The mission of the Church Street Marketplace Foundation (501©(3) non-profit, tax exempt status with the IRS) is to provide funding for capital improvements for the Church Street Marketplace not available from the City of Burlington, to better serve the community.

Introducing the Church Street Marketplace Foundation

The Church Street Marketplace's annual operating budget is funded through user fees - it receives no support from the City's general fund. Nearly 75% of operating revenue is derived from common area fees, assessed of property owners in the district. Remaining fees come from sidewalk café and vendor cart fees, and corporate sponsorships. The Church Street Marketplace District receives less than 2% of its annual revenues from the City of Burlington's general fund. All revenues collected cover annual operating costs only; the Marketplace's funding model was never designed to cover capital improvements.

With the City of Burlington facing budget shortfalls, there are fewer and fewer capital dollars available for infrastructure improvements across the City – including the Marketplace. The Marketplace has millions of visitors each year, and the demands on its infrastructure require continual upkeep. Realizing the need to build an on-going program to fund capital improvements for the Church Street Marketplace, the Church Street Marketplace Foundation was created in 2004. The foundation is not connected with the City of Burlington. It has applied for 501© (3) non-profit, tax exempt status.