(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Applications are now being accepted for the ninth round of Broome County’s Small Community Fund grant program. This year, $500,000 has been budgeted for community improvement projects. Last year, grants were awarded to fund 31 total 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.
Broome County joined the Vestal Fire District, a past award recipient, at the Fred Singer Training Tower today to highlight one of the many impactful projects supported. Improvements to the tower will strengthen a vital training resource used by numerous fire departments across Broome County to prepare firefighters for real-world emergencies. Investments like this ensure that first responders have the tools and facilities they need to keep our communities safe.
Since it was created in 2018, the Small Community Fund has supported more than 180 projects throughout the county. Most grants range from $10,000 to $50,000, with the average grant being approximately $20,000.
While open to all applicants that meet the stated criteria, the fund is intended to help 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.
Information regarding the Small Community Fund, guidelines, and how to apply can be found on the County Planning and Economic Development Department’s website at gobroomecounty.com/planning/communitygrants. Applications are due by March 31 at 4:00 p.m.
Questions regarding the application process will be accepted through March 27 to ensure applicants have the opportunity to receive clarification prior to the deadline.
Applications should be returned via email, communitygrants@broomecountyny.gov, or by mail: PO Box 1766, Broome County Office Building, Binghamton, NY 13902.
