Madison County Participatory Budgeting

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.

How It Works

Process Design: We are partnering with a consultant and community leaders to create the rules and engagement plan.
Brainstorm Ideas: Through meetings and online tools, residents will share and discuss ideas for projects.
Develop Proposals: Groups of volunteers will develop the ideas into feasible proposals.
Vote: Volunteers vote on the proposals that most serve the community’s needs.
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

Schedule of Events

JUNE 2026 – Madison County

SESSION 1 & 2: Topic Ideas & Voting
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 & Thursday, June 4, 2026

In-Person Event | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Madison County Cornell Cooperative Extension
LINK TO REGISTER

SESSION 3: Proposal Presentation Night | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 – 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM (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/87257377028

Meeting ID: 872 5737 7028

SESSION 4: Voting & Celebration Night | Thursday, June 25, 2026 – 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Smithfield Community Center (5255 Pleasant Valley Road, Peterboro NY 13134)
Polls open online at 9am and close at 7:00pm
LINK TO REGISTER

How to Vote

VOTING LINKS TO OPEN ON JUNE 25!

All Madison County residents aged 14 or older are eligible to vote online or in-person.

Proposals

More information to come!

Transportation Assistance

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.

WHAT IS PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING?

JUNE 2026 – Madison County

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