It marks the first time more than $100,000 in grants were awarded in a single year. The Town-Gown Fund has now invested $1,269,244 in the local community since 2001.
“This year’s grants reached a significant new milestone,” said Hamilton President David Wippman, who chairs the Hamilton College Town-Gown Committee and is retiring at the end of the academic year. “I have enjoyed working with my fellow committee members to support local organizations’ efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents in the village and town. We were especially pleased to provide another grant to the Country Pantry, something we have done annually since the pandemic exacerbated food insecurity in our community.”
The Clinton Kirkland Improvement Corporation received $20,000 as part of a collaborative effort with other organizations to hire an executive director to facilitate economic planning for the community. The executive director will look to expand business-related activity, enhance the community’s already attractive quality of life, and further encourage visitors. The grant was made in memory of longtime Clinton resident and original Town-Gown Committee member Andy Burns.
Town-Gown grants were also awarded to the Clinton Central School District, which received $16,500 to help with the establishment of a pre-kindergarten program; the Kirkland Senior Center, which will receive $15,000 toward the construction of an outdoor deck and sliding door for the enjoyment of residents and guests; and the Kirkland Art Center, which was awarded $13,000 to repair and refurbish the KAC entry.
The Clinton Central School District Foundation received $11,000 for the Elementary School Summer Program; the Clinton Fire Department was awarded $10,100 to upgrade battery-operated extrication equipment; and the Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corps received $10,000 to purchase digital radios for 911 communications.
The Town-Gown Fund Committee also presented $5,000 to the Clinton Youth Foundation for pre-season expenses at the Boynton Pool, and the Country Pantry received $9,000 for general operations.
Hamilton in the Community
Hamilton invests in the vitality of the community through direct contributions, voluntary support, and the economic impact of its students, employees, contractors, and visitors.
The Hamilton College Town-Gown Fund was created in 2001 by anonymous donors to foster goodwill and communication among the College and residents of the Town of Kirkland and the Village of Clinton. Since its founding, the endowed fund has received more than $1.2 million in gifts. Grants are made based on the income earned each year from the investment of those gifts.
In addition to the Hamilton president, Town-Gown Committee members are: Hamilton College Associate Professor of Geosciences Cat Beck; Hamilton College Trustees Phyllis Breland and Amy Owens Goodfriend (formerly of Clinton); Clinton Fire Department First Assistant Chief Bob Burns; Clinton School Superintendent Chris Clancy; Oneida County Legislator Chad Davis; former Village Trustee Carrie Evans; and M3 Director of Operations Jackie Walters. Hamilton Senior Philanthropy Advisor Dick Tantillo and Executive Writer and Director of Community Relations Mike Debraggio serve the committee as ex officio members. Donations to the fund can be made by contacting Tantillo or Debraggio.
