Release Date: March 29, 2022
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-57869-063-3
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-57869-082-4
Library of Congress Control Number: 2021918618
eBook: 978-1-57869-083-1
Booksellers and Libraries: Order Here.

SYNOPSIS

How do we shift to a clean energy economy, help communities adapt to climate change, and help responsible and local journalism survive?

Supported by an activist family foundation and often working closely with it, Vermont nonprofits have played vital roles in making positive progress on these and other complex challenges. The stories in Catalysts for Change tell what these partnerships have achieved, and how. 

Highly readable, informative, and inspiring, Catalysts for Change begins with Claire Malcolm’s jarring experience as a newly trained nurse witnessing unsafe childbirth practices among the poor in China, where she lived and worked for nearly half a century. Widowed and living in Vermont later in life, Claire created the Lintilhac Foundation to help bring nurse-midwifery back into the American healthcare system, in Vermont's largest hospital. Over the decades since Claire’s passing in 1984, the foundation, run by her daughter-in-law and son, has expanded its focus to support and work closely with nonprofits in maternal and child health, responsible journalism, water quality, land conservation, and clean energy.

The Lintilhac Foundation’s story is a rewarding one—both for everyone who cares about Vermont and for philanthropies across the country that are seeking new models for how they can play a more engaged role in their communities.

PRAISE

“The great theme of Catalysts for Change is health—health of the individual, of the environment and of the democracy. Doug Wilhelm’s book ranges over the wide landscape of good works promoted by an active and engaged foundation, which channels its resources toward dedicated people working on everything from maternal health to water quality to independent journalism.”

–David Moats, author of Civil Wars and winner of the Pulitzer Prize

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“The intelligence and courage with which these organizations confront complex and weighty problems is an antidote to despair. Through hands-on engagement, the activist Lintilhac Foundation builds authentic, long-term relationships with Vermont nonprofits to drive change forward—and this inspiring book testifies to the power of their approach.” 

–Barbara Floersch, author of You Have a Hammer: Building Grant Proposals for Social Change 

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“Catalyst for Change is for everyone who cares about making a difference, and about effective ways to bring about long-term, sustainable positive change. Each chapter in this book tells the story of how, on a complex and challenging issue, Vermonters at dedicated nonprofit organizations have worked with this activist, engaged funder to achieve real and lasting progress—in healthcare, informed public discourse, environmental science, water quality and clean energy...this is a brilliant working model for the world of community-based philanthropy.”

–Jeffrey Hollander, co-founder of Seventh Generation 

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“This book is filled with inspiring gems. It tells true stories of transformative change in Vermont — the kind of thing that can happen when strategic philanthropy meets good people with vision and a willingness to roll up their sleeves. (If today’s news has you down, this book is for you!)”

– Paul Burns, executive director of Vermont Public Interest Research Group

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“What a delight to read a book ostensibly about foundation giving and discover it is about all aspects of Vermont’s recent history: full of inspirational stories about people with vision and passion to create a better world, about the evolution of health care, conservation, cultural institutions, environmental work and education, along with a broad understanding of the way work gets done in this special place. This is a wonderfully readable book that reflects on the philanthropic imagination of the Lintilhac family and should serve as a road map for others who are motivated toward positive change.”

– Christine Graham, consultant to nonprofits

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“Catalysts for Change is a compelling tale of civic leadership and the important role that philanthropies and nonprofits can play in giving citizens a stronger voice. An engaging writer, Wilhelm tells the remarkable stories of how Vermont became a national leader in maternal care, clean energy and online journalism, tackled the challenges of Lake Champlain cleanup, and protected its working landscape.”

– George Hamilton, co-founder and former president of Institute for Sustainable Communities

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“A great history of Vermont pioneers and innovators connecting the dots and working effectively for a sustainable future based on renewable electricity. We are in a time of dramatic change and this book inspires us to do the hard work required.”

– David Blittersdorf, founder of NRG Systems and CEO of AllEarth Renewables

REVIEWS & IN THE NEWS

Addison County Independent, August 18, 2022: Weybridge author tells the story of change in Vermont

Burlington Free Press, July 4, 2022: Settle into a summer vibe with one (or more) of these new Vermont books

Kirkus Reviews, May 4, 2022: An entertaining and warmly human history.

Story Comic Podcast, April 15, 2022: Storycomic Presents (Episode 157): Doug Wilhelm, Vermont Author

MEET THE AUTHOR