About Us

Bowse Health Trust

Established in 1996 by Rutland Regional Medical Center to fund collaborative, community-based programs aimed at creating a healthier community. A resolution by the Rutland Regional Health Services (RRHS) Board of Directors renamed this initiative in memory of James T. Bowse, President/CEO of Rutland Regional and RRHS. Jim died unexpectedly on June 17, 1997. He came to Rutland Regional in 1989 and, during his tenure, maintained an active interest in the health and wellness of the community. Jim was instrumental establishing the Trust in the fall of 1996. In naming the trust after Jim, we recognize the contributions he made to our community. Since then, the Bowse Health Trust has funded 4.5M to 64 programs in the Rutland Region.

Each year, the Trust awards grants to new projects that align programs with the identified priority areas from the most recent Community Health Needs Assessment. The current priority areas are:

Housing as Health Care
Supporting Aging Community
Childcare and Parenting
Mental Health

Currently Funded Programs

Awarded 2019:

Early Childhood and Special Education Initiative, Castleton University
Hickory Street and Beyond Early Head Start, Rutland Community Programs, Inc.
Caregiver Support Program, Rutland Mental Health

Awarded 2018:

Mill River Engage, Mill River Unified Union School District
Center for Health and Learning, Rutland Suicide Safe Care
Vermont Farmers Food Center, Farm Based Experiential Learning

Awarded 2017:

Turning Point Center of Rutland, Peer Recovery Support Services for Substance Disorders
Mentor Connector, Opioid Family Mentoring Program
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, Job Connection

Grant Cycle Deadlines:

Planning Grants/Letter of Intent are due July 15
Request for Proposals are due October 1

Planning on Applying?

Click on the attachments below for more information about funding criteria and the required forms:

Or contact the Bowse Health Trust directly for the necessary forms at 802.776.5503 or by email.