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!
Foundation News
Your Donations at Work
Since its start in 2021, the Foundation has awarded over $100,000 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!
Saratoga Children’s Literacy League is a new non-profit that promotes literacy as well as sustainability by collecting gently used books, mending them, then returning them to the hands of children via Clifford and Ollie’s Book Bus (their personal minivan). Since its start in March of 2023, they have gifted 1,400 books to children ages 0-13. A Foundation grant is helping them to pay for book mending supplies, book storage, transportation, and insurance costs.
West Glens Falls EMS was incorporated in 1987 to serve our community by providing ambulance services when called upon. In order to keep providers at the highest level of proficiency and continually improve their knowledge and skills, they hold training events every month that cover a wide range of medical areas. A Foundation grant will be assisting them with the replacement of important training equipment that they need for this critical EMT training.
Warrensburg Central School is a rural district with a poverty rate of over 65%. The Warrensburg Student Enrichment Foundation works to create enrichment opportunities for students through after school activities (like “In the Zone”) and summer camp leadership development programs (like “Camp Inspire” at Echo Lake). Foundation funds are helping them keep these transformative opportunities 100% free for students and families.
Upper Hudson Trails Alliance plans, maintains, and advocates for trails and trail infrastructure development in northern Warren County. The recipient of our first ever Brookfield Renewable Outdoor Recreation Grant, the funds are helping to bring the existing cross-country and hiking trail up to mountain bike standards at Dynamite Hill in Chestertown. This project will specifically target an expert-only “crux” point on an otherwise intermediate trail, making it accessible to non-expert riders.
The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York is a not-for-profit organization that collects donated food from the food industry and distributes it to nearly 900 charitable agencies in 23 counties of northeastern New York. The food provided by the Regional Food Bank helps to feed over 350,000 people each month. A Foundation grant is assisting them with the purchase of 15 shrink wrap dispensers to boost staff safety and protect pallets of food during transport.
The Agricultural Stewardship Association protects our community’s working farms and forests, connects people to the land, and promotes a vibrant future for agriculture and forestry in our region. They are planning a “Soil Health Workshop” geared towards toward farmers, gardeners, educators, and professionals, with the goal of exposing more people to the benefits of regenerative agriculture and climate resilient practices.
Grey Ghost Bicycles NICA is a nonprofit youth mountain bike team that strives to get kids on bikes and to promote a healthy lifestyle. The organization serves youth athletes in grades 6-12, providing financial support, coaching, and racing equipment. Foundation grant funds will go towards the purchase of five entry level mountain bikes for student athletes who wouldn’t otherwise be able to participate in the program due to financial limitations.
Open Door Mission is dedicated to reaching out and serving the needs of people living in poverty. In addition to 62 year-round beds, they also operate a Code Blue shelter 6 months out of the year. Their Soup Kitchen serves 3 meals a day, 7 days a week to those staying at their shelter. A Common Roots Foundation grant will help them to stock dairy, produce, and eggs to last five months, ensuring that their high-risk population has access to safe and nutritional food.
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is a non-profit that strives to conserve ecological systems and natural settings while providing opportunities for environmental education and outdoor recreation. One challenge they face is getting people outdoors to enjoy the long winter season. With grant support from the Foundation, they’ll be able to make snowshoes available at no cost, ensuring that their winter programs remain accessible for those who can’t afford to purchase their own.
Glens Falls Area Youth Center is a nonprofit organization that serves disadvantaged youth in our area through a wide variety of educational, recreational and life-skills programs. Foundation grant funds will go towards their Environmental Education Initiative program and Youth Community Garden, where their kids are involved in every step of the process from building the garden plots, to harvesting their crops, to serving their vegetables at the YC dinner table!
This Year's Fundraising Events
Each year we host a number of fundraisers aimed at promoting community wellness, healthy active lifestyle, and environmental stewardship.
Spring Gathering 2024
At our inaugural 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 new event will become an important annual fundraiser for the Foundation, further enabling us to help local organizations realize their wellness, sustainability and stewardship projects.
Kind Cyclothon 2024
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 $14,000 to support our community!
Beat the Brewers 2023
At our third 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. Check out the awards page for tournament results and more photos!
River Run for the Roots 2023
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, almost 150 runners participated, winning loads of swag in age-group, stroller, and overall divisions. After the race, we enjoyed beers and sunshine in the biergarten. View more photos from race day and check out our results page to see more!
RiverSweep 2023
Each May, the Common Roots Foundation leads an afternoon cleanup along the Betar Byway as part of the Riverkeeper Sweep. This year, over 75 volunteers succeeded in removing 500+ pounds of debris from the shores! We also refurbished some Betar Byway signage and planted some pollinator friendly perennials. After, we enjoyed beers and camaraderie in the taproom. We’re so grateful to have been able to participate in this important and fun event to help clean up a beloved local waterway.