Every summer, thousands of Vermonters and visitors gather on the lawn at Shelburne Museum to enjoy world-class music in one of the most iconic outdoor settings in the state.
Last year, for the first time, Waterbury, Vermont-based NOMAD powered the concert series entirely with clean battery energy storage, replacing diesel generators and helping to avoid nearly 4,500 pounds of carbon dioxide pollution.
This year, the Vermont Community Foundation is proud to step in as a key partner to make that impact possible once again. Thanks to philanthropic support from VCF, the 2025 Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Green at Shelburne Museum will continue as a fully net-zero event—powered entirely by NOMAD’s battery-based system.
“After two years of devastating flooding across the state, we know that climate resilience isn’t an abstract idea, it’s a daily reality for Vermont communities. Because of our fundholders’ partnership, VCF can step into the space between business, nonprofits, and government to accelerate Vermont-grown innovation and bring these solutions to a broader stage,” said Dan Smith, President & CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation. “NOMAD’s system—developed and deployed right here in Vermont—represents exactly the kind of local innovation the Community Foundation is proud to support.”
For concertgoers, that means the same incredible performances, without the noise, fumes, or carbon impact of traditional power sources. If you’ve been already, you know the scene. If you haven’t, picture families sprawled out on picnic blankets, kids dancing barefoot on the grass, and world-class music filling the air—all powered by silent, clean energy that lets the music take center stage.
“Live concerts require a lot of power and when you’re in a location without access to grid power, that historically required diesel generators,” said Alex Crothers, co-founder of Higher Ground. “Without the right resources, we’re often faced with difficult choices between what’s ideal and what’s feasible. Thanks to the support of the Vermont Community Foundation, we had the ability to choose a better path. This partnership is helping us cut emissions and demonstrate what outdoor concerts can look like.”
The VCF can support initiatives like the net-zero concert series thanks to the generosity and partnership of its fundholders. Each year, more than $70 million is put to work in communities across Vermont through grants, programs, and impact-focused investments—including over $20 million invested in Vermont businesses and organizations advancing renewable energy, affordable housing, and access to healthcare.
“Last year, when we realized we’d delivered 72 hours of clean power—from setup through encore—we wanted to understand the impact,” said Chris McKay, COO of NOMAD. “The numbers were eye-opening: avoiding nearly 4,500 pounds of CO₂, the equivalent of burning more than 2,000 pounds of coal. In just four concerts, we avoided the carbon sequestered by more than 2 acres of forest in a year. It showed us what’s possible when you replace diesel with real, local innovation.”
The 2025 Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Green at Shelburne Museum promises something special: world-class performances powered by local innovation and shared values. It’s a celebration of what we can do—together.
We hope to see you on the green.
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About Vermont Community Foundation:
The Vermont Community Foundation was established in 1986 as an enduring source of philanthropic support for Vermont communities. A family of more than 1,000 funds, foundations, and supporting organizations, the Foundation makes it easy for the people who care about Vermont to find and fund the causes they love. The VCF and its partners put more than $70 million annually to work in Vermont communities and beyond. The heart of its work is closing the opportunity gap—the divide that leaves too many Vermonters struggling to get ahead, no matter how hard they work. The VCF envisions Vermont at its best—where everyone can build a bright, secure future. Give where your heart lives. Vermontcf.org
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Support for clean energy solutions reflects a broader commitment at the Vermont Community Foundation. Through our Climate and Environment Initiative, the VCF is investing in Vermont’s long-term sustainability—from clean water and healthy forests to renewable energy and regenerative agriculture.
Wondering how your giving can support the environment? Our Giving Quiz is a quick and thoughtful way to explore your values and discover how your philanthropy can help protect Vermont’s natural resources, support climate resilience, and make a lasting difference for future generations.
Ready to get started?
Call us at 802-388-3355 (opt. 5) or email us at philanthropy@vermontcf.org and let’s put your generosity to work creating connections and opportunities in Vermont.
