In an attempt to secure private, charitable funds to improve the quality of life of the greater Salem, NY community, the Salem Community Foundation has been created as an affiliate of the Glens Falls Foundation. It will evaluate local needs and opportunities and look to fund projects that address the areas of community development, education, art & culture, environment, health, or social needs.

An Endowment for Salem

🌱 Building a Stronger Salem, Together: The Power of Endowments 🌱

Imagine Planting a Tree of Opportunity for Salem 🌳

What is an Endowment? An endowment is like a permanent savings account for our community. When you donate, you're Building a Stronger Salem, Together by creating ONGOING support for local projects, forever!

How It Works:

1. 💰 You Donate: Make an initial contribution

2. 📈 We Invest: Your donation is carefully invested

3. 🎁 Annual Grants: Only the investment earnings are used for community grants

4. 🔄 Perpetual Support: Your original donation STAYS intact, generating funds year after year

Real Impact Example:

• $100,000 Endowment

• Estimated 5% Annual Return = $5,000 in community grants EVERY YEAR

• FOREVER, without touching the original donation

Building a Stronger Salem, Together

• Stable, predictable funding for local projects

• Long-term community development

• Your legacy continues supporting local dreams

Endowment Benefits:

• Preserves and promotes local culture

• Helps vulnerable community members

• Invests in Salem's future

🌟 Building a Stronger Salem, Together🌟

Announcing the first round of grants

October 28, 2024

The Salem Community Foundation (SCF) is pleased to announce a $21,200 investment in the Salem community through its first round of grant awards.

The SCF Advisory Board was impressed by the quality of applications received and has selected four organizations for awards. These grants will support projects that address community development, education, art and culture, the environment, and health and social needs in the greater Salem area.

The grant recipients are as follows:

1.) Fort Salem Theater - Awarded $10,000 to support the paving of their parking lot, increasing capacity from 15 to 34 spaces and improving safety and accessibility. This project will enhance the experience for guests, particularly seniors and individuals with mobility challenges. The expanded parking will also support local businesses by encouraging theatergoers to arrive early, park safely, and explore downtown Salem. 

2.) Georgi Museum -  Awarded $5,000 for ADA accessibility, climate control, and mold abatement work. This is a crucial component of the museum’s renovation project, which will allow the museum to reopen to the public. The Georgi Museum houses a rich collection of art, including Italian, Dutch, Flemish, German, and French paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries, along with Chinese tapestries, Oriental figurines, stained-glass windows, and an extensive mineral collection. Located in Shushan, within the Town of Salem, the museum serves Washington County, the Saratoga region, Glens Falls, and Vermont. It is owned by the Town of Salem as part of a bequest from Henry and Jessie Georgi, and a town board subcommittee is focused on its preservation.

 3.) So Salem Inc -  Awarded $5,000 to support their mission of assisting individuals, couples, and families in the Salem Central School District facing unexpected challenges. Formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, So Salem has provided essential support to the community and continues to respond to urgent needs.  

4.) Books in Kids Hands Corporation - Awarded $1,200 to fund the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program for one year. This program provides free monthly books to children from birth to age five within the Salem Central School District, promoting early literacy and encouraging families to read together. The program currently serves 58 children.