Foundation

SOUTH GLENS FALLS, N.Y. – The Common Roots Foundation announced $20,000 in grants to 10 organizations working to improve the quality of life throughout northeastern New York.

With these awards, the Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 2020 in the aftermath of the Common Roots Brewing Company fire, has channeled more than $75,000 to local projects focused on community wellness, environmental stewardship, and helping neighbors in need.

“Today’s awardees highlight some of the incredible efforts underway in our community to make life a little better, a little easier, a little safer,” said Bert Weber, President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “We are lucky to be in a place where so many neighbors are looking out for others. On behalf of the Foundation, thank you for what you do. You are truly making a difference in the lives of so many.”

Spring awardees include:

• Bikeatoga — bike rehabilitation and safety program
• Climb for a Cure — colorectal cancer education and outreach
• Girls on the Run — launching a new running program in South Glens Falls
• Glens Falls Central School District Backpack Program — providing food to 125 students each weekend
• Glens Falls Hospital’s Amanda’s House —  accommodation improvements
• The Hyde Collection — new public programming
• Lake George Association —algal bloom identification program
• Prospect Center —  medical and first-aid supplies
• Water Insecurity Correction Coalition — clean water project in the Adirondacks
• YMCA — community garden and related education and nutrition programs

The Foundation raises funds year-round through tax-deductible donations, a membership program, fundraising events, and business partners.

Bert added, “I am heartened, but not surprised, by the continuous support of our community: more than 50 volunteers joined our team to clean up the Betar Byway during River Sweep; our legacy partner renewable energy company Boralex; weekly bike rides that raise funds—so many come together to allow us to further our mission and help make a difference.”

Applications for our fall awards are due November 1. To apply for a community grant, learn more about the Foundation, or become a member, please visit: www.commonrootsbrewing.com/foundation.

The next Common Roots Foundation fundraiser is the River Run for the Roots 5K which will be held on Saturday, July 8th. For details and registration, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/SouthGlensFalls/RiverRunfortheRoots.

The signage along Betar byway at the South Glens Falls Historical Park will receive some much-needed rejuvenation this spring as part of the Common Roots Foundation’s River Sweep community cleanup project.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS, N.Y. — Common Roots Brewing co-founder Bert Weber pitched a proposal to the Village Board Wednesday to help update the signage along the Betar Byway located at South Glens Falls Historical Park.

“I’m here representing the Common Roots Foundation this evening. It’s the not-for-profit arm of our brewery operation over there,” he said.

After a fire destroyed the first Common Roots Brewing location, Weber said the outpouring of community support in rebuilding the business inspired he and his fellow founders to create a community service arm.

“It was an idea that we had even before the fire. but obviously, after the fire, the reaction of the community, we really felt we have to pay this forward; so we created the Common Roots Foundation,” Weber said.

The foundation has existed for two years and has awarded more than $50,000 in grants and donations to area organizations that promote the ethos that the Commons Roots partners are passionate about.

“So, we’re looking at promoting an active lifestyle, improve the environment,” Weber said. “We’re looking at sustainability issues, and social justice issues and also trying to help others in crisis.”

As part of the foundation’s mission, Weber said its board has been looking for an ongoing land ‘adoption’ project, where it would sponsor a portion of public land within the village and provide maintenance and upkeep.

“We couldn’t think of a better project than the Betar Byway. We use it for our Run for the Roots. We use it as part of the River Sweep organization,” he said. “It’d be kind of an ongoing adoption for us. We’d always want to have something to do down there.”

Weber met with South Glens Falls Superintendent of Public Works T.J. Chagnon to discuss options regarding service projects the foundation could bring to the byway, and the two landed on renovating the path’s signage.

Weber proposed to the Village Board that the foundation either renovate, or replace the existing three signs, as well as some light landscaping around them.

The foundation plans to use its River Sweep event, scheduled for May 6 as a jumping-off point for the byway signs renovations. In addition to clearing debris from the banks along the Hudson River, volunteer teams will work to renovate the signs to help keep the area a picturesque and healthy place for people to visit and enjoy.

“We think the village has been a great place to build a business and we want to have more people here and pay the community back,” Weber said. “Obviously, you can’t make beer without water, so protecting that resource is very important to all of us.”

Since established in 2021, more than $47,000 total contributed to groups focused on creating positive change throughout the region

SOUTH GLENS FALLS, N.Y. – The Common Roots Foundation announced more than $20,000 in grants to nine organizations supporting community wellness, environmental stewardship and assisting those in times of need.

