South Burlington and Middlebury, VT — Common Good Vermont and the Vermont Community Foundation announce the launch of the Vermont Nonprofit HelpDesk, a new statewide resource designed to connect Vermont’s nonprofit organizations with timely, expert support.  

Developed in partnership with the Nonprofit Legal Hub and CoLab, the HelpDesk addresses a persistent and urgent gap: nonprofits across Vermont need support to navigate the complex landscape of legal, financial, and operational challenges and to find the right help when they need it most. 

A Problem Years in the Making
Through consultations, surveys, listening sessions, and field research, nonprofit leaders across Vermont have sent a consistent message: they are overwhelmed.  

While a wide range of resources and support organizations already exist, a critical gap remains in connecting nonprofits to the right person or information at the right time. The Vermont Nonprofit HelpDesk was built to close that gap. 

“Vermont nonprofits are doing essential work in our communities, but too often they’re navigating complex challenges without adequate support,” said Emma Paradis, Common Good Vermont Co-Director. “The HelpDesk is our answer:  a simple, trusted front door that connects every nonprofit, no matter their size or location, to the help they need.” 

How the HelpDesk Works
The Vermont Nonprofit HelpDesk is currently in its pilot stage and has received dozens of inquiries in the first few weeks of operation.  

Nonprofits reach out through an accessible contact form to describe their question or challenge. A trained HelpDesk Manager guides them to the right resource, whether that’s a vetted online tool, a template, a training, or a trusted expert who can provide direct support.  

Key services include real-time triage of nonprofit questions, with referrals to technical expertise, templates, tools, trainings, and other resources.   

Building a Stronger Nonprofit Sector
In addition to strengthening individual nonprofits through the sharing of resources, the HelpDesk aims to build a stronger nonprofit sector through sharing anonymized data. Partners are excited by the creation of a statewide dataset on nonprofit needs, offering funders and technical assistance providers valuable insight into sector trends. 

“The Vermont Community Foundation is proud to support a resource that will strengthen the entire nonprofit sector,” said Holly Morehouse, VP for Community Impact at the Vermont Community Foundation. “When nonprofits can quickly find the guidance they need, they can focus on what matters most — serving Vermont communities.” 

Accessing the HelpDesk
Any Vermont nonprofit can submit a question or request support through the HelpDesk contact form at https://commongoodvt.org/helpdesk/. The HelpDesk is free to use and open to nonprofits of all sizes across the state.