The Northern New York Community Foundation recently awarded a total grant of $30,000 to assist the Watertown Family YMCA’s efforts in launching the agency’s new branch in Sackets Harbor.
The Community Foundation’s Board of Directors agreed to provide $15,000 this year as the YMCA opens in its Madison Barracks location in Sackets Harbor. One of the YMCA’s recent goals has been to expand the non-profit’s services to other communities. Following approved evaluations of the organization’s progress in the village over the first two years, the Foundation will subsequently award a $10,000 grant in 2018 and $5,000 in 2019.
“One of the ways Community Foundations can play an important role is to provide funding to help get new programs off the ground and prepare them for success. We saw this as a way to help increase the accessibility of some of the YMCA’s important programs to residents of the Sackets Harbor area and surrounding communities,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation executive director.
“The YMCA is excited to offer health and wellness family programming in a welcoming community like Sackets Harbor,” said Denise Young, CEO, Watertown Family YMCA. “We are grateful to the Northern New York Community Foundation for their support to help us establish the Sackets YMCA in the beautiful, historic health club at Madison Barracks.”
Other grants recently approved by the Foundation’s board are:
- Jefferson Rehabilitation Center – $10,000 to support its playground project to benefit children with disabilities. This is made possible, in part, by the Emma Phoebe Hurd Fund.
- Ontario Bays Initiative – $10,000 in total grant support: $5,000 for the establishment of outdoor exhibits and two trail sites; $5,000 matching grant to build the agency’s endowment fund at the Community Foundation. This is made possible, in part, by the David G. Gregor Community Fund, and the Alex Velto Community Fund.
- Alexandria Township Historical Society – $7,980 in total grant support: $5,000 matching grant to build endowment fund at the Community Foundation; $2,980 to purchase digital equipment to enhance museum exhibits. This is made possible, in part, by the River Fund.
- North Country Public Radio – $5,000 to assist with the organization’s “North Country At Work” history project.
- Jefferson-Lewis Library Association – $4,000 to enhance experience of a summer book festival in Cape Vincent. This is made possible, in part, by the Herring College Fund and the Jan B. Oliver Lifelong Reading Fund.
- Theresa Public Library – $2,500 to assist with its capital campaign project. This is made possible, in part, by the Herring College Fund.
- Crosby Public Library – $2,500 to assist with its capital campaign project. This is made possible, in part, by the Herring College Fund.
- Sackets Harbor Vocal Arts Ensemble – $1,000 to assist with the organization’s spring performance in collaboration with Trinity Episcopal Church.
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. This work is made possible by donors who have established permanent, charitable funds with the Foundation during their lifetimes or through their wills and have a general, broad and enduring interest in supporting the quality of life in the North Country.