunteers assist in additional ways, helping to keep costs down. Dismas has a record of success.” - DD

“These community mental health non profits save lives through their dedicated and compassionate treatment while helping to empower the most vulnerable residents of our region.” - JP

“Helping families, children, young, old, students, teachers, you, me, those who can’t afford a therapist, and anyone in urgent need of crisis support. West Central and others need our support to keep doing amazing work helping people and saving lives.” - DC

“UVAC is dedicated to improving community health and wellness, offering affordable access to swimming, fitness, and life-saving water safety programs for all ages. Its programs, scholarships, and outreach initiatives ensure that everyone in the Upper Valley, regardless of income or ability, has a welcoming place to learn, grow, and thrive.” - KH

“Funds are distributed directly and quickly to help local people (Thetford and surrounding towns) with urgent needs (eg. grocery cards, heating oil, firewood, gas cards, rent, medical and dental bills). A critical resource in hard times. Administered through the First Congregational Church in Thetford but recipients of support do NOT have to be connected to the church.” - RO

“I give to our northeastern forest educator, Northern Woodlands magazine, because how else will I get the down-low on eyelash cup fungi, old growth forests or how to leak check a chainsaw? Keeping this magazine alive means that I get free education on hand with my coffee or at the Center itself right down the road. This magazine keeps me in the loop of happenings in the UV, in town and in the woods.” - AL

“A local organization that conserves land with a mission to protect water quality, productive farmland, wildlife, and accessible trails for public use. They ensure that we continue to have our special outdoors to enjoy.” - RV

“I fully support the Norwich Women’s Club because of their scholarship program that provides about $30,000 each year to college and trade school-bound students, because of their community projects grants that enhance life in Norwich, and most importantly, for providing community, connection, and fun to Upper Valley women.” - SP

“Both organizations are creating and providing access to incredible trails in our community.” - SW

“The libraries are a hub of the villages of Quechee and Wilder. They serve both social and educational needs of the community.” - JR

“Good Beginnings is a fantastic service helping families during a vulnerable time in which volunteers assist with at-home chores, child care, and companionship while a family welcomes a baby into the home. They have helped my family personally by alleviating some of the pressure of feeling isolated and overwhelmed during the newborn stages.” - MB

“Grassroot Soccer is a great non-profit. They are harnessing the world’s most popular and accessible sport, soccer, to reach the largest generation of adolescents coming of age. Through the power of the game, they engage young people in addressing their most pressing and often taboo health challenges during a critical stage of development.” - LG

“Community nurses visit people at home - at no charge - to help keep older folk healthy. The more formal “visiting nurse” services can only make visits when there is a “Medicare-billable” service to be provided; community nurses, on the other hand, can simply help sometimes-frail older people stay healthy and at home. If you have a Community Nurse program in your community which depends on contributions, please help them out. Or support Community Nurse Connection, which helps communities start new programs, advocates for community nursing, and supports the nurses who are currently working in that role.” - DK

[Editor’s note: You’ll find a list of Upper Valley community nurse programs at the Community Nurse Connection website below.]

“The educational programming is very on point. I want to sign up for everything when the monthly email newsletter comes. They have 17 buildings all in different states of repair. They need $$$ to fix these beautiful historic register buildings and barns.” - MER

“Cantabile is a small, auditioned women's chorus; its mission is to advance the understanding and appreciation of women’s choral music via two annual concert performances featuring choral literature across musical periods, geographies, and genres. It often highlights women composers and emphasize the strength of women.” - MH

“It’s the nonprofit creator of VERMONT ALMANAC — the only annual print book about Vermont's working lands and the resourceful people who tend them, with contributions by over 60 Vermonters, produced entirely right here. Vermont news, clear-eyed science reporting, and art produced in print by accountable, local, content experts is in peril and needs support to remain accessible to all.” - AP

“In a small, rural town with few resources, the library is the community center. The Grafton Library is quite active, though the building is only 600 sq ft, has no bathroom and has only 4 parking spaces. FoGL is raising money to sponsor activities and improve the library.” - MG

“We are so lucky to have fare-free public transit in the Upper Valley. So many people depend on it to get to work, school, or the doctor. And donations help keep it free.” - PZ

“Along with rePlay Arts, they remind us that brightness and fun and creativity are essential. They are models of collaboration and connection.” - KR

“A wonderful community craft and learning center. As a senior, I’ve been quite involved with CS with volunteering and taking a multitude of classes. It is such a bonus to everyone in the community, including lots of great children’s programs.” - TL

