Additional $10,000 Will Establish Permanent Maintenance and Enhancement Fund
The Northern New York Community Foundation recently awarded $20,000 in total support of a community park and fountain restoration project the village of Canton.
The Community Foundation’s grant is awarded in two parts. A $10,000 matching challenge grant is being offered to build community campaign support for the next phase of the restoration project. The Foundation will match all gifts made as part of the second phase, dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000. The second piece of funding is a $10,000 grant to establish a permanent endowment fund at the Community Foundation for future upkeep, maintenance and enhancements related to the project. This charitable fund helps create a stable source of funding to maintain the refurbished park in perpetuity.
Citizens, organizations and businesses in and around the Village of Canton have demonstrated tremendous support for preserving and restoring the treasured community feature. The Community Foundation hopes to play an integral role in creating a second wave of community support by offering a matching opportunity for the remaining phases.
“Because of generous Community Foundation donors from across the region and St. Lawrence County, we are able to make grants for things that make our communities better places to live, work and grow,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation director. “We are committed to helping move the next phase forward and also provide long-term support for maintaining the improvements,” he said.
Since 2016, community members from First Presbyterian Church in Canton and Village representatives have started the execution of a three-phase plan to restore the village park on Main Street in Canton. The land was donated for the park in the 1840’s, and over time, became a recognized as a historic district on the National Register in 1975. The park is owned by the church and maintained by the village. The three phases of restoration include structural improvements to the fountain, removal and planting of trees in the park footprint, and installing new stone pavers. The park is the symbolic center of the community and hosts a variety of year-round community activities and events.
Recently, the project committee successfully reached a fundraising milestone, reaching $104,000 raised through February. This will help the project’s first phase get under way this spring. They expect work to continue on the project through next year.
The Northern New York Community Foundation makes grants to support the work of non-profit organizations and provides scholarships to individuals in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. The Foundation has been built and added to from gifts (both while living and through their legacy plans) by individuals and organizations committed to meeting the changing needs of Northern New York, as well as supporting specific charitable interests and passions.