Shelburne has remarkable assets. At the same time, we're a small town with limited municipal capacity. Experience Shelburne is a public-private partnership that bridges this gap—residents, businesses, and organizations working together to turn shared priorities into visible progress, while keeping a sharp eye on fiscal discipline.
Why Shelburne Needs This
Shelburne has remarkable strengths—but also untapped potential. Community vitality and economic health reinforce each other. The data tells a clear story about opportunities to strengthen both:
- Residents and visitors already share the same Shelburne. Roughly 25% of local retail and dining revenue comes from visitors—meaning many of the shops, restaurants, and community events residents enjoy couldn't survive on local demand alone. A stronger visitor economy doesn't just benefit tourists; it sustains the choices and experiences that make daily life here richer.
- 200,000+ visitors already come each year—but many visit just one destination. Shelburne Farms, Shelburne Museum, and Vermont Teddy Bear draw hundreds of thousands annually, yet many arrive, visit one attraction, and leave. We don't need more visitors to grow—we need to help the ones already here discover more: our historic village, local shops, community events, and natural beauty.
- Leading institutions could achieve more together. These anchors—along with Wake Robin, Fiddlehead Brewing, Harbour Industries, and others—employ hundreds of workers and shape our town's identity, yet operate largely independently. What could Shelburne become if they collaborated more closely—with each other and with local businesses—to coordinate community events, share best practices, mentor emerging enterprises, and help each other innovate and grow?
- 9 million vehicle trips already pass through each year. Route 7 carries over 25,000 vehicles per day—people already driving through, already adding to congestion. A more walkable, inviting downtown benefits everyone: residents gain a place to gather and stroll; businesses gain foot traffic; and converting even a fraction of pass-through trips into stops captures value without adding cars.
- $30+ million in annual spending leaves town. Residents drive to nearby communities for food, dining, clothing, and everyday needs. More local options would mean greater convenience for residents, stronger revenues for businesses, and a more self-sufficient local economy.
- Our historic village is our community's heart. Shelburne's downtown and landmark buildings define our identity, yet face pressures from deferred maintenance and changing economics. Preserving and enhancing this heritage creates gathering places for residents, a distinctive draw for visitors, and an authentic foundation for business vitality.
- Most local jobs are filled by commuters. About 86% of Shelburne's roughly 3,250 jobs are held by non-residents, adding traffic and straining local employers. More alignment between housing, workforce needs, and our anchor institutions would mean residents with shorter commutes, employers with reliable local talent, and a community where more people are invested in the place they live.
- Prime sites sit idle. The Rice Lumber parcels, Red Apple Motel, and other development opportunities are vacant or underutilized. The right vision for these sites could deliver community amenities, gathering spaces, housing options, and services—strengthening both daily life and long-term fiscal health.
- Growth is coming—the question is what kind. Being proactive gives us the opportunity to respond to regional pressures and guide inevitable change into smart growth that reflects our values. Done right, we can preserve and enhance Shelburne's unique character, community vitality, and environmental integrity for future generations.
These aren't abstract challenges—they're real opportunities. Experience Shelburne exists to bring these pieces together.
Help turn potential into partnership.
Your Support at Work
Your contributions fund practical, visible work that strengthens daily life in Shelburne and lays the groundwork for longer-term opportunities:
- Community events and cultural life. Programs like Winter Lights and the Farmers Market that bring neighbors together and draw visitors downtown.
- Historic preservation. Restoration and enhancement of landmark buildings like Town Hall and the Pierson Building that define Shelburne's character.
- Infrastructure and safety. Pedestrian improvements on Bay Road, wayfinding and signage, parking solutions, and other projects that make Shelburne more walkable and welcoming.
- Local business vitality. Support for existing businesses and recruitment of new retail, dining, lodging, and services that benefit residents and visitors alike.
