Volunteer Opportunities

As our organization grows, we find the helping hands and minds of our volunteers to be a wonderful source of inspiration. Our Volunteer Program is a recent effort to better utilize and organize the offers of help we get from many in the area.

To find out more, contact Elena Gustavson, our Community Outreach and Education Coordinator or download an information form to fill out and return to us. As volunteer opportunities arise, we will contact you for your availability. 

Internships

We offer internships year-round, based on the opportunities we have available. As we further develop this program, we will advertise for and post possibilities.

Sponsorship

There are several ways to sponsor a program, event or project through the Center for an Agricultural Economy.

We participate in the Memorial Day Weekend Hardwick Spring Fest, where sponsorship of tents or festival events are often solicited from Vermont businesses, organizations and individuals.

In August, we co-sponsor the newly coined Vermont Food & Farmer Fest, a 2 day event of farm tours, workshops, local food and music. We are in need of sponsors for the ongoing festivities that range from bicycle tours, maps, food, tents and more.

Most recently, we are working on a Farm Mapping project where we have received a small VAAFM grant to develop a Local Food Directory for Hardwick and the surrounding communities. We are looking for advertising sponsors to help us publish a map that features visitor friendly farms, farm stands, farmers' markets and more.

Donations

There are several ways to donate to the CAE. We accept donations of products for specific programs and events (such as compost for the Community Garden and beef for our monthly chili donation to the Food Pantry); donations of services like those provided by Michael Lew-Smith who assesed the wetland at Atkins Field as well cash donations to programs, events or towards the general operations of our organization.

All donors become members of the Center for an Agricultural Economy!

• Members know that their donation supports the dedicated work of the Center to be a leader in the expansion of a healthy and secure local food system in the great Hardwick region, whose success has applicability elsewhere in Vermont and beyond
• Members receive the seasonal e-newsletter, including updates on the Center’s progress to meet its goals
• Members receive special invitations to sustainable agriculture tours, speaker visits, farm-to-table food events, and news about key Center-sponsored programs in partnership with others like-minded organizations
• Members receive an invitation to the Annual Meeting, which will feature a special food event celebrating local food production and preparation.

Every membership and gift, regardless of size, is greatly appreciated.

It is easy to contribute to the Center by mail with our printable mail-in membership form or securely online.

Download the Mail-in Donation Form (pdf) 

Or - use the button below to make a secure donation online through JustGive.org: Please note, our former name "Center for a Biobased Economy" still shows, but rest assured you are donating to the CAE