Shineman Foundation Awards $585,000 to Support Oswego County Nonprofits

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Richard S. Shineman Foundation has awarded grants totaling $585,000 to not-for-profit organizations in Oswego County during its Fall 2024 grant round. These grants will support initiatives in health and human services, education, food insecurity, and youth development, furthering the Foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for residents in the region.

The largest award, $300,000, was granted to the Oswego Health Foundation to expand the Oswego Hospital Emergency Room. The project includes dedicated rooms for pediatric psychiatric care, addressing the unique needs of some of the community’s most vulnerable individuals.

Other significant grants include:

• Human Concerns Food Pantry: Awarded $100,000 for its expansion project and $3,500 to fund Thanksgiving meals for families in need.
• ConnextCare: Received $73,000 to establish a school-based health center in the Oswego City School District, providing essential medical services to students.
• Friends of Recovery Oswego County: Awarded $14,000 to enhance its Recovery Community Organization (RCO), connecting individuals to long-term recovery support.
• David’s Refuge: Granted $18,000 to fund overnight respite stays for 69 families, offering caregivers a chance to rest and recharge.
• SUNY Oswego Research Foundation: Received $10,000 to create an ADA-accessible trail at Rice Creek Field Station, expanding access to recreation and educational programs.

The Foundation also supported projects promoting environmental stewardship and education:

• Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust: Received $25,000 to advance environmental conservation education for families.
• Museum of Science and Technology (MOST): Awarded $25,000 for its upcoming “GROW” exhibit, focusing on agricultural science and food systems.

Education and youth initiatives were also key priorities:

• CiTi BOCES: Granted $5,000 to develop an engineering design lab aligned with New York State Science Learning Standards.
• Weston T. Hyde Educational Foundation: Received $3,500 to provide nutritious snacks and drinks to over 1,200 students in CiTi BOCES programs. Several smaller grants focused on community enrichment:
• Paige’s Butterfly Run: Awarded $3,500 to assist families of children with cancer in Oswego County.
• Fulton Community Basketball: Granted $2,000 to fund inclusive recreational activities for youth.
• Oswego County EMO UAS Division: Received $2,500 for public education materials about drone and robotics programs.

Shineman Foundation Announces New Grant Opportunities:

In addition to these awards, the Shineman Foundation has announced the opening of a new round of Community Impact and Community Enrichment Grants. These grants provide funding for projects that align with the Foundation’s mission of strengthening the community and improving the quality of life for Oswego County residents.

The Community Impact Grant program offers between $2,500 and $10,000 for initiatives addressing critical needs, such as health, early childhood development, and the arts. The Community Enrichment Grant provides up to $2,500 to support local events, programs, and activities that enhance cultural experiences and foster a sense of belonging.

Applications are due by December 12, 2024, with access codes required by December 10, 2024. Grant recipients will be announced by January 20, 2025. For more information, visit www.shinemanfoundation.org.

About the Richard S. Shineman Foundation: The Richard S. Shineman Foundation is a catalyst for positive change in Oswego County, committed to enhancing the quality of life through strategic philanthropy. With a focus on economic vitality, social cohesion, and nonprofit capacity building, the Foundation seeks to inspire and empower organizations to create lasting community improvements.

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