- Visitor connections. Coordinated marketing, visitor information, and itineraries that help the hundreds of thousands already coming each year discover more of Shelburne—our shops, restaurants, farms, and attractions.
- Smart planning and coordination. Technical studies, design work, and cross-partner collaboration to guide responsible development in areas like the historic village and Village North.
Every gift supports projects with broad public benefit—chosen to reflect community priorities and our shared values.
Partnership Levels
Individuals, families, businesses, and organizations are welcome at every level.
Partners participate at many levels. Choose what fits. Every gift matters. Recognition is civic and community-oriented. We celebrate participation and impact.
| Partnership Level | Amount | Ideal For... |
|---|---|---|
| Grassroots Partner | Up to $500 | Those who want to support community events, programs, and improvements |
| Community Partner | $2,500 | Those seeking visible engagement with local placemaking and communications |
| Sustaining Partner | $5,000 | Those committed to steady, annual support that keeps initiatives moving forward |
| Leadership Partner | $10,000 | Those ready to invest in high-impact projects like historic preservation, infrastructure improvements, and community-wide programming |
| Visionary Partner | $25,000+ | Those committed to transformational, legacy-building investment—with opportunities for lasting recognition |
All partnership levels welcome both financial and in-kind contributions.
Our Partners
Partners contribute at different levels, united by a common goal: helping Shelburne thrive for current and future generations. See who's already invested in our community's future.
Meet Our PartnersEthics and Transparency
All contributions are made to the Town of Shelburne for community and economic development initiatives administered by Experience Shelburne, the town's community and economic development committee. All funds will go into a restricted account for this purpose. Charitable contributions to governmental units for a public purpose are tax-deductible under Section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code.
We maintain clear boundaries between fundraising and municipal decision-making. All committee members are subject to Shelburne's Ethics and Conflict of Interest Ordinance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Experience Shelburne?
Experience Shelburne is the Town of Shelburne's community and economic development committee. It is appointed by the Shelburne Selectboard. It collaborates with Experience Shelburne Corporation, a Vermont nonprofit public benefit corporation incorporated in May 2025 to strengthen quality of life for Shelburne's residents, businesses, and visitors. Experience Shelburne Corporation submitted its application for federal 501(c)(3) status in September 2025. This IRS review process typically takes 3 to 12 months.
Who can become a partner?
Anyone—residents, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, or regional institutions—who shares our commitment to Shelburne's future.
How are funds used?
All funds directly support Shelburne's public-benefit projects, community engagement, placemaking, and long-term development planning. None are used for political or private purposes.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Donations are made to the Town of Shelburne for Experience Shelburne activities. Charitable contributions to governmental units, such as the Town, are tax deductible under Section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code if made for a public purpose. Donors should consult with their own tax advisors as to whether their donation is deductible, as individual tax situations may differ. Upon request, the Town will provide a letter acknowledging the donation and certifying that no goods or services were received in exchange.
How are contributions handled?
All contributions are placed in a restricted Town account dedicated to community and economic development initiatives. The committee leads programs while the Town provides administrative oversight.
What safeguards are in place?
All committee members are subject to the Town of Shelburne's Ethics and Conflict of Interest Ordinance. Funds are held in a restricted account, and regular updates are provided to the community.
What ethical standards guide the fundraising?
All officers, members, and volunteers follow Shelburne's Ethics and Conflict of Interest Ordinance. Members serving on the Selectboard, DRB, or other quasi-judicial bodies cannot solicit or accept donations from anyone with a matter pending before that body. We publicly disclose all contributions in annual reports. Contributions support public-benefit programs and do not influence permitting, procurement, or policy decisions.
How will supporters be recognized?
Partners are acknowledged on the Experience Shelburne website, in reports, and at community gatherings. Recognition highlights collaboration and civic participation.
Why should I participate?
Because when Shelburne thrives, everyone benefits. Your partnership helps fund projects that improve local life, support business vitality, and enhance our town's shared character.