OSWEGO — The Richard S. Shineman Foundation announced it awarded grants totaling $585,000 to not-for-profit organizations in Oswego County during its fall 2024 grant round. These grants will support initiatives in health and human services, education, food insecurity, and youth development, furthering the foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for residents in the […]
OSWEGO — The Richard S. Shineman Foundation announced it awarded grants totaling $585,000 to not-for-profit organizations in Oswego County during its fall 2024 grant round. These grants will support initiatives in health and human services, education, food insecurity, and youth development, furthering the foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for residents in the region. The largest award, $300,000, was granted to the Oswego Health Foundation to expand the Oswego Hospital Emergency Room. The project includes dedicated rooms for pediatric psychiatric care, addressing the unique needs of some of the community’s most vulnerable individuals, according to a Shineman Foundation news release. Other significant foundation grants included: Human Concerns Food Pantry: Awarded $100,000 for its expansion project and $3,500 to fund Thanksgiving meals for families in need. ConnextCare: Received $73,000 to establish a school-based health center in the Oswego City School District, providing essential medical services to students. Friends of Recovery Oswego County: Awarded $14,000 to enhance its Recovery Community Organization (RCO), connecting individuals to long-term recovery support. David’s Refuge: Granted $18,000 to fund overnight respite stays for 69 families, offering caregivers a chance to rest and recharge. SUNY Oswego Research Foundation: Received $10,000 to create an ADA-accessible trail at Rice Creek Field Station, expanding access to recreation and educational programs. The Shineman Foundation also supported projects promoting environmental stewardship and education: Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust: Received $25,000 to advance environmental-conservation education for families. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST): Awarded $25,000 for its upcoming “GROW” exhibit, focusing on agricultural science and food systems. Education and youth initiatives were also key priorities with these grants: CiTi BOCES: Awarded $5,000 to develop an engineering-design lab aligned with New York State Science Learning Standards. Weston T. Hyde Educational Foundation: Received $3,500 to provide nutritious snacks and drinks to more than 1,200 students in CiTi BOCES programs. The foundation also made several smaller grants focused on community enrichment: Paige’s Butterfly Run: Awarded $3,500 to assist families of children with cancer in Oswego County. Fulton Community Basketball: Granted $2,000 to fund inclusive recreational activities for youth. Oswego County EMO UAS Division: Received $2,500 for public-education materials about drone and robotics programs. The Richard S. Shineman Foundation says it is a catalyst for positive change in Oswego County, committed to enhancing the quality of life through strategic philanthropy. With a focus on economic vitality, social cohesion, and nonprofit capacity building, the foundation seeks to inspire and empower organizations to create lasting community improvements.