The Northern New York Community Foundation recently awarded a $10,000 matching grant to establish an endowment fund for the American Maple Museum in Croghan. The museum is the seventh Lewis County non-profit organization or school district to create a permanent charitable fund through the Community Foundation to support their mission and purpose in the community. The Foundation will administer the fund for the museum.
“We are grateful to the Museum and welcome the opportunity to be a partner with them in providing additional options for their donors who take the long-term view of sustainability. This challenge grant should help give an added incentive for their most loyal supporters to help provide a mechanism for increased organizational strength,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director.
The American Maple Museum was founded in 1977 to preserve the history and evolution of the North American maple industry. Several exhibits showcased at the museum feature a variety of maple syrup and sugar making techniques, as well local historical pieces. The museum also houses the International Maple Hall of Fame, which will hold its induction ceremony on May 14. The agency also offers programming for all ages.
The endowment will serve as a complementary charitable giving vehicle for donors interested in supporting the museum’s future. The Community Foundation will match a gift of any size, dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000 for the museum’s fund.
“The American Maple Museum is grateful for the continued support of the Northern New York Community Foundation,” said Christine Colon, American Maple Museum executive director. “An endowment through the Community Foundation will certainly aid the museum in our sustainability efforts.”
Donors interested in contributing to the American Maple Museum Endowment Fund can send a check to the Northern New York Community Foundation, 120 Washington St., Suite 400, Watertown, NY 13601. Please note “American Maple Museum Endowment Fund” in the memo line. You may also give online at www.nnycf.org. Those interested in learning more about legacy giving to the American Maple Museum Endowment Fund may contact the Foundation directly at (315) 782-7110.
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. Since 1929, 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.
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