“Newcomers” are defined as folks who have moved (or returned) to Vermont within the last 2 years. You’re of course welcome to invite someone who has been here longer than that – or to someone who is new to your town but not new to Vermont. However, due to grant funding requirements, special deals and reimbursements will only apply for those who moved to Vermont from another state after March 1, 2024.

Hosts should not be closely related to their newcomers, but other than that, invite anyone you like -- coworker, neighbor, fellow parent at your kids' school ... 

We will reimburse up to $25 for hosting an individual; $50 for hosting a couple; and $75 for hosting a family -- plus $25 for your own meal. You may use this reimbursement for a restaurant or home-cooked meal. We cannot reimburse for alcohol. Meals must take place during the month of March. 

If you would like to participate as an organization or individual but don’t see your region listed, reach out to Rachel, our GROW SoVermont program manager.

This is primarily a “host-side” initiative, to empower longtime locals to become ambassadors and think of new Vermonters they can extend the welcome to. If you’re a newcomer, we absolutely want to get you connected as well! Sign up for the Vermont Welcome Wagon Project and we'll do our best to match you up with a host -- either for dinner in March or another get together later in the year. 

This initiative is part of the statewide GROW network to help new and returning Vermonters find community and is funded by the Agency of Commerce and Community Development.

Thank you for helping welcome our new neighbors!

"We had a great time! It was nice to connect and share our thoughts on living in Whitingham."

“Love this initiative - it helps build community by connecting people that might not have had the opportunity to meet as easily (or at all). Working remotely and living in a rural area, I have to actively go out of my way to connect with people and build new relationships but programs like this make it so much easier!”

“We had a wonderful conversation, finding that we had many things in common. I feel confident that we have made new friends through the program, thank you!”

"Great to enjoy a dinner with a new coworker outside of work."

“It was truly wonderful to get to know my new neighbors. We really enjoyed sharing the meal and our company. We even talked about starting a communal garden together! I also was happy to support a local business.”

“It looks like we each have a new friend!”


“Thank you for arranging this. What a wonderful program! I enjoyed meeting my host and look forward to getting together with her in the future.”