Applications available for the City of Clifton Park’s 2024 Community Action Fund – Saratogian

CLIFTON PARK, NY — On February 4, 2019, City Councilman Phil Barrett announced the creation of a Community Action Fund. The fund provides community nonprofits the opportunity to apply for funding for programs and projects that provide tangible benefits to Clifton Park and its residents.

Financial support for the Community Action Fund is generated through the donation of bottles and cans that can be redeemed for a deposit. No city funds are used to support the program.

Barrett noticed a large amount of deposit bottles and cans in the recycling bins at the city’s transfer station. The goal was to provide a way for people living near the recycling bins to donate. The donations would allow the city to generate revenue from the deposit bottles and cans. The funds could then be used to support community organizations and strengthen the city’s social infrastructure.

A committee consisting of Barrett, Councilwoman Lynda Walowit and several community representatives was established to make a set of recommendations for establishing an application process and criteria. The committee met in spring 2019 and formalized the application process, specifying that applications must be submitted by September 30 each year, organizations that serve Clifton Park residents can apply, and applications are capped at a maximum of $1,000.

The 2024 application is available at www.cliftonpark.org, on the City Manager’s page for qualified organizations interested in applying for a grant through the program. The details of the program have not changed. Since the program’s inception, over $63,000 has been awarded to dozens of organizations serving Clifton Park residents.

The program has been a huge success thanks to generous donations of bottles and cans from many residents throughout the year.