Our mission at the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) is to nurture the economic prosperity, ecological health, and social connectivity of people, businesses, organizations and communities in Vermont for the benefit and well-being of all who live here.
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Who We Are
VSJF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit created by the Vermont Legislature in 1995. We partner with state government, businesses, and nonprofits to build a resilient, equitable, and climate-conscious economy.
Our Approach
We approach our work with a systems-level change lens. We take the long view, partnering with innovators and early adopters to test and demonstrate new market opportunities that will lead to a greener, more sustainable economy in Vermont.
This work requires creativity, collaboration, and persistence to make incremental changes to the current economic system that will result in a well-being-focused economy. We know that we cannot achieve this alone. We partner with state government, private sector businesses, and nonprofits that share our values. From our vantage point between business and government, we are in a unique position to understand the shared values that drive our economy forward and ask ourselves where we can expand our impact:
- Where else can we provide system-level support that will create jobs and improve well-being for all who live in Vermont?
- What programs are helping Vermonters thrive?
- What industries will shape Vermont’s future economy?
Our Services
Our services are designed to help Vermont businesses thrive economically while prioritizing ecological and social well-being.
We offer business management coaching, supply chain coordination services, network development services, and strategic planning to the agriculture and food systems, forest and fiber products, waste management, renewable energy, and environmental technology sectors.
Impact Reports
Every year, we measure what matters. Our Impact Reports highlight the progress, partnerships, and outcomes that drive Vermont’s sustainable future. Explore how our programs strengthen communities, grow businesses, and advance a wellbeing economy, one year at a time.
VSJF Organizational Model
This VSJF organizational diagram captures our core programs, the sectors we work in, and our approaches to our work.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
As an organization, staff and board, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund works to create an economy where the needs of all people are met within the capacity of our living planet. We recognize the historical and present-day social inequities and racism that exist within Vermont. We address these through our shared work.
To accomplish this, we strive to integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into our programs, partnerships, and internal operations. We intentionally collaborate, learn from, and stand in solidarity with individuals, organizations, and businesses with diverse backgrounds, paths, perspectives, and life experiences.
FAQ
What is the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund?
A nonprofit organization committed to nurturing Vermont’s sustainable economy through innovation, collaboration, and systems-level change.
What exactly does the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund do?
We provide business assistance, supply chain coordination, network development, and strategic planning across five key sectors – agriculture and food systems, forest and fiber products, waste management, renewable energy, and environmental technology. Our partnerships and collaborations position Vermont as a state where social impact entrepreneurs want to start and grow businesses connected to the emerging climate economy. We are able to leverage our comprehensive networks of individuals and organizations in any of our designated economic sectors to strengthen connectivity, alignment, and action that lead to the sustainable development of our economy.
How is the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund funded?
We receive funding from state, federal, foundation, and corporate sources to advance shared goals for Vermont’s economy.
How can I get a sustainable job?
Sustainable jobs pay livable wages, support well-being, and contribute positively to society and the environment. Vermont is home to many employers who routinely win awards for their social, environmental, and economic performance. Explore opportunities through Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, Vermont Farm to Plate, and other networks.
Do you offer job placement services?
While we don’t place individuals directly, we recommend these resources:
- Vermont Farm to Plate Network
- Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
- The Vermont Professionals of Color Network
- Seven Days Jobs
- Vermont Jobs Link
- Vermont State Government Jobs
- Veteran Services
- Good Food Jobs
- Vermont Woodworks Council
- Renewable Energy Vermont
How does the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund create jobs in Vermont?
Our work strengthens the support systems for businesses in the sectors we serve (agriculture and food system, forest product, waste management, renewable energy, and environmental technology) and we help create the conditions that lead to expanded market opportunities, which leads to stable and sustainable jobs. For instance, by actively promoting the local food system, eliminating bottlenecks, and opening up new markets to consumers and other activities, food system businesses have felt the pull of consumer demand for local food and thus have expanded their production and jobs in order to meet this growing demand. Food system employers created at least 6,370 net new jobs in the food system here in Vermont between 2009 and 2016.
How can I get a sustainable job?
A sustainable job is more than just one that lasts for many years. We believe sustainable jobs are ones that pay at least a livable income, in a supportive work environment, in an organization that does not negatively impact the environment (or has a net positive impact), and one that makes products or offers services that are of value to society and meet real human needs. Vermont is home to many triple bottom line employers who routinely win awards for their social, environmental, and economic performance. Learn more by checking out the membership of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility or the Vermont Business Magazine’s Book of Lists.
Do you offer job placement services?
There are many services and websites in Vermont to help people find available jobs. Often, business trade associations, businesses, and organizations have job postings on their website.
We encourage job seekers to visit the following websites:
Agriculture and Food Systems:
Forest Products:
Renewable Energy:
What does it cost to live in Vermont?
The Vermont Legislature’s biennial Livable Wage Report explores this question. VSJF helps businesses become more profitable so they can pay sustainable wages.