About Us

The Reading Community Trust (RCT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the social, cultural, and economic vitality of Reading through community-driven projects, programs and investments.

In September 2024 RCT was awarded a $300,000 grant to renovate a historic building in the village of Felchville, the center of Reading. Our focus to date is on the Grange building. See the “Our First Project” page for more info.

RCT operates as a community-based, volunteer-led nonprofit governed by a local Board of Directors. The Trust’s work combines local leadership with professional expertise in planning, architecture, and preservation to ensure that projects reflect community priorities while meeting high standards of stewardship.

Formed in June 2024, RCT grew out of conversations among neighbors who shared a vision for a vibrant, connected town center - a place where people gather, create, and celebrate together.

RCT is proud to be part of the Village Trust Initiative, a statewide partnership led by the Preservation Trust of VermontVermont Council on Rural Development, and the Vermont Community Foundation - helping small Vermont communities restore historic places and revitalize village centers.

Our mission is simple: to invest in spaces and initiatives that bring the community together and reflect the hopes of Reading residents.  From restoring historic landmarks to creating new opportunities for connection and enterprise, RCT’s work is grounded in collaboration, inclusion, and a shared sense of place. 

We focus on initiatives that:

  • Restore and preserve important local buildings

  • Encourage local enterprise and creative activity

  • Create welcoming spaces for community use and enjoyment

  • Strengthen connections among residents of all ages

Together, we’re working toward a vibrant, sustainable Reading - one that honors its past and invests in its future.