In the sixth year of its Cortland County Bright Ideas program, the Central New York Community Foundation awarded $65,000 to 13 nonprofit organizations serving residents of Cortland County. Each organization received a $5,000 grant.
Applicants were invited to submit a ‘bright idea’ for enhancing their nonprofit and explain how that idea will help the organization to better serve its community. The submissions were evaluated based on community impact, collaboration and sustainability.
“We have so many deserving organizations in Cortland County, and we continue to find inspiration through their passion and dedication to improving our community and the lives of its residents,” said Catherine Bertini, a Bright Ideas grants program donor and committee member. “I’m proud to be a part of the Cortland Bright Ideas program, and look forward to seeing the impact these 13 grants make.”
Cortland County Bright Ideas is supported through the generosity of the Fenstermacher Fund, the Nicholas and Agnes Renzi Charitable Fund, the Margaret and Roland Fragnoli Designated Fund, the Yaman Foundation, the Bertini Family Foundation, the Cortland Community Foundation, EDF Renewables, Tom Knobel and other local donors who were inspired to give back to the local community. The selection committee was comprised of the organizations and individuals who contributed.
The Fenstermacher Fund, administered by the Community Foundation, serves as a catalyst for the Bright Ideas program. Ted Fenstermacher was a prominent attorney who served as a chief prosecutor in the Nuremberg war crimes trials following World War II. The Fenstermacher Fund, established through his bequest in 2001, has supported the general needs of the community for more than 15 years, largely through the funding of a lecture series, prior to the launch of Bright Ideas.
“It is our mission to steward donors’ intentions and bring together people with common interests to make a bigger impact,” said Peter Dunn, president & CEO of the Central New York Community Foundation. “It’s inspiring to see the generosity of Mr. Fenstermacher and the other donors supporting important projects in Cortland County.”
2023 CORTLAND BRIGHT IDEAS $5,000 GRANT RECIPIENTS
CAPCO will provide resources, education, and events on breastfeeding to community stakeholders, including medical practitioners.
Central New York Spay Neuter Assistance Program (CNY SNAP) will provide free microchips to cats and dogs that come through their low cost spay/neuter clinic.
Child Development Council of Central NY will help to cover training and inspection expenses for prospective childcare providers in an attempt to increase the total number of family childcare homes in Cortland County.
Cortland Collective Impact Initiatives will create a low-cost theater day camp that teaches confidence, academic skills, friendship, acceptance, and self-discovery to local youth (aged 8-18).
Cortland County Family YMCA will update an old aquatic storage room, revitalize its pool area, and add additional youth activities.
Cortland Loaves and Fishes will expand support to its current Snackpack programs in six local schools, filling the need for nutritious weekend meals for students facing food insecurity at home.
Cortland Youth Bureau will be starting an E-sports program for kids in the Cortland community with the help of Cortland High School.
Family Counseling Services of Cortland County (Family & Children’s Counseling Services) will replenish its client assistance fund, which provides clients with demonstrated need access to vital telehealth behavioral health services.
Friends of the Cortland County Child Advocacy Center will support the Be a Star for Children Program, providing “extras” that allow children of abuse to have a positive outlet during their trauma recovery.
Helping Hands Caring Heart will provide feminine hygiene products to local women in need.
Lime Hollow Nature Center will expand the Trail for All, creating an accessible, multi-generational, family-friendly gathering place and improve access to nature in Central NY.
Seven Valleys Health Coalition will hire a part-time compost manager and create an onsite composting system, which will help to create sustainable food production, reduce carbon emissions, create nutrient-dense material for the garden, and act as an educational opportunity for community members.
YWCA Cortland will support the YWCA Cortland Mentoring Program Healthy Body and Mind Project, offering healthy food and therapeutic recreational activities to participants.
To learn more about the Cortland County Bright Ideas grants program and to gain information on donating, please visit cnycf.org/cortland.
