Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan’s Make a Difference Fund Announces Recipients for 2018

Elizabeth Rowley (center), CFOS President & CEO, presents a check to Air Nonken (left) and Omari Washington (right), from Hudson Valley Seed, for the Make A Difference Grant at the 2018 Annual Reception.

The Make A Difference Fund was established by the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan to provide grants to local organizations that provide services and programs to children of low-income, disadvantaged or distressed families. In 2018, grants were awarded to programs focused in the area of science and technology. Each summer, the Distribution committee, comprised of the Foundation’s Board Members and community volunteers, reviews a high volume of applications to determine which organizations will receive grants in Orange and Sullivan counties. 

The Board of Directors was proud to announce the 2018 grant recipients at this year’s Annual Reception on November 14. Representatives from each organization attended the event and joined the Foundation’s leadership for a grant Presentation. Newburgh Armory Unity Center, Inc., an organization focusing on providing academic enrichment, civic engagement, and athletic and wellness opportunities to the children and families of the City of Newburgh and Newburgh Enlarged City School District, was awarded a grant of $2,000.00 to assist with funding for The Literacy, Science, Technology and Strategic (LiSTS) Skills Enhancement Project. This project is an initiative opportunity within their existing Saturday Morning Enrichment Program that aims to provide high-quality STEM

Elizabeth Rowley (left), CFOS President & CEO, presents a check to Marisa Kantor (center) and Shannon Masters (right) of Sullivan County Head Start, Inc. for the Make A Difference Grant at the 2018 Annual Reception.

and early childhood literacy programs for elementary school aged children. Hudson Valley Seed, Inc., an organization that focuses on educating children in school gardens, empowering students through curriculum-integrated lessons focused on healthy eating, food literacy, outdoor learning and academic success, was awarded a grant of $1,500.00 to assist with funding for garden learning at four Newburgh elementary schools. Time and the Valleys Museum was awarded a grant of $2,000.00 to assist with funding for two educational field trip programs for students from schools with a high number of economically disadvantaged students in Sullivan County. Sullivan County Head Start, Inc. received a grant of $1,500.00 to assist with funding for the creation of portable science stations for children ages 3 to 5 years old. 

Elizabeth Rowley (center), CFOS President & CEO, presents a check to Richard Coombe (left) and Phyllis Coombe (right) of the Time and the Valleys Museum for the Make A Difference Grant at the 2018 Annual Reception.

Contributions to The Make A Difference Fund may be made to CFOS-Make A Difference Fund and sent to the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan. Secure online donations can be made here. The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All gifts are tax deductible under current tax laws. For more information, call the Community Foundation at 845.769.9393.