Ross University and Community Projects Fund now accepting applications
Established by distinguished professor emeritus Stephen David Ross, the fund advances working partnerships between the University and the community
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 grant cycle of the Stephen David Ross University and Community Projects Fund at Binghamton University. Ross, distinguished research professor emeritus at Binghamton University, established the fund to advance working partnerships between the University and the community.
Ross Fund grants are awarded based promotion of collaboration and cooperation between university and community groups, innovative use of the talents and resources of project partners, demonstrating commitment to the use of existing funds or to obtaining matching funds, and significant, enduring and positive difference in the quality of life of the community.
Most recently, grants were awarded to several campus and community partnerships:
- Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments (VINES) and Binghamton University’s Public Service Learning Community to construct a new community garden in Johnson City that increases access to fresh food, improves public health and revitalizes a vacant lot in a high-need area
- CARES Advocates for Families Inc. and the College of Community and Public Affairs’ Human Development program to provide structured activities, mentorship and skill-building aimed at improving student engagement, attendance and academic performance
- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County and Binghamton University’s College of Community and Public Affairs Social Work Department to implement and evaluate Mental Health First Aid training across Broome County in support of mental health in rural communities
- Family Enrichment Network and Dr. Judith Quaranta of the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences to improve asthma outcomes among Head Start children ages 3–5 through caregiver and staff education and early risk identification tools
- Justice and Unity for the Southern Tier (JUST) and the Upstate New York Policing Research Consortium and Human Rights Institute to expand a community-led digital archive that preserves self-authored incarceration-related materials and centers affected voices
- United Way of Broome County and the Department of Public Administration and Policy to strengthen performance management capacity in small nonprofits through service- learning, data collection and student-led analysis
- Binghamton Farmers Market and the Environmental Studies program to promote environmental sustainability and reduce food waste through an educational compost drop-off station at the market.
In 2026, the fund will award approximately $34,500 in grants to support initiatives carried out through collaborations between local nonprofit organizations and University partners. Individual grants range from $1,000 to $34,500. Grant funds are available beginning July 1.
The application deadline is Sunday, April 26. Grant applications, full guidelines and further information are available on the Ross Fund website at www.binghamton.edu/cce/community-partners/therossfund. For more information, contact Sara Hall, senior assistant director, Center for Civic Engagement, at sarahall@binghamton.edu.