As the Central New York Community Foundation sets out to celebrate 100 years, we’re not just looking back; we’re actively inviting you to help shape the next 100! In May we will mark the beginning of our centennial celebration by launching the first of five participatory budgeting initiatives across our service area. Oswego County residents are invited to help decide how $75,000 will be invested in their community. 

Our first 100 years built the foundation for community impact; over the next 100, we will be building that impact together with the community leading the way.

WHAT IS PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING?

Participatory budgeting is a type of community engagement in which residents decide how to allocate funding through a process of democratic deliberation and decision-making. Working in partnership with residents, nonprofits and grassroots organizations within Oswego County, residents will set a priority funding area, co-design projects and request for proposal criteria and vote on the projects they feel are best to address a community need.

  1. Process Design: We are partnering with a consultant and community leaders to create the rules and engagement plan.
  2. Brainstorm Ideas: Through meetings and online tools, residents will share and discuss ideas for projects.
  3. Develop Proposals: Groups of volunteers will develop the ideas into feasible proposals.
  4. Vote: Volunteers vote on the proposals that most serve the community’s needs.
  5. Fund Winning Project: The Community Foundation will fund the winning idea(s) with a pool of $75,000 in grant dollars.

Graphic courtesy of Participatory Budgeting Project

May 2026 – Oswego County

Sessions 1 & 2 –  Topic Ideas & Voting | May 5 & 6 2026 – 5:00-7:30pm
Location: Camp Zerbe (253 NY 104, Williamstown NY 13493)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER


Session 3 – Virtual Proposal Presentation Night | May 27, 2026 – 5:30-7:30pm (Held via zoom)

Session 3 is where community ideas come to life. During this virtual session, participants will hear proposal ideas that were developed based on the community’s top priorities, ask questions, and share feedback. It’s a chance to learn more about each idea, understand its potential impact, and help shape what moves forward to the final vote the following day.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://cnycf-org.zoom.us/j/85104765688

Meeting ID: 851 0476 5688


Session 4 – Voting Night | May 28, 2026 – 5:00-7:30pm
Location: The Children’s Museum of Oswego County (7 W Bridge St, Oswego NY 13126) *Polls open online at 9am and close at 7:00pm
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Information on our voting night event, and details of how to cast your vote will be available soon! Both online and in-person voting will be available for residents of Oswego County.

Residents who need transportation assistance may contact Ride Oswego County’s Office of Mobility Management at rideoc@oswegocounty.com or 315.746.4222.

For additional questions about the participatory budgeting, contact Qiana Williams, senior program officer, at 315.883.5568 or qwilliams@cnycf.org.

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