Over $21,000 awarded to community organizations serving Essex

The Essex Community Fund (ECF) has awarded over $21,000 to community organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in this Champlain Valley town.

A total of nine organizations received funding in 2022. A component fund of Adirondack Foundation, ECF awards grants yearly to projects serving residents of Essex through community services, beautification, historic preservation, culture, the arts, education, and programs for youth and senior citizens.

“It’s so important for communities to have the ability to invest in themselves,” said Norma Goff of ECF’s grants committee. “Through donor giving, the Essex Community Fund channels funds directly to community organizations with specific needs. It maintains, with our pride, a lasting source of grant funding for generations to follow.”

Grant recipients this year include:

• Belden Noble Memorial Library for the purchase of archival storage materials and supplies — this year’s recipient of the Baird HM Voorhis Grant.
• The Essex Theatre Company in support of its 2022 summer season.
• Fort Ticonderoga Association in support of its outreach programs.
• Hub on the Hill for landscaping and its herb garden — this year’s recipient of the Martha and Gordon McBride Grant.
• Lakeside School at Black Kettle Farm for professional development training for teachers — this year’s recipient of the Bruce Klink Grant.
• The Town of Essex for installation of automatic external defibrillators at the town hall — this year’s recipient of the Charlie Goff Memorial Grant.
• The Whallonsburg Grange Hall
• Willsboro Senior Housing in support of the Lakewood Apartments, this year’s Frisky Irwin Award recipient.

“The town of Essex is incredibly grateful to the Essex Community Fund for their ongoing support of organizations that support our community,” said Essex Town Supervisor Ken Hughes. “We were fortunate enough to receive grant funding to help offset costs associated with the purchase of the parking lot property across from the ferry dock. With this property now owned by the town, we will work to improve its functionality and aesthetic for all who come to enjoy our beautiful little community.”

“In a time when it’s harder than ever for schools to bring their students to Fort Ticonderoga, we are honored to have the support of the Essex Community Fund to reach students through our in-person and virtual outreach programs,” said Stuart Lilie, Fort Ticonderoga’s vice president of Public History. “This allows us to serve our mission and support educators with exciting, enriching, multi-disciplinary programs that inspire students while filling key curriculum goals.”

For information about the Essex Community Fund, contact Adirondack Foundation Funds & Program Officer Andrea Grout at andrea@adkfoundation.org or (518) 523-9904.

To learn more about Adirondack Foundation, visit adirondackfoundation.org.