Oswego Renaissance Association Launches One of Its Biggest Years Yet with $100,000 Shineman Foundation Grant

OSWEGO — The Oswego Renaissance Association (ORA) announces a major year of growth and momentum, fueled by a $100,000 grant from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation. Now in its 12th year, ORA continues to drive neighborhood revitalization across the City of Oswego—this year with a record number of applications and expanding reach.

Applications for the 2025 Renaissance Block Challenge more than doubled compared to last year. In 2024, 14 neighborhood blocks applied; this year, 30 blocks submitted applications, and 23 were awarded funding—impacting nearly 280 homes citywide. Renaissance Block Challenge signs will begin appearing throughout Oswego in July.

The grants provide $1000-$1500 matching funds for exterior improvements to homes, as long as at least 5 houses on the block apply together.

This year also marks a major footprint expansion, with the launch of a fifth Target Zone—focused on neighborhoods near Oswego Hospital and the area between the hospital and downtown. The zone is already seeing strong participation and enthusiasm. ORA has also expanded into new neighborhoods across the city, with especially strong engagement from blocks surrounding Fitzhugh Park School.

“This will be one of our biggest years in our 12-year history,” said Paul Stewart, ORA Executive Director. “I am incredibly proud of the block leaders and dedicated neighbors working hard to make our community better every single year. Anyone who knows the recent history of Oswego knows we have come a tremendous way over the last 10 years—and we are going to keep that momentum going.”

Chena Tucker, Foundation Director of the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, is very pleased with the organizations ongoing work. “ORA’s work is a great example of how a community can grow stronger when people work together around a shared vision. This effort is reaching more homes, more blocks, and more neighborhoods across our city, it is not just about fresh paint or new porches—it is about pride, connection, and bringing our Oswego neighborhoods back to life. The Shineman Foundation is proud to support this hometown movement that is making a real difference you can see and feel right here in our community.”

For more information, visit www.oswegonyonline.com or Oswego Renaissance Association on Facebook.