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 $300,000 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!
Crossroads Center for Children is a private nonprofit school in Schenectady serving ~120 children with autism and special learning needs from 8 counties, using Applied Behavior Analysis and an integrated preschool model that builds empathy, critical thinking, and social skills. Foundation grant funds will support a nature trail on the school’s property, giving students a safe, accessible outdoor space for exploration and hands-on learning.
Moreau Community Center is a nonprofit organization that supports the Saratoga, Warren and Washington County communities, working to fight food insecurity, build community connections, and address health and wellness needs. Common Roots Foundation grant funds will support Moreau Summer Camp, providing local youth with programming that builds friendships, fosters growth, and keeps kids connected during the summer.
The Wesley Community is a nonprofit in Saratoga with nearly fifty years of service providing a full continuum of care for older adults, offering independent and assisted living, long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, and outpatient therapies. Foundation grant funds will support the Outpatient Therapy Program, helping community members of all ages regain and maintain their independence through accessible, high-quality rehabilitative care.
Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library is a nonprofit community group dedicated to bolstering the library’s programs and facilities through financial support and volunteer assistance. Foundation grant funds will support Read to Recovery, placing curated recovery literature directly into the hands of those who need it most, removing barriers to information, and providing a judgment-free resource for individuals and families in recovery.
Troy Area United Ministries is a nonprofit in Troy serving more than 2,000 people annually through programs that address hunger, poverty, community relations, and the spiritual and social well-being of residents hundreds of volunteers. Foundation grant funds will support the TAUM Garden Expansion Project, growing the organization’s capacity to provide fresh, locally grown food to neighbors in need throughout Rensselaer County.
Upper Hudson Trails Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to planning, maintaining, and advocating for non-motorized recreational trails and infrastructure across the Upper Hudson Region of the Adirondacks. Foundation grant funds will support the purchase of grooming equipment for Dynamite Hill in Chestertown, improving trail conditions and expanding access to outdoor recreation for the surrounding community.
Saratoga Children’s Literacy League is a nonprofit serving children across Saratoga County by providing free, refurbished books regardless of income level, building home libraries and fostering a culture of reading that supports academic and personal growth. Foundation grant funds will support a solar-powered mobile book bus that brings free books directly to neighborhoods and events throughout the county, expanding access to literacy resources for all children.
Albany Center Gallery is a nonprofit community organization that promotes and exhibits work by the region’s emerging and established artists, inspiring the community to appreciate the importance of art. Foundation grant funds will support Summer Art Fest, a free, all-ages outdoor festival in Downtown Albany, featuring live art-making, a pop-up gallery, vendor market, and a kids’ art corner, bringing accessible arts experiences to all.
New York Folklore is a nonprofit that collaborates with communities to identify and advocate for tradition bearers, artists, and working people across NY, supporting cultural self-determination and sustainability. Foundation grant funds will support Healing Days, a donation-based program offering holistic care preserving heirloom healing arts rooted in immigrant communities while providing wellness care and sustaining local practitioners.
Saratoga Pride is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the safety and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community in Saratoga County through visibility, allyship, and education. Foundation grant funds will support Growing Together, a community garden initiative creating a safe, welcoming space where LGBTQ+ families and allies can connect, learn to grow food together, and build community rooted in sustainability, education, and belonging.
Strong Through Every Mile (STEM) is an all-volunteer nonprofit that empowers survivors of domestic and interpersonal violence and abuse through the sport of running. STEM provides runners with new shoes, other gear, and covers their 5K registration fees. Foundation grant funds will support the expansion of the STEM Running Program, reaching more survivors with a community-centered path toward healing, strength, and resilience.
The Hyde Collection is a nonprofit art museum in Glens Falls dedicated to exhibiting a distinguished permanent art collection and promoting the fine arts for the education and benefit of residents of Glens Falls and the surrounding region. Foundation grant funds will support Beyond the Exhibit, extending the Hyde Collection’s impact beyond its galleries to engage the broader community through enriching arts education and programming.
Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy is a nonprofit that protects nearly 16,000 acres across the Mohawk and Hudson River Valleys, ensuring clean air, water, and working landscapes for farming and forestry. Foundation grant funds will support native plant gardens and educational signage and removal of invasive species at the Bender Melon Farm Preserve, enhancing the ecological health and educational value of this community greenspace.
WMHT Public Media is a public broadcaster serving New York’s Capital Region through PBS, NPR, and local programming, producing award-winning documentaries and series as an essential service for education, entertainment, and inspiration. Foundation grant funds will support the NY & Climate Video Series, bringing locally produced, in-depth coverage of climate issues to Capital Region audiences through the power of public media.
Rotterdam Community Center is a community hub that nourishes neighbors in mind, body, and soul. The Center has welcomed over 50,000 residents and distributed nearly 181,000 meals worth of groceries since 2022. Foundation grant funds will support the purchase of a walk-in refrigerator, expanding the capacity of the Bread of Life Food Pantry and Produce Pantry to meet the growing demand for fresh, nutritious food across the community.
The Mobile Meditation Studio is a nonprofit that brings meditation and restorative wellness experiences directly to schools, recovery centers, and community spaces across the region. Foundation grant funds will support the Community Wellness Access Project, expanding access to trauma-informed meditation, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation for local residents facing stress, anxiety, and barriers to traditional care.
Each year we host a number of fundraisers aimed at promoting community wellness, healthy active lifestyle, and environmental stewardship.
Our 2nd Annual 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. See you on the course next year!
At our third 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 fifth 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, 100+ runners participated, winning loads of swag in age-group, stroller, and overall divisions. After the race, we enjoyed refreshments in the Biergarten.
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