“Their idea—to ask new immigrants and refugees what they need, and then let donors buy those things for them—is so simple and elegant. You get to make a difference (sometimes small, sometimes large) directly in someone’s life.” — LJ

“I volunteer at their Window Dressers build every year because it is a tangible way to help my community.” — MM

“They get involved in education around such things as E-lawncare, E-bikes, and EV's, invasives, and pollinator gardens, and helping our neighbors with Window Dresser inserts.” — RM

“I like SafeArt because it is fun, explorative, safe, and builds community bonds that last. I also really appreciate that SafeArt has stayed true to serving rural communities that lack resources and accessibility by offering camps and workshops for all people.” - CG

“It provides a warm, play-based environment where young children learn through exploration, creativity, and community connection as well as their connection with nature. As a cooperative, it strengthens local families by fostering collaboration, lifelong friendships, and a shared investment in early childhood education.” — HE

“Winters in the Upper Valley are long, cold, and dark. People have a tendency to retreat indoors, which isn’t healthy physically, psychologically, or socially. These two organizations bring people of all ages outside—getting them active, interacting with others in the UV community, and experiencing the many well-documented benefits of interacting with the natural world. They are pillars of the community and enormously deserving of support.” - MH

“LIHB is working hard to support the needs of the Lebanon Cooperative Ice Hockey teams for both boys and girls. While the players on these teams wear the Raiders uniform, they represent students from all over the Upper Valley who wouldn’t have a hockey team to play for otherwise.” - NB

“Toddler’s Morning Out nurtures curiosity, confidence, and connection. They support and create a loving community where toddlers take their first steps into learning, and parents and caregivers find encouragement, education, and friendship along the way.” - MM

“This group of volunteers is renovating and improving the Norwich Grange Hall so that it can continue its long history as a community center in the Upper Valley.” - PS

“This organization provides advocacy and support for victims of domestic and sexual violence, the vast majority of whom are women. These victims are often invisible among us every day, and this misconduct has been historically underreported to law enforcement. WISE helps these victims find ways to escape the violence, reclaim their dignity and self-worth, and secure a safe future for themselves and, in many cases, their children. I worked as a WISE crisis-line volunteer for two years. What I learned about gender-based violence in the Upper Valley was eye opening and heartbreaking. They literally save lives.” - SC

“Opera North, planning now for their 44th season and 2026 Summerfest productions at Blow-Me-Down Farm: The Upper Valley's locally-grown opera company (with full orchestra and a resident artists program attracts a devoted following and singers from around the world for the dozen or so coveted spaces that often launch careers on the stages of major companies like The Met. Equally important is their partnership with the National Park Service to preserve and protect Blow-Me-Down Farm as a national park-for-the-arts.” - SS

“Neighbors Unite provides assistance to local food shelves and neighbors experiencing particularly difficult times within the Rivendell Community. Since it formed 17 years ago, it’s provided more than $115,000 of assistance in donations to neighbors in need and to food shelves in Orford/Fairlee and West Fairlee/Vershire.” - RW (Note: no website; button takes you to their email address.)

“They provide Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors in every town within Grafton County. And they host a variety of activities, provide on-demand door-to-door transportation, help with Social Security and retirement planning, and offer a plethora of crucial services. All are free of charge.” - JC

“For over 25 years they have been a backbone, helping residents and visitors get outside and enjoy our beautiful region.” - LM

“This new little group has done SO much for the integrity and preservation of the trail networks in Thetford. It's really great to have a local group keep up this work for the resources that are so valued by everyone who loves to hike, run, cross country ski, bike, or wildlife watch (or hunt) in this beautiful part of the Upper Valley. They have a real care for the land and natural areas, and know that people can responsibly enjoy these spaces together!” - SC

“This non-profit focuses on trail stewardship in the Union Village Dam area. The TTT is a critical resource that is facilitating the relationship with the Army Corps of Engineers and with neighbors. Much of this resource could be at risk without their efforts.” - DK

“CRAFT facilitates an interdisciplinary learning pathway of courses, immersive experiences, and service learning opportunities at Woodstock Union High School. CRAFT students are empowered to be stewards of the land and their community. It has become an inspiration for other schools in our state to start to develop similar programs.” - AC

“They are a small non-profit in the UV doing big work in Orange and Windsor counties in VT and Sullivan, Grafton, and Coos counties in NH. Providing harm reduction, case management, testing, food and much more to clients. Breaking the stigma and providing a non-judgmental support system.” - AH

