A series of grants were recently awarded from geographic-specific funds at the Northern New York Community Foundation that will impact several St. Lawrence River communities.
Four projects totaling $5,000 were supported through the Dale Kenyon Community Fund at the Foundation. The Thousand Islands Arts Center will receive a $2,500 grant in support of its 50th anniversary retrospective exhibition, which reflects on the history of the organization. A $1,000 matching grant to the Clayton Council of Churches Food Pantry will enhance the agency’s mission and leverage additional community support. The Kenyon Community Fund will match each gift to the food pantry, dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,000.
The Clayton Figure Skating Club garnered a $1,000 grant from the Dale Kenyon Community Fund to augment its scholarship program for disadvantaged children. $500 was awarded to the Clayton United Methodist Church to assist with its stained glass window restoration project. The Dale Kenyon Community Fund is a philanthropic resource available each year to any non-profit organization serving residents in the village and town of Clayton.
The Cape Vincent Food Pantry received a $2,000 matching grant from the Community Foundation’s Lighthouse Fund. This grant will continue to build the agency’s community support, as they address critical needs in Cape Vincent and surrounding communities. The Lighthouse Fund will match each gift to the pantry, dollar-for-dollar, up to $2,000. This component fund at the Community Fund is available each year to any non-profit serving vulnerable populations in the Cape Vincent and Clayton areas.
“When a group sees their donation will go even further by being matched, they are eager to do what they can,” said Rebecca Dowling, Cape Vincent Food Pantry director. “We hope to be able to provide fresh fruits and vegetables year-round, and the extra support from this fund and the community will help us get the program started. We are grateful to the Lighthouse Fund at the Community Foundation for the support and opportunity to improve the lives of many in Cape Vincent and the surrounding area.”
The Community Foundation’s board of directors also approved a $2,500 grant in support of a pilot “Jazz in the Classroom” program to be introduced this fall. This initiative will be part of the Clayton Jazz Festival event in October. This grant was made possible, in part, through the Community Foundation’s Grace L. Reinman Fund and the River Fund through the Community Foundation.
“Providing donors with options to direct their charitable giving broadly but within a specific geographic region is becoming an increasingly meaningful way to make a difference, especially for endeavors that might not otherwise be funded. We are grateful to donors who allow us to be a part of that type of community investment,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation executive director.