BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – The Stephen David Ross University and Community Projects Fund has awarded $28,300 in grants to support initiatives carried out through collaborations between local nonprofit organizations and University partners.
Ross, distinguished research professor emeritus, established the fund to advance working partnerships between the University and the community.
Grants were awarded to three projects:
- Roberson Museum and Science Center and Binghamton University's Department of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership received $5,838 for a project called: AccELerate through VTS: Science, Language and Living Environments. This program will promote language growth through science for English learners through Visual Thinking Strategies.
- Broome County Council of Churches and the Food Justice Working Group and Center for Civic Engagement at Binghamton University received $14,462 for a project to support the CHOW Bus. This program will assist in evaluating the needs of our community to bring innovative programming to help support those who struggle with food insecurity in Broome County.
- Discovery Center of the Southern Tier and Binghamton University's Multicultural Resource Center received $5,000 for a project called Kids Cultural Kaleidoscope. This program will expose and enrich children and families throughout the community with Binghamton University, who might not otherwise be exposed to the rich composition of students and their cultures. Children will be able to see other members of the community with shared customs and beliefs as well as experience a wide range of new cultures and customs.
- Reproductive Justice Project of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Binghamton and Binghamton University's Theatre Department received $3,000 for a project called Everyone Knows Someone. This program is a theatrical performance designed to bring awareness to and destigmatize the process of having an abortion.
Ross Fund grants are awarded based on the following priorities: promotion of collaboration and cooperation between University and community groups; innovative use of the talents and resources of project partners; demonstrated 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.
Further information can be found on the Center for Civic Engagement website. Details for the 2024 grant cycle will be announced in February 2024.
For more information, contact Sara Hall, senior assistant director, Center for Civic Engagement, at sarahall@binghamton.edu.