“Many assume Pine Park is owned by the town of Hanover or by Dartmouth. In fact, it is owned and managed by a small group of trustees. Over the last five years the park has made an ADA trail, removed invasives, logged many diseased trees, created a forestry plan, and hired a park steward. It is a special place for many in the Upper Valley.” - MB

“A literacy-focused, tuition-free, public charter school located in Lebanon, it will be opening for grades K-3 in the fall of 2026. It relies on donations to make up a large part of its budget. As a parent of a third grader who has struggled to learn to read, I know how much literacy affects students' academic growth in all areas, and we owe it to our children to give them the best foundation for their future.” - LW

“Senior Solutions serves seniors throughout southeastern Vermont. It has been so helpful providing speakers for talks on topics affecting seniors, particularly this fall on Medicare, and supporting luncheons and our senior centers. Always there to call with questions, they are now helping our town find a solution for needed social-service assistance. Covering a lot of territory with a smaller staff than is needed, we are lucky to have them.” - PH

“I make a particular donation each year for their Foxy Fund that helps seniors with companion animal expenses.” - MC

“With a health and community focus. Inclusive, friendly environment with excellent staff.” - ED

“It advances community-led solutions to harm through restorative justice programs, reentry support, and transitional housing. They create real alternatives to the traditional justice system by focusing on accountability, healing, and public safety, helping people repair harm, rebuild trust, and reenter their communities with dignity and support.” - SG

“A student-led nonprofit empowering young people to approach disagreement with curiosity. In these polarized times, I believe it's critical for young people to learn how to listen to one another and have constructive conversations about difficult topics. Founded in the Upper Valley, it has provided skills training to students at Dartmouth College and Crossroads Academy, as well as to high schools and colleges across the country.” - DH

“Competent, friendly, resourceful.” - EJ

“You may not realize how vital Margaret Pratt Community is until you are looking for an affordable community-based assisted living and memory care facility in the Bradford, VT area. We are so fortunate that MPC provides excellent care for two of our family members—they are truly ‘at home here’ and because of MPC they are able to remain in their local community with friends and family close by.” - AP

“As the only nonprofit domestic and sexual violence attorney in Vermont, HJWT offers for many the only way to end generational cycles of abuse. Their work is life-changing for the many families living in the shadows and in poverty throughout Vermont. Please consider donating to this incredible cause, your donations save children like my own!” - KH

“Their mission is to ‘build community through art and that is exactly what they do! From their global music residency that tours around the community in schools and public spaces, to their Feast & Field series and their awesome community theater season and summer youth theater program, they are committed to building community, a sense of belonging and a safe art community for all.” - JC

“BarnArts has created such beautiful, powerful, and FUN art in such a rural place, and such a tight, joyous, and loyal community as well.” - KD

“Community theater is a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together, share their talents, and create something beautiful together. Whether on stage, backstage, or in the audiences, has created a space for human expression and theatrical excellence for over 50 years and is an absolute gem of an organization.” - MH

“NCCT has exposed me (as a patron) to many memorable shows I would never have seen otherwise, and what's made those experiences particularly enjoyable is that I've gotten to see multiple dear friends find their ways back onto stage for the first time in 30 years, regaining confidence in their abilities—AND have gotten to see and support their daughters and sons in all kinds of theater roles.” - SB

“PGC is a very small Upper Valley non-profit funding Tysea, a remarkable children's home in Jacmel, Haiti, and offering safety, shelter, food, health, education, and love to eighteen beautiful children in a violent, gang-ridden, extremely poor country.” - JS

“Since 1986, ACTS has being doing a wide range of community development work in a remote rural area of Honduras. ACTS is an all-volunteer organization made up of Upper Valley people who donate their time and talents to work with Hondurans to improve their own communities.” - HW

“The Windsor Resource Center's goal is to connect area residents to a wide variety of basic needs and goods, as well as human services agencies. It provides an abundance of resources including access to food, clothing phones, computers, laundry facilities, shower facilities, counseling services, personal care items and more.” - SG

“The Sharon Academy is a place of true community. A steady foundation for individual and collective education, growth, challenge, love and curiosity. The Sharon Academy held my children while they learned who they are and how they can impact the world near and far from them with intention and purpose. It brings me great joy to know that it does this over and over again for students. An invaluable resource I am forever grateful for.” - KE

