Conservancy’s Grants Manager Speaks at Upstate Roundtables, Hosted by U.S. Sen. Gillibrand
Dozens of concerned members from religious organizations throughout upstate New York gathered to learn about funding programs from various federal and state agencies.
The Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Program was featured in August roundtable discussions on funding opportunities for faith-based and community organizations, hosted by the Office of U.S. Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand.
Dozens of concerned members from religious organizations throughout upstate New York gathered to learn about funding programs from various federal and state agencies, as well as from the non-profit Conservancy’s grants. Collectively the meetings, held at the reformed Church of Middleburgh and the Second Baptist Church in Catskill, attracted roughly 80 people from six counties.
The Senator’s director of faith-based outreach, Camille Joseph spoke to many of the organizations still struggling for funding in the wake of the recession. Many attendees said during the current economic downturn, funding resources have become very limited and small religious institutions were struggling to survive.
Colleen Heemeyer, Manager of Grants and Technical Services at the Conservancy, spoke about the Sacred Sites Program, which is one of the few in the country dedicated to the preservation of historic religious properties.
Some of the attendees volunteered that they received Sacred Sites grants in the past and found them helpful. Since its inception in 1986, the program has awarded over 1100 grants, totaling more than $6.4 million, to nearly 700 religious institutions throughout New York State. In addition to grants, the program assists dozens of landmark-quality religious institutions each year with hands-on technical assistance, referrals, workshops on the maintenance and repair of religious properties and associated financial issues. Their enthusiasm sparked interest from others in the audience eager to learn about Sacred Sites help.
Following a recently established presidential advisory council designed to connect faith-based resources in government, the Senator is initiating a series of meetings around the state to make people aware of what programs are available and how to apply for them.
