Six local projects receiving grants to support collaboration between Binghamton University and the community
Nearly $30,000 awarded to University partners through the Stephen David Ross University and Community Projects Fund
Six projects by local nonprofits and Binghamton University partners are being supported by thousands in grants from the Stephen David Ross University and Community Projects Fund.
In this round of awards, $28,700 are being awarded by the fund, which was established by Ross to advance working partnerships between the University and the community.
Ross Fund grants go to projects that bring Ufniversity and community groups together in partnerships, make wise use of what each partner brings to the table, show a commitment to stretching existing dollars or securing matching support, and leave a meaningful mark on the community’s quality of life.
The following organizations and projects have received grant money through the Stephen David Ross University and Community Projects Fund:
Central Serves, Inc. – $10,000
Central Serves, Inc. will be receiving funds for a partnership with the Office of Sustainability for the Mersereau Park Food Forest project. The project will transform a vacant lot in Endicott into a seven-layer permaculture food forest (a human-made garden designed to copy woodland) to address food insecurity, improve public health, and create a lead-safe outdoor learning space that provides fresh food for local pantries, community meals, and senior facilities.
Johnson City Central School District – $8,000
Johnson City Central School District will be receiving grants for a partnership with the Center for Community Engagement for the JC Connects Hub project. This project will establish a community-based hub at The Bridge Community Center to improve access to food, clothing, family support services, resource navigation, and engagement opportunities for Johnson City families by bringing essential services closer to where they live.
Four County Library System – $4,200
Four County Library System is partnering with the Institute for Child Development and the Department of Psychology for the Opening Doors: Co-Designing Inclusive Library Activities with and for Individuals with Communication Differences project. This project will develop inclusive library activities and a replicable training model to help libraries better serve individuals with communication differences across a wide range of ages.
First Presbyterian Church of Johnson City This Day Program – $3,500
First Presbyterian Church of Johnson City This Day Program will receive funding for a partnership with the Division of Public Health in the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences for the Improving Access to Community Level Mental Health Services project. The project will expand access to mental health support and resource navigation for low-income and asset-limited residents in Broome County.
The Move Out Project – $2,000
The Move Out Project will receive grant money to go toward its initiative, which is a partnership with the Office of Sustainability. This project will expand donation collection services to off-campus student housing, divert reusable items from landfills, and increase donations of clothing and household goods to local community organizations.
The Astor D. Rice Foundation, Inc. – $1,000
The Astor D. Rice Foundation, Inc. was awarded funding for its partnerships in the Community Health Nursing and Public Health program with the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences as well as the Photo Voice project with the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program. This partnership will empower youth to share their lived experiences through photography and storytelling while amplifying community voices and encouraging positive community change.
Additional information can be found on the Center for Community Engagement website. Details for the 2027 grant cycle will be announced in February 2027.