Woodstock Community Trust

Woodstock Community Trust is a non-profit umbrella organization in Woodstock, VT that empowers teams to carry out local projects to improve the quality of life in their community.

While the Humankind Land Trust (the "Trust") and the Woodstock Community Trust ("WCT") are both dedicated to fostering sustainable and supportive communities, their fundamental structures, operational mechanisms, and visions differ significantly.

The Humankind Land Trust: A Model for Direct Land Governance

The Trust is conceptualized as a direct land-owning entity. Its core mission involves collecting and governing land specifically for the collective good of its residents. The operational model is centered on leasing properties within the trust. The revenue generated from these leases is then strategically reinvested in three key areas:

• Covering operating expenses: Ensuring the ongoing functionality and maintenance of the trust's holdings.

• Reinvestment in property improvements: Enhancing the quality and value of existing properties within the trust for the direct benefit of residents.

• Expanding the trust: Acquiring additional land to broaden the trust's reach and increase the availability of collectively governed properties.

This model positions the Trust as an active and direct manager of its land portfolio, with a clear financial loop designed to sustain and grow its impact on residential affordability and community well-being.

WCT: An Umbrella for Community Initiatives

In contrast to the Trust direct land governance, WCT operates as a non-profit umbrella organization. Its mission is to empower and support various local teams and projects that aim to improve the quality of life in the Woodstock community. WCT provides crucial behind-the-scenes assistance, allowing partner initiatives to focus on their core work. This support includes:

• Fiscal sponsorship: Offering its 501(c)(3) tax status to projects.

• Administrative and financial management: Handling governance and financial responsibilities for discreet projects, start-up non-profits, and ongoing non-profits.

• Guidance and shared resources: Providing expertise for fundraising and marketing.

• Connecting stakeholders: Facilitating connections between individuals with ideas, volunteers, and donors.

WCT's portfolio of projects includes significant efforts in affordable housing, such as the Local Deeds program (which offers down payment assistance in exchange for deed restrictions to maintain affordability for local workers) and partnerships with developers like Twin Pines Housing (which develops and manages affordable rental and homeownership opportunities). While WCT supports initiatives that directly impact housing affordability, it does so by enabling and guiding others rather than directly owning and leasing residential land itself.

Key Distinctions: HLT vs. WCT

The fundamental differences between the Trust and WCT are outlined below.