Dinner Program Application Form

Invite a New Vermonter to Dinner Month

Fill out this application to if you would like to participate!
Newcomers move to the Green Mountain State from all over, and many times the end of their first Winter or two can be an especially challenging time to connect. We want to turn that around and make this March a month full of nourishing meals, neighborly connections & community-building!

Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation, along with Vital Communities and Chandler Center for the Arts, are encouraging local residents (hosts) of Orange and Windsor County, Vermont to invite new or returning Vermonters (newcomers) for a meal during the month of March 2026.

We will reimburse local hosts up to $50 for a meal with a new Vermonter. Valid expenses could include a breakfast, lunch, or dinner out on the town anywhere in Orange or Windsor County, Vermont. So what are you waiting for, go Invite a New Vermonter to Dinner!

Program Details:

In order to qualify, you must accept the following terms & conditions:
- New/Returning Vermont resident(s) must have relocated after March 2024
- Both host and newcomer must be residents of Orange or Windsor County, Vermont.
  - Live in a different Vermont County? Check for your region here
- Complete this application & receive a confirmation email from outreach@gmedc.com prior to your meal.
  - Funding is available on a first come, first serve basis.
- Host must complete the Meal Reimbursement Form (emailed separately) after your meal. You must include:
  - Photo/selfie at the meal (could be used in future promotional materials)
  - Newcomer name, address, & email
  - Photo of itemized receipt dated between 3/1/2026-3/31/2026
Hosts can expect to receive their reimbursement check in the mail within 2-3 weeks of submitting the reimbursement form.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to grant requirements, receipts with alcohol will not be eligible for reimbursement; please get a separate receipt if alcohol is purchased!

Invite a New Vermonter to Dinner Month is a statewide GROW Vermont Initiative supported by the Agency of Commerce and Community Development and the Department of Tourism and Marketing. Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation is hosting the initiative for Orange and Windsor County, in partnership with our region's other GROW grantees - Vital Communities & Chandler Center for the Arts.

Contact Information
Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Email Address*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Town of Residence*
Don't see your town? Check out the other Vermont GROW Grantees - https://www.vtwelcomewagon.org/invite-new-vermonter-to-dinner-month
Local HostNew/Returning Vermonter

Local Host Information
Yes, I'm a host and I already have a newcomer in mind!No, I'm a host and want to be connected with a newcomer!No, I'm a new resident who wants to be connected with a local host!
If yes, fill in the information below:
Newcomer Name

First NameLast Name
Newcomer Email
example@example.com
Newcomer Town
Don't see your town? Check out the other Vermont GROW Grantees - https://www.vtwelcomewagon.org/invite-new-vermonter-to-dinner-month
Date of Relocation (approx.)

MonthDayYear
Date
How many new residents are part of the party?
Where do you plan on going to eat?
We're happy to make recommendations if you'd like, but feel free to pick something special and local!
What date are you thinking of meeting for the meal? (leave blank if unsure)

MonthDayYear
Date

If you are seeking a host <> newcomer match, please provide some information about you to help us with the matching process (age, occupation, hobbies, interests, a fun fact, etc.).
Any questions, comments, or concerns you'd like to share?
Upper Valley Welcome WagonChandler Center for the ArtsVital Communities
By typing my name below, I agree to the terms and conditions of this program:*
Should be Empty:

Invite a New Vermonter to Dinner Month

Contact Information

Local Host Information

If yes, fill in the information below: