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 $120,000 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!
Wild Ones is a national organization that promotes the use and benefits of native plants in gardens. They accomplish this through native plant sales, presentations, and displays, as well as via inspirational suggestions during garden tours and hikes in preserves. A Foundation grant will assist them with the creation of a helpful workbook and guide for new native plant gardeners, including the purchase of binders, tabs, paper, and printing costs.
Wiawaka Center for Women was created by and for women in 1903. It is the oldest continuously operating retreat for women in America. The non-profit serves over 2,000 women and men each year through unique and relevant programming, retreats, workshops, and events in a natural and peaceful setting. A Foundation Grant is assisting them with the purchase of a new lawnmower to care for the historic grounds.
Shelters of Saratoga is a non-profit dedicated to transforming the lives of our neighbors facing homelessness with supportive services, safe shelter, and a path to independence. A Foundation Grant is helping them purchase two new refrigerators for their Walworth Street Emergency Shelter. These new appliances allow them to offer fresh, nutritious meals, which are crucial for the well-being and recovery of the shelter’s guests.
Queensbury Union Free School District serves more than 3,000 K-12 students annually. The percentage of economically
disadvantaged students is now up to 38%. Foundation funds will support their “Snack Pack” program with shelf-stable items like cereal, ramen, oatmeal, and canned & seasonal fruits & vegetables, providing food assistance to students in need during holidays, weekends, and other time periods when school is closed.
Saratoga PLAN manages 12 nature preserves that are open and free to the public throughout Saratoga County, and works to preserve the rural character, natural habitats, and scenic beauty throughout Saratoga County. A recipient of the Broofield Renewable Grant, funds will support their Stewardship Program, including materials to make the trails on several PLAN preserves more resilient and welcoming to visitors year-round.
PAVE (Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment) supports and empowers victim-survivors and strives to prevent sexual violence through education, advocacy, and community action. Foundation funds will assist with their “Ask for Angela” campaign, which is an on-boarding program for bars and restaurants where staff is trained to recognize potentially volatile situations, It provides a discreet way for individuals who feel unsafe or uncomfortable to seek assistance.
Schuyler Hose Company is the 501c3 not for profit organization associated with the Schuylerville Fire Department. Fire prevention is a critical component of their mission. Each year, they provide educational services to students in the Schuylerville School District during re prevention week. A Foundation grant is helping them to replace outdated educational supplies for the students they serve, including brochures, presentation materials, and activity booklets.
Albany Damien Center is the preeminent drop-in HIV/AIDS
center in upstate New York. They provide stable housing, food security, job training, community building and advocacy to 17 counties with under-served rural and urban populations. A Common Roots Foundation Grant will supplement their important “Smart Meals” program, which provides nutrition health education, community meals, pantry bags, and food vouchers to the individuals they serve.
CREATE Community Studios helps community members feel safe and connected in their social emotional growth and mental health journeys by making the expressive arts ffordable and accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Grant funding will support their “Rainbow Garden Club,” a free after-school program for LGBTQ+ youth, which provides supportive social opportunities through art making, gardening, and interaction with nature.
Capital Streets is a new nonprofit dedicated to creating a better, safer, and more equitable transportation system in the Capital Region. The Foundation will assist with seed funding to start their “Transit Oral Histories” project, where an oral historian will interview people at bus stops and on buses about their journeys. The audio clips will function as a public awareness campaign about transportation difficulties that people in our communities face.
Albany Center Gallery acts as an arts resource hub for our region, offering free art programming, in-house exhibitions, pop-ups, public art murals, and community gatherings. Foundation funds are assisting them with their inaugural Summer Art Fest, an interactive all-ages arts festival in Downtown Albany. It will feature artists painting murals, small business vendors, a kid friendly area with arts & crafts, an outdoor popup gallery music, food, and more.
Adirondack Mountain Club was established in 1922 to help provide the public with access to the Adirondack Park through trail building and education. A Foundation grant is helping fund a professional trail crew to complete the final work on the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST), a segment of which cuts through the ADK park. The grant covers operating expenses, staff training, uniforms, food, first aid supplies, equipment, vehicle fuel and maintenance.
Since 2018, Saratoga Shredders’ mission has been to get more girls on bikes bu hosting weekly mountain bike rides and skills clinics for girls in the Saratoga Springs area. They reached out to the Common Roots Foundation seeking funds to support their Maple Ave. Middle School “Bikes in Schools” initiative, and we are proud to have been able to grant their request. The project aims to increase the equity of getting kids on bikes by bringing bikes into PE classes at school.
Family Services of Glens Falls is a non-profit agency that provides support and services to families in crisis. For over 20 years, they have been serving the children of Warren, Washington, and Northern Saratoga counties with their “Feet First” program. Through this program, they provide new shoes, socks, snacks, books and supplies to children in need. A Common Roots Foundation grant will enable them to provide 40 children with new shoes.
Each year we host a number of fundraisers aimed at promoting community wellness, healthy active lifestyle, and environmental stewardship.
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.
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.
Each May, the Common Roots Foundation leads an afternoon cleanup along the Betar Byway as part of the Riverkeeper Sweep. This year, our small but spirited group succeeded in removing 250+ pounds of debris from the shores! After, we enjoyed beers and camaraderie in the taproom. We’re so grateful to be able to participate in this important and fun event to help clean up a beloved local waterway.
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!
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!
