By Kolby LaMarche

The Pride Center of Vermont announced late yesterday that it has received an anonymous one-time gift of $350,000, a donation leadership described as transformational bridge funding that will allow the organization to stabilize finances and rebuild with deliberate care.

The gift arrives during the most challenging chapter in the Pride Center’s 40-year history. In early 2025, accumulated debt, governance concerns, and the loss of several major grants forced the organization to close its Church Street headquarters to the public, lay off most of its staff, and suspend nearly all in-person programming. 

Since then, PCVT has operated at minimal capacity, maintaining only virtual support lines and crisis referrals.

According to the announcement, the $350,000 will be used immediately to retire outstanding debt and liabilities, establish an emergency reserve so services can continue without interruption during future uncertainty, and hire independent financial experts to conduct a full review of the organization’s books.

The funds will also cover essential reduced operational costs during the rebuild period, including secure off-site storage for records, a post office box, and professional bookkeeping support.

A significant portion will support a comprehensive community needs assessment to guide future programming, as well as a formal retrospective process that will bring together former staff, board members, program participants, and community partners to examine what worked and what went wrong over the organization’s history.

Leadership says the gift will enable the development of a detailed strategic plan that includes a realistic timeline for reopening programs and, eventually, the physical space. 

Perhaps most critically, it will help lay the foundation for a more sustainable funding model less vulnerable to fluctuations in state and federal grants, the organization said. 

While the donation provides immediate breathing room, the Pride Center emphasized that the $350,000 is not a long-term solution. 

Staff and board members repeatedly stressed that ongoing monthly contributions from the community will determine whether the organization can fully resume operations and expand services in the years ahead.

The organization continues to urge supporters to visit pridecentervt.org/#donate.