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! This June will be a continuation of our centennial celebration by launching the second of five participatory budgeting initiatives across our service area. Madison 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 Madison 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

JUNE 2026 – Madison County

Session 4: Voting & Celebration Night | Thursday, June 25
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Smithfield Community Center

Agenda:

  • 5pm – 6pm: Check out the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum & Voting Hours
    • If you would prefer to vote in person, stop in early to cast your vote. Then, head on up to the second floor and check out the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum!
  • 6pm – 7pm: Celebration Night
    • Enjoy refreshments from local Madison caterers and meet with members of your community ahead of the winning proposal announcement. Voting closes at 7pm!
  • 7pm – 7:30pm: Winner Announced
    • The winner is announced shortly after voting polls close at 7pm.

Join us for:

  • Complimentary light refreshments
  • Checking out the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum on the second floor
  • A showcase of all proposal presentations
  • Voting polls open at the Smithfield Community Center or online polls will be open from 9am-7pm
  • The live announcement of the $75,000 winning proposal at the end of the evening!

VOTING DAY INFORMATION – VOTING IS NOW LIVE

  • Online voting is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and in-person from 5-7:00 p.m.at the Smithfield Community Center, located at 5255 Pleasant Valley Rd in Peterboro
  • Voters must be a Madison County resident aged 14 years or older.
Vote Here

The nonprofit organizations’ projects that will be presented are:

Community Action Partnership for Madison County

The Community Action Partnership for Madison County proposes creating a housing stability fund to help working households facing the risk of eviction or foreclosure. The project would provide short-term financial assistance to eligible residents whose incomes are too high to qualify for many government assistance programs but who are still struggling to meet basic housing costs. In addition to financial support, participants would receive help navigating available services and resources designed to strengthen long-term financial stability and housing security.

Madison County Rural Health Council

The Madison County Rural Health Council proposes a housing stability initiative that combines emergency financial assistance with education, resource navigation and community partnerships. The project aims to help working families remain safely housed while connecting them to services that support financial well-being and overall health. By addressing housing instability, the organization hopes to strengthen household resilience and improve quality of life for Madison County residents.

Check out the Presentation Pitches Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjE_UGRZySU

In need of transportation assistance? Contact Mobility Management at dymobility@gmail.com | 315-366-8190.

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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