Fletcher Farm Foundation Inc.

Unlike the other foundations in this batch, the Fletcher Farm Foundation Inc. does accept external grant applications — making it accessible to qualifying organizations. The foundation states on IRS Form 990-PF that applications should be submitted "in letter form providing as much information regarding the use of the grant," with no formal deadlines and no stated geographic or topical restrictions. However, the practical funding history is extremely concentrated: the Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow, Vermont has been the primary beneficiary for over 90 years, receiving roughly $40,000 annually. The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library is the second consistent grantee. Beyond these two legacy commitments, the foundation makes modest grants to Okemo Valley community service organizations (Black River Good Neighbors for flood recovery, craft school tuition subsidies). The most effective approach for any organization seeking funding is to: (1) be located in the Ludlow/Cavendish/Proctorsville area of Windsor County, VT; (2) provide educational, welfare, library, arts, or community enrichment services; (3) submit a letter directly to PO Box 71, Ludlow, VT 05149 or call (802) 228-8838 to speak with Executive Director Douglas LeMire. The foundation's open application policy is unique in its asset class but the narrow geographic focus and legacy commitments mean available discretionary funding is limited — likely $10,000-$30,000 per year for new grantees, and only for Okemo Valley organizations.

The Fletcher Farm Foundation operates on an August 31 fiscal year end and distributes approximately $46,000–$91,000 annually in charitable grants. The most recent fiscal years show: FY2025 (ending Aug 2025): $86,080; FY2024 (ending Aug 2024): $91,043; FY2023 (ending Aug 2023): $88,942; FY2022: $76,644; FY2021: $45,849; FY2020: $46,451. The primary grant — roughly $39,996–$40,000 to the Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow — is paid in multiple tranches per year and represents approximately 44-46% of annual disbursements. The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library receives secondary support ($5,000–$10,000 per year). Tuition subsidies for Ludlow and Cavendish residents attending the Vermont Crafts Council summer craft school at Fletcher Farm have ranged from $909 to $6,970 per year. Disaster relief or special community grants (e.g., Black River Good Neighbors flood recovery, $10,000 in 2024) supplement the baseline. The foundation's revenue is derived entirely from investment returns (dividends averaging $73,000–$85,000/year) and rental income from its properties (~$30,000/year). There are no outside contributions. The portfolio is approximately $4.4M in assets. The executive director (Douglas LeMire) receives $12,500/year in compensation — the foundation's only paid role.

The Fletcher Farm Foundation is unique in the Vermont private foundation landscape for being one of the few foundations in its asset class (~$4M) that (a) holds significant real property as part of its charitable mission, (b) has operated continuously since 1933/1941, and (c) explicitly accepts unsolicited letter applications despite having no formal grant guidelines or competitive process. Its annual giving level ($46K-$91K) is modest relative to its asset base (~$4.4M), reflecting a 5% distribution minimum rather than active grantmaking strategy. The Vermont Community Foundation and Vermont Arts Council are significantly larger and more competitive alternatives for statewide or regional arts/education grants. For hyperlocal Okemo Valley organizations, Fletcher Farm Foundation offers a less competitive pathway than statewide funders.

For fiscal year ending August 2025, the Fletcher Farm Foundation reported total assets of $4,413,109 (slightly up from $4,347,282 at Aug 2024), revenue of $340,012 (driven by $224,564 in capital gains and $85,232 in dividends), and charitable disbursements of $86,080. The IRS Form 990-PF was filed January 12, 2026. The grant portfolio for FY2024 (ending Aug 2024) featured continued strong support for the Fletcher Memorial Library (multiple grants totaling ~$119,988), disaster/flood recovery support for Black River Good Neighbors ($10,000), and tuition subsidies totaling $13,139. A notable 2022 program description mentioned a $10,000 donation to Black River Good Neighbors specifically to help the community recover from floods — likely the summer 2023 Vermont flooding event — suggesting the foundation is responsive to local disasters. The foundation website (fletcherfarmfoundation.org) was last updated circa 2011 but remains functional. The Vermont Crafts Council (formerly the Association / Society of Vermont Artist and Craftsmen) continues to use the Fletcher Farm Ludlow property for its summer craft school, with the foundation subsidizing tuition for permanent residents of Ludlow and Cavendish.

Application process: Fletcher Farm Foundation accepts applications — submit a letter to Fletcher Farm Foundation, PO Box 71, Ludlow, VT 05149. Call (802) 228-8838 to confirm current priorities before submitting. Executive Director Douglas LeMire manages day-to-day operations.

Who should apply: 1. Libraries serving Windsor County/Okemo Valley: The Fletcher Memorial Library (Ludlow) has been the primary beneficiary for over 90 years. Other libraries in Ludlow, Cavendish, or Proctorsville have received support. Library capital campaigns, operational support, and accessibility improvements are strong fits. 2. Arts and craft education organizations: The Vermont Crafts Council uses the foundation's property for summer programs. Craft education organizations serving Ludlow and Cavendish residents have the highest affinity. 3. Community services and welfare organizations: Black River Good Neighbors (Ludlow) has received multiple grants. Organizations providing social services, disaster relief, or welfare support in the Okemo Valley align with the original "educational or welfare purposes" charter. 4. Educational programs for Ludlow/Cavendish residents: The foundation subsidizes tuition directly for craft school attendance. Other educational programs for local residents may be fundable. 5. Recreation and wellness: The foundation converted cornfields to soccer/softball fields in 2007 for local community use. Parks, trails, and recreation organizations in the Okemo Valley area have precedent.

Grant sizing expectations: - First-time grants likely $5,000–$10,000 based on historical secondary grantees - Repeat grants may grow; the Cavendish Fletcher Library has received $5,000–$10,000 annually - Large grants (>$25,000) appear reserved for the Fletcher Memorial Library specifically

Fiscal year calendar: Note the August 31 year-end, meaning applications should be submitted before spring/summer for inclusion in current-year planning.