For the fourth straight year, Broome County is offering a total of $150 thousand for community improvement projects. The Small Community Fund is available to municipalities, non-profits, and local economic development entities that are working on projects that complement Broome County’s Comprehensive Plan.
“This fund has made targeted investments that have directly benefitted residents across Broome County,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “These grants have shown that small investments can have major impacts on the quality of life throughout our community.”
“We are happy to see the return of the Small Community Fund,” said Broome County Legislature Chairman Dan J. Reynolds. “The use of the hotel/motel funds for this program helps spur local development. We look forward to continuing to assist municipalities and non-profits across Broome County through this initiative.”
Since it was created in 2018, the Small Community Fund has supported more than 20 projects throughout the County. Grants range from $1,200 to $30,000, with the average grant being approximately $15,000. Some notable projects include a kitchen renovation for Little Italy Endicott’s Heritage Center, home rehabilitations in rural parts of Broome County through the Impact Project, a NYSEG natural gas extension in the Town of Maine, flood mitigation work at Jackson Park in the Town of Binghamton, and ADA upgrades at African Road Park in Vestal.
While open to all applicants that meet the stated criteria, is intended to help the smaller communities with projects that may not be eligible for alternate funding sources. The emphasis of the Small Community Fund will be on projects which address the goals of the comprehensive plan. More information on Broome County’s Comprehensive Plan can be found here.
An application and policy for the small community fund are attached. Applications are due by July 31st and should be returned to Beth Lucas at this address: beth.lucas@broomecounty.us or by mail to PO Box 1766, Broome County Office Building, Binghamton, NY 13902.
