For the last 35 years, Leadership Chenango has groomed up-and-coming community and business leaders by giving them a greater understanding of all facets of the greater Chenango Community while helping them enhance and develop their personal and professional leadership skills. The program falls under the auspices of the Chenango Foundation, the non-profit arm of Commerce Chenango.

Offered every other year, the 10-month program includes deep dives into local government, agriculture, education, social services, the non-profit sector, judicial system, economic development, tourism, health care, business, entrepreneurship, all aspects of leadership and more.

See Alumni List 1989-2024

Acceptance into the program is a competitive process, including applications, interviews and final class selection.

Applications to join the Class of 2026 are now open, and are due by September 26, 2025. Details contained within application. Please see materials below:

Leadership Chenango 2026 Application

Leadership Chenango 2026 Tentative Schedule

Leadership Chenango 2026 Scholarship Application

For more information about this biannual program, contact Commerce Chenango at (607) 334-1400 or via email at info@chenangony.org.

The Chamber of Commerce-Chenango County Foundation, Inc. was officially renamed The Chenango Foundation, Inc. in November 1996. The Chenango Foundation was created to provide a vehicle for community development projects. Successful projects and efforts have included The Northeast Classic Car Museum, Colorscape Chenango, and The Children’s Center.

The Northeast Classic Car Museum opened its doors in 1997 under the auspices of the Chenango Foundation. Sponsorship and project support was provided for the establishment of the tourist destination. In 1998, the NECCM received its 501c3 designation. Originally encompassing just one building and 50 cars on display, they currently have over 170+ vehicles in 5 connected buildings. Informative videos, period fashions, and more enhance the Museum experience. In May of 2009, the Museum opened another 30,000 square feet of exhibit space. Approximately 16,000+ visitors from all across the country visit the museum on a yearly basis.

Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival is a juried outdoor exhibition of gallery quality fine arts crafts and music. The sponsors and participants are dedicated to providing an interactive atmosphere featuring artist demonstrations, educational activities for children and adults, live entertainment, and quality food vendors. The Chenango Foundation provided sponsorship and project support from 1994 until the Festival received its 501c3 designation in 2000.

The Children’s Center, a state-of-the-art developmental and childcare center, was constructed in 1991 through a creative partnership with the city government, Opportunities for Chenango, and contributions from the business community and committed individuals. In January 1997, OFC decided not to renew their contract and the management and operation of the Center were temporarily transitioned to the Foundation. In 2003, Catholic Charities of Chenango County became the parent organization of the Center. Due to the lack of a positive balance sheet, in 2011, the Children’s Center closed and the restricted funding was returned to the Chenango Foundation.

Other projects include Oxford CSD – General Education work Experience & Career Exploration programs; Common Sense Thrift Shop; Workforce Dev Initiative; and Mind Matters Neurofeedback Intervention Research Center.

The Chenango Foundation also continues to provide oversight and development of the Leadership Chenango program, initiated in 1989, aimed at enhancing the development and skills of individuals to become future community and civic leaders.

NORWICH, NY – The Norwich Building Tomorrow Foundation is pleased to announce the return of
the Curb Appeal Program. Now in its sixth year, this grant program has assisted over 40 property
owners within targeted geographical areas in the City of Norwich with various exterior
improvements to their homes. Thus far the grant funding, along with investments made by property
owners, combines for an impressive total of more than $800,000 in improvements to these
properties.
The original program was created to encourage the revitalization of the Norwich Museum District
neighborhood and through the years the program has included specific targeted areas within the
City of Norwich. This year the program will primarily focus on North Broad Street from the Mitchell
& Cortland Street intersection to Weiler Park on the East side of the street and to Newton Avenue
on the West side of the street. Additionally, properties located on South Broad Street from the
South Broad Street Park to the Conkey Avenue intersection are also eligible.
The focus of the grant program is to assist property owners with projects that improve the exterior
appearance of their dwelling from the street; thus improving the curb appeal of the property.
Successful applicants are eligible to receive up to 75% of the total cost of their improvements, with
the maximum grant amount being capped at $15,000. The minimum amount for a project to be
considered for funding is $6,500. The scope of work must include improvements to one or more of
the following: Architectural Details (addition, repair and/or restoration); Exterior painting and/or
power washing; Doors, windows and shutters; Landscaping and sidewalks when done in
conjunction with another project component; Decorative entrance features and Aesthetic fencing.
All grant awards in excess of $600 are subject to New York State tax.
If you would like to learn more about this exciting grant program and reside within the targeted
area of eligibility, you are invited to attend an informational presentation on Wednesday, April 29,
starting at 6:30pm at the Northeast Classic Car Museum on Rexford Street in Norwich.
Grant funding is provided by the Norwich Building Tomorrow Foundation in conjunction with other
local foundations. The Curb Appeal Program is being coordinated by the Friends of the Museum
District Co-Chair, Pegi LoPresti, and decisions on funded projects will be made by members of the
Norwich Building Tomorrow Foundation. Additional information regarding the Curb Appeal
Program can be found at https://www.norwichnewyork.net/whats-new.php or call 607.226.0004

More information
2026 Curb Appeal Grant Program Overview
2026 Fillable Application
2026 Program Brochure
2026 Fillable Refund Application