Vermont Community Foundation Appointed New Program Director

Emilye Pelow Corbett has been named the new Planned Giving Program Director for the statewide organization.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy

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The Vermont Community Foundation has appointed long-time staff member Emilye Pelow Corbett as its new Planned Giving Program Director to lead expanded philanthropic resources. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Vermont Community Foundation has appointed long-time staff member Emilye Pelow Corbett as its new Planned Giving Program Director. This leadership change coincides with a broader effort to expand resources for donors and professional advisors.

Why it matters

By strengthening its planned giving infrastructure, the organization aims to help donors achieve lasting philanthropic impacts across the state. These resources provide a pathway for individuals to secure long-term charitable support for Vermont communities.

Established in 1994, the Vermont Community Foundation now oversees more than 1,000 distinct funds, foundations, and supporting organizations. The entity maintains a significant economic footprint by distributing nearly $80 million in grants and support annually.

The players

Vermont Community Foundation

This is a statewide philanthropic organization that manages charitable assets and distributes funds to support community projects throughout Vermont.

Emilye Pelow Corbett

She is the newly appointed Planned Giving Program Director who has contributed to the organization's philanthropy team for over ten years.

The details

Emilye Pelow Corbett, who has served on the foundation's philanthropy team for over a decade, will lead the new initiative to modernize planned giving. The foundation has also launched a dedicated website and educational sessions to better support professional advisors and their clients.

Timeline

  1. The Vermont Community Foundation was established in 1994.

  2. Emilye Pelow Corbett was appointed program director in September 2026.

Market Landscape

This leadership transition reflects a strategic shift within the regional nonprofit sector toward formalizing legacy giving structures. It positions the organization to better compete for long-term philanthropic capital against national charitable vehicles by enhancing its local professional advisory network.

Donors and professional advisors in Vermont will now have access to updated educational sessions and a dedicated website for planned giving. These resources simplify the process of making long-term charitable contributions and navigating legacy planning.

The takeaway

Legacy giving provides a structured way for individuals to ensure their assets continue to benefit local community causes for generations. Consulting with a professional advisor can help residents align these long-term gifts with their personal philanthropic goals.

Further reading

Learn more about the state's charitable landscape in the Vermont Philanthropy section.

More information

For more information on the foundation's resources, visit the Vermont Community Foundation homepage.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Vermont Business Magazine.

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