“HCC is a great local resource helping prevent suicide and substance use with our youth. Every $1 spent locally on prevention saves $4.79 in public burden spending down the road, according to Prevention Works VT's recent cost benefit analysis.” - SM

“Sharon Connects is an all-volunteer organization in Sharon that brings together folks who are passionate about our community. Along with plugging into established local events (like cooking fresh corn at the Sprouty), Sharon Connects continues to spearhead annual events that bring neighbors together, including the Sharon Skill Swap (February) and the Sharon Music Festival (July).” - RH

“In a time when affordable housing is increasingly difficult to find, Local Deeds provides a pathway to homeownership for local workers in Barnard, Bridgewater, Hartland, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading and Woodstock. The program started in 2024 and has already helped over 20 families secure housing, and this includes 16 school aged children!” - AS

“I love UVMC because it exists to help people find their musician inside of themselves.” - DD

“Upper Valley Music Center has given me a whole new life as an ‘adult onset’ fiddler and violinist! People of all ages and abilities, and music of every style and genre — all are welcome there; a generosity of spirit pervades the place! It has become my second home.” - JP

“They do so much for the Upper Valley, from the listservs to e-bike lending to connecting people to resources and finding solutions to problems in our area and more.” - DB

“The West Claremont Center for Music and the Arts has made tireless efforts over the last dozen years to connect the Claremont area community to art, music, and each other at low costs. Their programs have expanded in incredible ways, including a YouTube channel with tons of amazing live shows and discussions; the gorgeous revitalization of the Claremont Creative Center; and music lessons for Claremont's children, which have become especially important during the 2025 school budget crisis. I attend lots of concerts and workshops, and this has been a great way to meet my neighbors and reconnect with my creative side.” - CH

“This small but mighty organization has an outsized impact on the Upper Valley communities of Enfield, Springfield, and Grantham through a wide array of ecology-related grant-making programs. Efforts include preserving and repairing natural spaces, supporting young people studying in environmental science-related fields, promoting solar vehicle charging and recycling, creating green spaces, and presenting ecology education programs for all ages. The breadth of projects is truly astounding - from riparian buffer repair to woodland storywalks!” - MK

“This is the fiscal agent for the Turning Point Recovery Center in Wilder. A home base for hundreds of people in recovery from substance use disorder and other addictive behaviors. It also has two transitional residence for people in early recovery.” - ST

“I work in rehab at Mt. Ascutney hospital and John Bayliss (and Canaan’s Harry Armstrong), volunteering with the Lions club, makes a huge difference to our patients. He collects and delivers donated durable medical equipment to our hospital, other Upper Valley hospitals, and to people’s homes. Typically when someone leaves rehab they need something - a shower chair, commode, toilet safety frame, wheelchair, hospital bed ….. and often they don’t have someone able to drive to the senior centers to hunt for what they need.” - AM

“NEHSA offers year-round programming that includes adaptive kayaking, adaptive paddle boarding, adaptive skiing and snowboarding, and adaptive hiking. Donations are always welcome, but the program would not exist without volunteers, so volunteering is also a way to give.” - SG

“A wonderful organization creating a community welcoming to people of all abilities. They provide programming and advocacy for people with special needs throughout the Upper Valley.” - CD

“A home for parents of children with an illness at Dartmouth Health—and a wonderful place to volunteer or give a donation.” - KS

“An all-volunteer organization that supports the towns of Barnard, Bethel, Pittsfield, and Stockbridge. The Bethel Area Food Shelf helps families and individuals who face food insecurity.” - TM

“A free year-round program by UVRF for cancer survivors. Studies have shown that exercise helps reduce the risk of cancer returning. Plus it strengthen bones, improves balance, and improves mood and self esteem. No experience necessary—and a community who understands the journey. Completely free for adults who are living with cancer, whatever the stage of treatment or recovery.” - AM

“The campaign for the Norwich Farmers Market will provide much-needed infrastructure for farmers across our region to bring their goods to market year-round and for our community to gather. The project also includes an affordable housing component. A powerful combo for rural vitality!” - CL

“Based in Barnard, TTP has a global community showcasing photographers making work about mental health. Love the mission statement (“to transform how the world understands and engages with mental health through the universal language of photography”) and the destigmatizing of mental health struggles. - OB

“All the experiences with The Mentoring Project give these mentees confidence and life experiences to enjoy and remember. The more confident they are the easier it will be for them to make life decisions.” - HM

"(Something I've learned from my mentor) is to always look at the bigger picture and to realize and understand what others are going through and respect them." - CG