Raj Bhakta, the Indian-origin businessman who owns the former campus of Green Mountain College in Vermont, announced that he would give away the $20 million property, at no cost, but only to an “organization based on the Catholic mission.”
“Bhakta bought the rural campus at auction in 2020 for $4.5 million, after the college closed in 2019. He is now looking to hand it over to someone with “a vision consistent with the revitalization of the United States and Western civilization.”The entrepreneur, founder of WhistlePig Whiskey and Bhakta Spirits, has launched a dedicated website to invite formal proposals. A Tuesday press release from the New York City public relations firm Overton and Associates specified that he wanted to go to a “Catholic mission-based organization.”“Green Mountain College was a (former) religious institution that was almost 200 years old,” Bhakta said. “The idea is to bring it back to its original religious message. This is what it was built for… Having owned the place for several years, I think this is its best use. Its highest and best use is its original use.”According to the proposal website, applicants should recognize that the organization’s mission must begin with the “spiritual revival of our Christian faith,” and once this alignment is established candidates will be further evaluated.
Bhakta, who previously appeared on The Apprentice hosted by Donald Trump, is not looking for a buyer. The website encouraged recipients to note that operating the campus would cost $1 million annually and advised them to budget $1.5 million annually to “maintain existing infrastructure” and “catch up on deferred maintenance.”
Located in Poultney, Vermont, on approximately 115 acres with several academic and residential buildings, the property was previously appraised at more than $20 million, according to previous Maltz Auction appraisals.
According to the press release, ideal uses for the property would be for Catholic education, retreats or mission centers. The businessman claimed to have donated the entire campus, with the expectation that the lease would continue to Green Mountain Community School, which was founded and operated by his wife, Danahe.“One GMCS parent, Brilia Davenport, has stepped forward to take over (my) leadership role. Because of her desire to serve, GMCS will remain open next school year and beyond,” Danhee Bhakta said in an email to GMCS families last week.Founded in 1834, the college originally operated as a co-educational Methodist institution before closing amid financial struggles. Interested organizations must submit proposals by 31 March 2026. The shortlist will be announced on 8 April, and interviews and negotiations are scheduled to take place between 8 and 15 April.
