Community Foundation Grant Helps Grow Cape Vincent Community Garden

Micro-Grant Support Enables Improvement League Efforts to Stock Food Pantry

     CAPE VINCENT — A community garden in the village will continue to provide those in need with fresh produce thanks to a $1,000 Community Foundation micro-grant.

     Garden Manager Joanne Faulknham said the grant will help ensure the Cape Vincent Improvement League continues its mission to stock a community food pantry with locally grown foods.

     “With the Community Foundation grant, seeds, plants, fertilizer, fences, tools, and irrigation hoses were purchased,” Ms. Faulknham said. “Harvesting will begin early in July with fresh produce brought to the shelves of our local food pantry.”

     The garden was started in 2016 and has expanded as the needs of the most vulnerable in the Cape Vincent community have continued to grow. The garden is organized, tilled, planted, and maintained by a group of local volunteers.

     The recent grant was awarded through the Community Foundation’s Micro-Grant Program.

     “Our new micro-grant program was designed to support projects just like this and helps put funds to work rapidly to make our communities better,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “We are pleased to help the dedicated volunteers in the Cape Vincent area maximize their ability to supply local food pantries.”

     The Micro-Grant Program aims to provide greater access and minimize barriers while offering an appropriate avenue for eligible organizations to request Community Foundation funding. Micro grants may not exceed $2,500 and streamlined applications are received on a rolling basis.

     Eligible nonprofit organizations may seek micro grant funding for programs and projects that align with the Foundation’s mission and demonstrate clear community benefit.

About the Northern New York Community Foundation

     Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

     Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

     The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.