Founded in the aftermath of the Common Roots Brewing Company fire, the Common Roots Foundation is a nonprofit focused on sustaining and improving the quality of life throughout northeastern New York through grants and volunteering efforts. Since being established in 2021, the Foundation has contributed more than $47,750.

“When we first established the Common Roots Foundation, our goal was simple: to give back to the tremendous community that supported us through difficult times and continues to step up for their neighbors,” said Bert Weber, President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “Between our sustaining and new members, well-attended fundraising events, and our first Legacy Partner, Boralex, the Foundation has been able to support even more programs that are truly making a difference in the lives of the people we want to serve.”

Current awardees include:

• Books Offer Opportunities Kids Succeed—provides 10,000 free books to low-income families;
• Crandall Park Beautification Committee—updating and improving community centerpiece park;
• Glens Falls Youth Center—provides educational, recreational and life-skills programs for disadvantaged youth (grades 5 – 12);
• Habitat for Humanity—building and providing homes, this time for a family from Gabon;
• St Mary’s Food Pantry—part of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY serving 100 families/week;
• Tri-County Literacy—high school GED, English as a new language, and literacy tutor program;
• Up Yonda Farm—outdoor recreation and education center;
• Wait House—a homeless shelter for youth ages 16-24;
• World Awareness Children’s Museum—hands-on cultural educational space for children;

“As a member of the greater South Glens Falls community for more than 20 years, Boralex and our employees are firmly committed to contributing to the vibrancy and economic vitality of this area,” said Erik Bergman, board member, and Director of Operations for Boralex, a renewable energy developer, owner and operator. “Working with the Common Roots Foundation allows us to further our mission to go beyond renewable energy and create sustainable, inclusive and healthy communities in the regions in which we operate.”

Grants range from $1,000 to $2,500 and are awarded for a specific program or project representing the Foundation’s three pillars: community wellness; environmental stewardship; and assisting those in need.

Previous awardees from spring 2022 and 2021 have included: Rise Housing and Support Services, Saratoga Shredders, Family Services of Glens Falls, South Glens Falls United Methodist Church, Pitney Meadows Community Farm, Graphite Mountain Trails, North Country Wild Care, Warren County Soil and Water, Saratoga PLAN, Wilton Wildlife Preserve, Town of Moreau Community Garden and Glens Falls Youth Center.

To learn more about the Foundation, apply for a community grant, or to become a member, please visit www.commonrootsbrewing.com/foundation.

Photo opportunity at our awardee reception will be Wednesday, December 14 at 5 p.m. at the Common Roots Brewing Company. Media interested in attending please contact [email protected]. 

Both based in South Glens Falls, Partnership Will Further Foundation’s Mission to Create Positive Change Throughout the Region

SOUTH GLENS FALLS, N.Y. – As it marks one-year of serving the Greater South Glens Falls community, Common Roots Foundation is proud to announce its first Legacy Partner—Boralex, a renewable energy developer, owner and operator based in South Glens Falls for more than 20 years. This partnership will help advance the nonprofit’s mission to support community wellness, environmental stewardship and assist those in times of need.

“Boralex becoming a Legacy Partner is more than just a financial gain, it signals that we now have a true partner that is aligned with our Foundation’s mission to create positive change in our region,” said Bert Weber, President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “Their generosity and commitment to helping us create a better community has already made a difference in the lives of the people we want to serve. We are honored to welcome Boralex as our Foundation’s first Legacy Partner and look forward to building a future together that will be better for all of us.”

Mr. Weber noted that two Boralex staff members, Erik Bergman, Director of Operations, and Melissa Mansfield, Public Affairs and Communications Advisor, have joined the Foundation’s board.

“We are pleased to support the Common Roots Foundation to advance its mission,” said Mr. Bergman. “Boralex and our employees are firmly committed to go beyond renewable energy, contributing to the vibrancy and economic vitality of the regions where we operate. The Common Roots Foundation has demonstrated a kindred commitment to a healthy and inclusive community, and like all good neighbors we are glad to roll up our sleeves, lend a hand, and support good works.”

Founded in the aftermath of the Common Roots Brewing Company fire, the Common Roots Foundation is a nonprofit focused on sustaining and improving the quality of life throughout northeastern New York through grants and volunteering efforts.

With Boralex’s support, this spring the Foundation awarded $15,000 in grants to efforts that promote our shared values of creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and safe community.

To learn more about the Foundation, apply for a community grant, or to become a member, please visit www.commonrootsbrewing.com/foundation. To learn more about Boralex, please visit: www.Boralex.com.