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Chenango Foundation

The Chenango Foundation is responsible for aiding research and development that contributes to the communities in the  Chenango County area. The Foundation also provides continued oversight and development of the Leadership Chenango program aimed at enhancing the development and skills of individuals to become future community and civic leaders.

History

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.

Projects

NORWICH BUILDING TOMORROW FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2022 ENHANCED CURB APPEAL GRANT PROGRAM

NORWICH, NY – In 2021 Friends of the Museum District, in conjunction with the Norwich Building Tomorrow Foundation, announced the creation of a Curb Appeal Matching Grant Program. This program was created to encourage the revitalization of the Norwich Museum District neighborhood by assisting property owners and residents with various types of exterior improvements. Due to the success of the program, the 2022 Curb Appeal Program (CAP) has been expanded and now includes Rexford Street (North Broad intersection to River Street), N. State Street and State Street (Rexford to Mitchell Street intersection) and Silver Street (Berry Street to Gold Street intersection only).

This program was created to assist property owners with projects that improve the exterior appearance of their dwelling from the street. Successful applicants are now eligible to receive up to 75% of the total cost of their improvements, with the maximum grant amount capped at $18,000. The scope of work must include improvement 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; Decorative entrance features and Aesthetic fencing. All grant awards in excess of $600 are subject to New York State tax.

Grant funding is provided by the Norwich Building Tomorrow Foundation. 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.

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