The Vermont Community Foundation awarded a two-year, $50,000 grant to CCTV Center for Media & Democracy for CommonGoodVT.org, a two-year pilot network that aims to support Vermont’s nonprofit organizations to “do more with less” and generate social benefit for the people of the state. CommonGoodVT.org convenes a human and electronic network designed to raise the visibility of Vermont’s independent sector and improve the capacity of its nonprofit organizations to deliver efficient and effective service.

VCF Senior Philanthropic Advisor Jen Peterson said: “The Vermont Community Foundation is thrilled to support the launch of this project. The network will offer both the technical assistance and peer connections that nonprofits have requested, and it dovetails with the Foundation’s goal to help charitable partners achieve their missions. CCTV has embraced the power of Web 2.0 technologies, and we applaud their continued commitment to help nonprofits take advantage of these cutting edge tools.”

CommonGoodVT.org will result in 1) an animated network of nonprofit organizations connected with each other 2) a vibrant, active online web portal/commons/network (www.commongoodvt.org) that raises the profile of the independent sector and provides capacity support in the areas of concern to nonprofit leaders and 3) a business plan that evaluates and proposes scenarios for the long-term viability of CommonGoodVT.org.

CCTV Center for Media & Democracy (www.cctv.org) provides channels, tools and training for organizations and activists to expand their reach and impact and make social change happen. Celebrating 25 years as a nationally recognized hub of free speech advocacy, public access demonstrations and nonprofit capacity building, CCTV is a pioneer of community media in the digital age.

For more information please contact Kathleen Swanson, CCTV Development Director at Kathleen@cctv.org or 802.862.1645 x19 or Paige Pierson, Communications Manager, The Vermont Community Foundation, ppierson@vermontcf.org or 802.388.3355 x246.