In honor of Richard Cassidy’s lifelong commitment to justice, the Vermont Bar Foundation is launching the Richard Cassidy Special Grant Program — a values-driven initiative to support Vermont organizations working to build a more just and equitable future. This new program is not just a tribute — it is a call to action.
At a time when federal and state funding for justice is uncertain — and communities across Vermont are facing increasing legal, economic, and social strain — the VBF Board is stepping up with a $100,000 commitment to help strengthen and sustain Vermont’s justice ecosystem.
This program empowers the Foundation to support organizations whose work aligns with our mission, even when it falls outside the scope of traditional legal representation.
This program supports organziations that reflect the Vermont Bar Foundation’s mission and vision: A Vermont where everyone — regardless of income, identity, or circumstance — has access to justice, can exercise their legal rights, and can live with dignity in a fair and equitable society.
We welcome applications from:
- Legal service providers, advocacy groups, and justice-focused nonprofits
- Organizations offering wraparound services (such as housing, healthcare, domestic violence support, or mental health) that intersect with legal needs
- Community-based organizations advancing legal empowerment, systemic change, or public education about rights and justice
Examples of Eligible Initiatives May Include:
- Legal rights education in underserved communities
- Programs reducing barriers to justice for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrant, or rural Vermonters
- Integrated wraparound service models including legal navigation
- Efforts to build public trust in Vermont’s justice system
- Early intervention or legal harm prevention models
Eligibility & Restrictions
- Vermont-based organizations aligned with VBF’s mission and vision are eligible.
- Organizations that received funding through VBF’s 2025–2026 competitive or non-competitive grant cycles are not eligible to apply.
Richard Cassidy was a champion of fairness, justice, and public service in Vermont. By naming this grant program in his honor, the Vermont Bar Foundation recognizes his enduring contributions to the state’s legal community. This program is grounded in the Foundation’s own mission — to advance access to justice for all Vermonters — and reflects the values Richard has upheld throughout his distinguished career.
Applications open July 1st. Interested organizations are encouraged to reach out to Hannah King at hannah@vtbarfoundation.org.
Submitted by Hannah King
