The Essex Community Fund at Adirondack Foundation
Established as a component fund of Adirondack Foundation in 2003, the Essex Community Fund offers grants to eligible nonprofit organizations in the Town of Essex and others that serve Essex residents. The Fund has awarded nearly $295,000 in grants in support of community beautification, historic preservation, culture and the arts, education, recreation, and programs for youth, seniors, and other social services. They prefer supporting capacity building grants or modest one-time capital expenditures over general operating expenses.
Essex Community Fund Council Members
The Fund has always been overseen by an advisory council of community volunteers who ensure that every dollar is spent well and wisely. Current members include:
- Norma W. Goff, Chair
- Karen Judge Dalton, Vice Chair
- Colleen Van Hoven, Vice Chair
- Thomas Stransky, Treasurer
- Maureen Ecclesine, Corresponding Secretary
- Steven Engelhart, Recording Secretary
- Ann B. Cammack
- James G. Graves
- Ron Jackson
- Steven Kellogg
- Lee Maxey
- David Reuther
- Audrey Sparre
How You Can Support the Fund
You can help improve the quality of life for all residents of Essex – scroll down to see the Fund’s latest impact. To give online today, please use the form below. Checks can also be mailed to Essex Community Fund, PO Box 101, Essex, New York 12936.
How You Can Apply for a Grant
If you are an organization interested in applying for a grant from the Essex Community Fund, you can find more information about applying at the link below.
Learn About Applying for a Grant
Make your Gift to the Essex Community Fund
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The Essex Community Fund and the Board of Trustees of Adirondack Foundation recently awarded grants to the following nonprofit organizations for a wide variety of vital programs serving Essex.
- Belden Noble Memorial Library
- Champlain Area Trails
- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County
- Hub on the Hill
- Lakeside School at Black Kettle Farm
- North Country SPCA
- Whallonsburg Grange Hall
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Lawson and Clint Allen Scholarship and Education Program
In 2012 Lawson and Clint Allen, seasonal residents of Essex whose family ties to Essex go back over a century, endowed a scholarship through the Essex Community Fund to assist a graduating student from Essex or Willsboro to pursue post-secondary education at a four- or two-year college or a trade certification program. The Allens are proud to empower the life goals of deserving Essex students with the expectation that they will “pay it forward” through their contributions to their community and the nation.
Recent Allen Scholarship recipients have included:
- George Hearn, SUNY Plattsburgh
- Warren Jackson, SUNY Albany
- Darrian Sweatt, Colby-Sawyer College
- Erinn Walker, Clarkson University
The Lawson and Clint Allen Scholarship awards scholarships of up to $5,000. They may be renewed each year up to three years provided the recipient maintains a good GPA and makes normal progress toward a degree. High school seniors interested in the Allen Scholarship and an application may reach out to the following contacts with questions.