Adirondack Foundation Delivers nearly $1.2 million in COVID-19 Response Grants
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Lake Placid, NY - Adirondack Foundation and its many funding partners since March has awarded nearly $1.2 million through 175 grants to nonprofits, schools, and community-based organizations specifically toward COVID-19 response. This rapid-response community assistance is thanks to a coalition of corporate, philanthropic, and nonprofit partners supporting local frontline organizations – many of which serve people who are disproportionately affected when crisis strikes.
With more than $1.3 million raised, grants are being deployed across the Adirondack region, helping to serve tens of thousands of people experiencing hardship from the social and economic impacts of the pandemic, and supporting a variety of community needs. These emergency-response and longer-term, deeper investment grants fall into the following broad categories.
- Food assistance - 74 grants, including: Clifton Fine Backpack Pantry, Hamilton County Community Action, Field & Fork Network’s Double-up Food Bucks program, AdkAction’s Fair Food Price Packages, The Salvation Army food pantry in Plattsburgh
- Health and wellness - 17 grants, including: Mental Health Association of Franklin County, Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York, Adirondack Samaritan Counseling Center, emergency services in Wells, Plattsburgh, Keene, and other towns; Hudson Headwaters Health Foundation, Adirondack Health Foundation
- Shelter - 4 grants, including: Village of Tupper Lake and Ecumencial Council of Saranac Lake (to offset utility costs for low-income residents), Rural Preservation Company of Clinton County, Akwesasne Sunrise Acres senior housing, The Salvation Army - Empire Division, Plattsburgh Housing Authority
- Social services - 33 grants, including: Bolton Health Committee, Plattsburgh Family YMCA, Adirondack Community Action Programs, Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks, YMCA Adirondack Center in Brant Lake
- Education - 19 grants, including: Little Peaks Preschool; Clifton Fine, Indian Lake, Ticonderoga, and Minerva central schools (technology support); The Wild Center (digital drop-in programs for k-12 students)
- Community vitality - 24 grants, including: Hamilton County IDA, Essex County IDA, and Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce (small business support); Central Adirondack Partnerships for the 21st Century; libraries in Tupper Lake, Keene Valley, Chazy, and Willsoro; NCPR and other media outlets (critical COVID-19 updates and information)
A full list of organizations supported by this work can be found here.
“Covid-19 is having an unprecedented impact on our local communities and individuals. While we have witnessed sacrifice from all corners of society, people continue to look out for each other. The needs are vast, but so is the generosity. It’s incredibly inspiring. Rapid-response has been crucial for supporting our neighbors and it has been an honor to partner with Adirondack Foundation and other generous funders and individuals to make that happen. Collective efforts are truly making a difference,” said Cloudsplitter Foundation Director Chenelle Palyswiat .
"We have been pleased to partner with Adirondack Foundation, Cloudsplitter Foundation and other funding partners in the region to help address urgent needs that affect families. Tough times require grit and determination. Nowhere on earth is that more evident than it is here. The spirit of cooperation, generosity and empathy have shown through the darkness and illuminated a path forward. We have much to be proud of, but also, much more to do," said John Bernardi, President and CEO of United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc.
“As the pandemic rages on and community needs persist, we remain engaged with local leaders to learn how we can continue to direct philanthropic dollars to where they can make the biggest difference,” said Adirondack Foundation President and CEO Cali Brooks. “Pulling together for our community by joining with other funders and partners, as well as providing opportunities for people to give back is what we are here for as a community foundation.”
“The impact of COVID-19 and its aftermath will be with us well after the pandemic subsides,” said Brian Byrd, senior program officer with the New York State Health Foundation. “Issues such as housing, unemployment, food insecurity and access to health will continue to be formidable challenges. As a statewide funder, collaborating with Adirondack Foundation and other local community leaders offers us opportunities to help build a stronger and healthier Adirondack community.”
“The Charles R. Wood Foundation has been pleased to partner with Adirondack Foundation and many others to provide assistance through the Covid 19 rapid response initiatives and the SUN Fund. It has been inspiring to see the response from the North Country and around the state to support our neighbors in this unprecedented time of need,” said Bobbie Wages, board member of the Charles R. Wood Foundation.
Donors can give directly online to support this regional response or contact Adirondack Foundation for more information.
Nonprofits, schools, county agencies, and municipalities can apply for grant assistance through the Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) Fund (open application) or Generous Acts (application open from December 21, 2020 - February 1, 2021). Learn more about applying for a grant here.