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 $50,000 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!
B.O.O.K.S. is a local nonprofit organization that provides free books to low-income families in Washington, Warren and Northern Saratoga Counties. Each year, B.O.O.K.S. gives over 10,000 new and used books to children within our community through various programs. Foundation grant funds are helping with their Christmas with WIC program, which provides every child serviced through Warren County WIC with a free wrapped book during the Holidays.
The St. Mary’s Food Pantry serves over 100 families each week. In response to the growing need in our area, they reached out to the Foundation for assistance with a food pantry expansion, moving it from the small space in the church basement to a larger space across the street in the rectory. The new location will allow them to accept and organize more food, serve more community members in need, and will be a more accessible and inclusive environment.
Habitat for Humanity builds permanent and decent homes for working-class families who otherwise find the stability of homeownership just out of reach. Foundation grant funds will be used to purchase flooring for the living room of their current home build in Glens Falls. Once complete, the home will be purchased by a family with two daughters. The father works six days a week and uses his day off to help build the home his family will live in, along with volunteers.
Tri-County Literacy Center is a nonprofit headquartered in Crandall Library that provides tutoring services to community members over the age of 18 who would like to improve their literacy skills. They offer their services free of charge and supply all materials for both the volunteer tutors and their learners. Foundation grant funds will be used to cover the supplies and tutoring expenses for ten individuals seeking to take their high school equivalency exam.
The 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, completely free of charge. Foundation grant funds will go towards their Health and Wellness program, which helps kids become healthier physically, mentally, and emotionally, by fusing together a blend of recreation, life skills, and enlightenment.
WACM’s core focus is to inspire children to appreciate diversity by collecting, sharing, and interpreting international children’s art. Foundation grant funds will help them create a new hands-on exhibition called Mountain Tots. This space for toddlers will showcase the beauty and diversity of the Adirondacks, taking children on a journey on a mountain trail to a kid-sized lean-to, across a river, and to the waters of a lake full of life-like aquatic creatures.
WAIT House operates a homeless shelter for youth ages 16-24. In addition to housing, they also provide education and resources to help youths build self-sufficiency, find employment and maintain permanent housing. Foundation grant funds will be assisting with their Nesting Fund, which helps cover the costs of moving and furnishing apartments for youth who are ready to support themselves in their first independent living situation.
A popular visitor and school field trip attraction, Up Yonda Farm presents a variety of nature activities throughout the year to connect people to the outdoors, and provide open space to enjoy. They reached out to the Foundation requesting funding for their winter Snowshoe Program. Grant funds will assist with the purchase of new snowshoes for adults and children, and extend youth sizing options to accomodate younger children.
Last year, Foundation grant funds helped the the Crandall Park Beautification Committee purchase two new Youth Soccer goals and they love them! The new powder-coated aluminum goals replaced a set of decaying wooden ones. City workers say they are easier to move and safer than the old goals. Goalies no longer need to worry about splinters when playing. This year the Foundation is helping again with the replacement of another set of goals.
Each year we host a number of fundraisers aimed at promoting a healthy active lifestyle and environmental stewardship.
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.
Saratoga Fat Bike Rally was founded with two principles in mind; building a community of fat bikers, and supporting the communities we live in. Each February, bikers join us in Saratoga State Park for friendly competition and to raise money for the foundation. After the races, we enjoy beers, snacks, and wintertime fun in the park!
Our second annual Beat the Brewers Disc-Golf Challenge fundraiser attracted more than 125 players and raised $6,400 for the Common Roots Foundation. 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. Thanks to all who came out to play some disc golf for a great cause!
Our third annual River Run 5K and Foundation fundraiser featured a scenic run/walk/stroll through South Glens Falls and along the Hudson River. Runners won bragging rights and loads of swag in age-group, stroller, and overall divisions. After the race, we enjoyed beers, food, and camaraderie in the taproom. Thanks to all who came out to run for a good cause!
