The Foundation was established to be a resource for positive change in our community. Our work is dependent on the consistent involvement with and by our community members. Together, we’ve helped local businesses, individuals and organizations realize a variety of different wellness, sustainability and stewardship projects. None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, members, and community. To say we are grateful for your support would be an understatement. Thank you all!
Since its start in 2021, the Foundation has awarded over $250,000 in grants to organizations who are focused on creating positive change in our region. Here’s a quick look at some of the ways member generosity has made a difference in our last grant cycle!
Safe Inc. of Schenectady provides outreach, shelter, and supportive services to youth vulnerable to homelessness and human trafficking throughout the Capital Region. Foundation grant funds will assist with operating expenses at the Delores McIntosh House–the agency’s emergency youth shelter–which provides temporary housing, meals, and counseling to youth ages 14–20, including young parents with infants or toddlers.
Albany Rowing Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding safe, public access to the Hudson River and promoting rowing for youth and adults in Albany. Common Roots Foundation grant funds will assist with replacing deteriorating sections of ARC’s shared-use floating dock system, ensuring continued safe access for rowers, boaters, anglers, and pedestrians who regularly enjoy the riverfront from late March through early November.
The Chapman Museum presents the history of Glens Falls and Queensbury while connecting visitors to the Adirondacks. Foundation grant funds will support the Spring Garden Party, a free outdoor event celebrating biodiversity, history, and community. Activities include Victorian lawn games, garden tours, and educational stations, fostering wellness and environmental appreciation for all residents of the Glens Falls region.
Cap City Runners is a purpose-driven run group inspiring community through movement. Foundation grant funds will support “Mindful Miles for Men,” a June 2025 initiative promoting men’s mental health via a group run and wellness forum. The event fosters connection, provides local resources, and reduces stigma, especially in under-served communities, using running as a tool for healing and empowerment.
Since 1976, the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library have promoted and supported the goals of the library. Foundation grant funds will expand Read to Recovery, a free-to-keep collection offering multilingual books and resources on addiction, trauma, and mental health. By reducing stigma and increasing access, Friends of the SSPL empowers individuals and families in Saratoga County to pursue wellness, healing, and recovery.
The International Center of the Capital Region is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting cultural understanding and global engagement across the Capital Region. Foundation grant funds will assist with producing a multi-event cultural wellness series that uses shared storytelling, cooking, and community gatherings to celebrate diversity, foster inclusion, and strengthen community wellness through inter-cultural collaboration.
The Rotterdam-Mohonasen Central School District (Mohonasen) is a public K-12 district in Schenectady County serving approximately 2,850 students from Rotterdam, Guilderland, Schenectady, and Colonie. Foundation funds will help support their MohonCARES Weekend Backpack and food pantry programs, which provide essential nutrition to low-income students, ensuring they return to school each week ready to focus, learn, and succeed.
The Reece School is a leading special education nonprofit serving children with complex needs. Through Camp Reece in Warren County, they offer transformative outdoor experiences for youth with disabilities. With support from the Foundation, they aim to develop an adaptive mountain biking trail—creating inclusive recreation that builds physical strength, emotional resilience, and social connection for children with special needs.
Strong Through Every Mile is an all-volunteer nonprofit that empowers survivors of domestic and interpersonal violence through a free 10-week Couch-to-5K running program. Foundation funds will assist with gear, shoes, and training support for approximately 16 participants in the Fall session, helping survivors reclaim confidence and strength through movement, community support, and the transformative experience of crossing a finish line.
Albany Center Gallery supports emerging and established artists across the Capital Region through exhibitions, public art, and free community programming. With support from the Foundation, ACG is expanding its all-ages, outdoor Summer Art Fest in Downtown Albany. The grant helps fund artist stipends, interactive art activities, and live performances with the goal of fostering creativity, connection, and access to the arts for its 800+ attendees.
Queensbury Union Free School District serves over 3,000 K–12 students and works to support their well-being both in and out of the classroom. With support from the Foundation, QUFSD will continue its Snack Pack program, providing shelf-stable food to students in need during weekends and school breaks. The grant helps ensure local children and families don’t go hungry when school meals aren’t available, supporting nutrition, stability, and academic success.
WAIT House provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and support services to homeless and at-risk youth in Glens Falls and surrounding areas. With support from the Foundation, WAIT House will maintain critical supplies like food, hygiene products, clothing, and transportation assistance. These essential items offer stability and dignity to youth in crisis, creating a safe foundation for healing, goal setting, and long-term self-sufficiency.
The Lake George Association was founded in 1885 to protect iconic Lake George—an essential source of drinking water and a critical driver of regional tourism. Foundation funds will help LGA construct a rain garden at Ushers Park to reduce storm-water runoff and improve water quality. Educational signage at the park will also promote sustainable practices, helping protect Lake George’s water clarity for future generations through both action and awareness.
Girls on the Run Capital Region empowers girls in grades 3–8 through dynamic programs that build confidence, connection, and physical strength. With support from the Common Roots Foundation, they are launching Camp GOTR—a summer program designed to provide fun, structured opportunities for emotional growth and physical activity. The grant helps expand access to life-changing programming for girls during critical out-of-school time.
The GFCSD Backpack Program provides easy-to-prepare, kid-friendly food for 187 students facing food insecurity when school is not in session. With over 50% of district families considered economically disadvantaged, this program ensures no child goes hungry on weekends or during school breaks. Foundation Funds will help sustain this entirely donation-based program throughout the 2025–2026 school year.
Bikeatoga is a volunteer-run nonprofit that provides refurbished bikes and free repairs to under-served residents in the Saratoga Springs area. With support from the Foundation, Bikeatoga is expanding its Mobile Bike Repair program to meet growing demand. The grant helps increase the number of pop-up repair events, particularly for backstretch workers at the Saratoga Race Course who depend on bikes for daily transportation.
Each year we host a number of fundraisers aimed at promoting community wellness, healthy active lifestyle, and environmental stewardship.
Our inaugural Root for the Planet benefit golf tournament at Hiland Park Country Club was a huge success! The memorable day on the course featured friendly competition, great beer, and community — all in support of good causes.
At our second annual Spring Gathering, we got the chance to celebrate with good food, beer, and music. The turnout was awesome, the level of enthusiasm high, and the company unparalleled! This event has become an important fundraiser for the Foundation, further enabling us to help local organizations realize their wellness, sustainability and stewardship projects.
The Kind Cyclothon is hosted each January at Kind Cycling Studio in Glens Falls. In addition to some feel-good cycling with purpose, riders compete for bragging rights and stellar prizes. This year, riders brought in more than $11,000 to support our community!
At our fourth annual Beat the Brewers Disc-Golf Challenge fundraiser, teams of 4 gathered at the Crandall Park Disc Golf Course for a chance to beat the Common Roots Brew Crew. Players won bragging rights and loads of swag in games like Ring of Fire, Closest to the Pin, and Longest Drive.
Our annual River Run 5K and Foundation fundraiser features a scenic run/walk/stroll through South Glens Falls and along the Hudson River. This year, 123 runners participated, winning loads of swag in age-group, stroller, and overall divisions. After the race, we enjoyed refreshments in the Bierhall.
COMMON ROOTS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES SPRING 2025 GRANT RECIPIENTS
COMMON ROOTS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES SPRING GRANT RECIPIENTS
Common Roots Foundation Proposes to Revamp Betar Byway Signs
COMMON ROOTS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $20K IN GRANTS TO LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
