Shineman Foundation awards first round of grants for 2021

Provides $335,000 total to six area nonprofits

OSWEGO — Six not-for-profit organizations were awarded grants totaling $335,000 from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation in the first of three 2021 grant rounds at its April board meeting. 

The projects reach a wide range of people and organizations that focus on health and human services, education, community revitalization, and arts and culture, the foundation said in a news release.

Farnham Family Services was awarded $130,000, enabling the organization to take over the Harbor Lights facility in northern Oswego County, so that it can sustain and expand substance-use-disorder treatment services to the most rural and underserved parts of the county. 

The Shineman Foundation issued another health and human-services grant to the Salvation Army of Oswego County, for bridge funding to keep its “award-winning” Pathway of Hope program going until its New York State regional economic funding is received. 

In education, the Shineman Foundation awarded a grant to the Fulton Family YMCA in support of the opening on May 1 of its new childcare program for children ages 6 months to 5 years. 

Community revitalization grants were given to the Fulton Wrestling Club for its brand-new facility being built in Fulton, and the Kingsford Park Home and School Association for completion of its planned new playground. 

The Shineman Foundation also awarded a grant to Symphoria, to fund its return to Oswego in July to present a free outdoor community concert on the historic grounds of Fort Ontario.

The Richard S. Shineman Foundation says its mission is to be a catalyst for change and to enhance the quality of life in Oswego County. The foundation says it engages in charitable activities to stimulate economic vitality, encourage strong social bonds that strengthen the community, and to build the capacity of its not-for-profit partners.