The fund has awarded more than $1.1 million since 2001.
“As stipulated in the agreement that established the Town-Gown Fund, grants were awarded to education, public safety, and other non-profit organizations in our community,” said Hamilton President David Wippman, who chairs the committee of local leaders who meet annually to select grant recipients. “Often, these grants help organizations fund special projects and needs beyond basic operations. We also provided a sizable grant to the Country Pantry to support its important work.”
The Clinton Central School District received $24,000 to purchase modern, lightweight, and mobile furniture that can be reconfigured easily based on student need, lesson topic, or the teacher’s plan for the class. The grant to the district also provides funds to create a student work area in the middle school and to purchase indoor equipment and materials for elementary school students when they cannot go outside for recess.
Town-Gown grants were also awarded to the Clinton Central School District Foundation, which received $15,000 to support the Rise and Shine Summer Program for elementary school students; the Kirkland Town Library, which was awarded $10,000 to offset costs to replace carpeting; and the Clinton Historical Society, which will use $8,750 to replace the sign at the Old Burying Ground on Kirkland Avenue.
The Country Pantry received $7,500 for general operations; the Clinton Fire Department was awarded $6,500 to purchase two thermal imaging cameras; and the Kirkland Police Department will use $2,500 to purchase new uniforms.
The committee also pledged up to $5,000 to hire a grant writer to work with Village Mayor Elizabeth Tantillo to prepare a proposal to the New York State Department of Environmental Conversation for tree maintenance in the village.
The grant for the new sign at the Old Burying Ground was made in memory of longtime Clinton resident and original Town-Gown Committee member Andy Burns.
Town-Gown Fund
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 $1.2 million in 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.
