The Vermont Bar Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the Richard Cassidy Special Grant Program, a one-time initiative launched to honor the life and legacy of attorney Richard Cassidy, whose career was rooted in justice, and public service.
The VBF has awarded $100,000 in special grants to 21 Vermont organizations whose work embodies Richard’s lifelong mission – advancing justice, removing barriers, and supporting Vermonters in meaningful and transformative ways. These organizations touch every corner of our state, from rural communities to urban neighborhoods, addressing challenges that span housing, disability rights, youth services, economic opportunity, and more.
Among the grantees is Dismas of Vermont, whose Executive Director Christina Goodwin shared: “Having the support of the Richard Cassidy Special Grant Program is especially meaningful, as Richard was one of our early supporters shortly after Buell Street Dismas House opened in 1986. With these grant funds, we will provide people returning from incarceration with a community-based support network, transitional housing, and wrap-around services to empower them with the self-determined skills for thriving and to avoid returning to prison.”
The program also supports organizations working on the front lines of economic justice, like Vermont Works for Women. Executive Director Rhoni Basden said: “This support will help us broaden our work in promoting inclusive hiring practices with Vermont employers and to support our employment training programs for currently incarcerated women and those reentering their communities. Together, we are building greater economic opportunities for all Vermonters.”
At KidSafe Collaborative, the grant will provide emergency support to families navigating the Chittenden County Family Treatment Court Docket. “The Vermont Bar Foundation’s belief that access to justice extends beyond the courthouse, and Richard Cassidy’s lifelong commitment to removing barriers, align deeply with our values,” said Executive Director Megan Masterson. “We are honored to receive support that helps make these beliefs a reality for the families we serve.”
Grants were also awarded to organizations supporting LGBTQ+ Vermonters, including Rutland County Pride, whose Executive Director William Fourney-Mills shared: “This grant from the Vermont Bar Foundation is a powerful affirmation of our mission. It will directly support our work to expand access, uplift marginalized voices, and build a more just and inclusive Vermont.”
Disability Rights Vermont will use their funding to protect and advance the rights of individuals with disabilities. “We are very grateful to be a recipient of such a wonderful grant award,” said Executive Director Lindsey Owen. “This support will help us further protect, support, and provide the tools people need – now more than ever – when rights are being threatened and resources taken away.”
This initiative was envisioned as a reflection of Richard Cassidy’s enduring values – a vision deeply appreciated by his wife, Becky Cassidy: “Richard’s commitment to justice for all wasn’t something he only said with the Pledge of Allegiance. It was inherent in his being, as was his love for the Constitution, the rule of law, civility, and decency. He would embrace this call to action by the VBF, as do I. My thanks to the Board and staff for their vision and generosity in establishing this grant program which honors Richard’s values and memory.”
2025 Richard Cassidy Special Grant Awardees:
- ARC-Rutland Area
- Bridge to Rutland, Inc.
- BROC Community Action
- Central Vermont Refugee Action Network
- Disability Rights Vermont
- Dismas of Vermont
- KidSafe Collaborative
- Let’s Build Homes
- OUR House of Central VT, Inc.
- Pride Center of Vermont
- Rutland County Pride
- Spectrum Youth and Family Services
- SPEAK Inc.
- Therapeutic Works
- The Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VT PoC)
- Vermont Immigration Legal Defense Fund
- Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
- Vermont Nonprofit Legal Hub
- Vermont Parent Representation Center, Inc.
- Vermont Works for Women
- Voices for Vermont’s Children
These organizations are doing critical work that directly improves the lives of Vermonters facing significant challenges. By supporting their efforts, we are investing in stronger communities and meaningful change across the state. We remain committed to breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities for all Vermonters. Thank you for standing with us as we move this important work forward.
From the Vermont Bar Foundation, Hannah King, Executive Director
Learn more about how you can support the VBF here.
