FAQs
What is Cambridge 360’s new approach to saving the CCC??
Save It, Strengthen It, Sustain It
Our new approach focuses on first securing grant funding from sources such as the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) and other sources, bringing in money from outside of Cambridge. This is different from our previous attempt, which involved asking the town to raise taxes and fund it. We are not expecting the town to invest financially at this time, although we would welcome any funds that could go toward our needed 50% grant match. Our grant application also includes funds for Phase 2—Strengthen It—during which we will complete much-needed repairs and renovations (including flood mitigation). Finally, we will increase programming to ensure that the revenue generated sustains its operations and improvements over time.
Didn’t we already vote on this?
No, the previous vote was for the Town of Cambridge to purchase and manage the Community Center. This approach is for Cambridge 360 as an independent nonprofit to purchase and manage the Community Center at no additional cost to the Town of Cambridge.
But wait…Doesn’t this property flood?
Currently, yes. But we have a plan! In the short term, we have used experience from prior flooding to develop a flood preparedness and response plan that includes reserves to cover three weeks of operating costs during floor recovery. You can see the details in our full business plan. More importantly, C360 is committed to fundraising to restore the floodplain on the property along the Brewster River, therefore reducing the flooding risk to not only the Community Center property but also to all properties in the village of Jeffersonville. Third-party engineering studies confirm the viability and likely effectiveness of this plan. You can see more information about that analysis here, where restoring the floodplain is described on page 19 as 'Restore floodplain along Brewster River downstream of the school property: (Alternative 9a).'"
Why is this approach different?
This new approach allows us to pursue significant grant funding for the CCC’s purchase and much-needed renovations. In addition, we are restructuring our organization to prepare for this new phase, including expanded programming and community resources. Our plans include:
Expanded paid staff time: We plan to expand the current paid staff to include a 20-hour Executive Director, with responsibilities for strategic planning, community engagement, marketing, and program scaling.
An expanded Board: We are restructuring and expanding our C360 board to enable it to serve a governance role, providing strategic oversight.
Regional collaboration: We have already met with the Lamoille Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) and secured their verbal support for our application. We have applied to be added to the LEDC priority projects list. We are also extending partnership invitations to area towns and small businesses who utilize the CCC.
Why is community support so important?
Local support is a critical factor in attracting major funding from federal grants, foundations, and private donors. These funders need to see strong commitment from the community before they will commit to the project. The Town Selectboard recently voted 5-1 to draft a letter in support of Cambridge 360’s fundraising efforts. This verbal support signals to outside funders that the citizens of Cambridge are committed to keeping the Community Center in town.
What is the current status of the effort to save the CCC?
The private owners of the CCC have listed it for sale on the public market. In the meantime, the Cambridge 360 Board is applying for grants that would enable Cambridge 360–as an independent non-profit organization–to buy the CCC, renovate it, assess the land for flood mitigation potential, and oversee its operations. On December 8, 2025, we were notified that we can receive $490,000 in funding from a Northern Border Regional Commission grant—which requires a one-to-one match. That’s right: Our ability to unlock $490,000 of funding for the town of Cambridge depends on supporters like you. We have also applied for other grants and are hopeful that private donors might come forward to contribute toward that ambitious fundraising goal.
What happens if fundraising falls short or takes too long?
It is indeed possible that a private buyer will purchase the CCC before we are able to secure funding to do so. A potential buyer might continue to run the property as a community center. However, any potential buyer could also choose to use the building and land however they wish–threatening the use of the space for our vibrant pickleball leagues, summer camps, birthday parties, Bunco night, and so many more community events and activities. To minimize that risk, we are in a race against the public market.
So if the fundraising campaign is not successful, can I get my donation back?
If we do not make our match by the end of 2026, donors can receive a refund of their donation.
How can I help?
Donate towards our 50% match for the NBRC grant.
Connect C360 Board members with individuals or entities who might offer significant financial support. Our email is c360.vt@gmail.com.
Consider joining the C360 Board. We are looking to expand the Board to include individuals with experience in marketing, law, recreation, real estate management, and more.
Volunteer to help with the repairs needed at the CCC. Whether you have specific trade skills or just a willing set of hands, your time would be an invaluable contribution. Email us to let us know you’re willing and able to help.
Spread the word! Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors. Share our updates on social media. Your voice is essential in a community-driven campaign like this, especially when it signals to outside funders that our community cares enough to save this vital resource.
Email c360.vt@gmail.com to join the cause.