Hamilton College Town-Gown Fund awards nearly $75,000 in grants

“Often, these grants help organizations fund special projects and needs beyond basic operations,” Hamilton President David Wippman said in a press release.

The Clinton Central School District received $24,000 to purchase furniture that can be reconfigured based on student need, lesson topic, or the teacher’s plan for the class. The grant also provides funds to create a student work area in the middle school and to purchase indoor equipment and materials for elementary school students when they can’t go outside for recess.

The Clinton Central School District Foundation received $15,000 to support the Rise and Shine Summer Program for elementary school students. The Kirkland Town Library received $10,000 for new carpeting, and the Clinton Historical Society received $8,750 to replace the sign at the Old Burying Ground on Kirkland Avenue.

The Country Pantry received $7,500 for general operations, the Clinton Fire Department received $6,500 to purchase two thermal-imaging cameras, and the Kirkland Police Department received $2,500 to purchase new uniforms.

The Town-Gown committee also pledged up to $5,000 to hire a grant writer to work with Clinton Mayor Elizabeth Tantillo to prepare a proposal to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for tree maintenance in the village.

Created by anonymous donors in 2001, the Hamilton College Town-Gown Fund works to foster goodwill and communication between the college and residents of Kirkland and Clinton. To date, the endowed fund has received $1.2 million in gifts and has awarded more than $1.1 million in grants since 2001.