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The Central New York Community Foundation has awarded $65,000 in grants to 13 nonprofit organizations that serve the Cortland Community. Each nonprofit organization received a $5,000 grant.
The grants come in the 6th year of the Cortland County Bright Ideas program. Applicants were asked to submit a “Bright Idea” for enhancing their organization, but also explain how it would help the community. All submissions were evaluated on the community impact, collaboration and sustainability.
“We have so many deserving organizations in Cortland County, and we continue to find inspiration through their passion and dedication to improving our community and the lives of its residents,” said Catherine Bertini, a Bright Ideas grants program donor and committee member. “I’m proud to be a part of the Cortland Bright Ideas program, and look forward to seeing the impact these 13 grants make.”
The full list of grant recipients may be found below, including their bright idea.
- CAPCO will provide resources, education, and events on breastfeeding to community stakeholders, including medical practitioners.
- Central New York Spay Neuter Assistance Program (CNY SNAP) will provide free microchips to cats and dogs that come through their low cost spay/neuter clinic.
- Child Development Council of Central NY will help to cover training and inspection expenses for prospective childcare providers in an attempt to increase the total number of family childcare homes in Cortland County.
- Cortland Collective Impact Initiatives will create a low-cost theater day camp that teaches confidence, academic skills, friendship, acceptance, and self-discovery to local youth (aged 8-18).
- Cortland County Family YMCA will update an old aquatic storage room, revitalize its pool area, and add additional youth activities.
- Cortland Loaves and Fishes will expand support to its current Snack-pack programs in six local schools, filling the need for nutritious weekend meals for students facing food insecurity at home.
- Cortland Youth Bureau will be starting an E-sports program for kids in the Cortland community with the help of Cortland High School.
- Family Counseling Services of Cortland County (Family & Children’s Counseling Services) will replenish its client assistance fund, which provides clients with demonstrated need access to vital telehealth behavioral health services.
- Friends of the Cortland County Child Advocacy Center will support the Be a Star for Children Program, providing “extras” that allow children of abuse to have a positive outlet during their trauma recovery.
- Helping Hands Caring Heart will provide feminine hygiene products to local women in need.
- Lime Hollow Nature Center will expand the Trail for All, creating an accessible, multi-generational, family-friendly gathering place and improve access to nature in Central NY.
- Seven Valleys Health Coalition will hire a part-time compost manager and create an onsite composting system, which will help to create sustainable food production, reduce carbon emissions, create nutrient-dense material for the garden, and act as an educational opportunity for community members.
- YWCA Cortland will support the YWCA Cortland Mentoring Program Healthy Body and Mind Project, offering healthy food and therapeutic recreational activities to participants.
Additional information on the grant, and on the Central New York Community Foundation may be found HERE.
