Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley Awards $179,500 to Dutchess County Organizations in its Record-Breaking Dissemination of $350,000+ in Community Grants

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) has awarded over $179,500 in grants to Dutchess County non-profits, students, and organizations. This was part of more than $350,000 in community grants given by the organization during its inaugural Community Changemaker gatherings in Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster Counties. The Dutchess County Community Changemaker gathering, held on December 12, 2024, at the Inn at Bellefield in Hyde Park, united fund holders and nonprofit grant recipients to celebrate collaboration and community impact. The funds, raised through the generosity of individual donors, fund holders, and donations from CFHV’s annual Garden Party, were distributed to over 40 nonprofit organizations based in Dutchess County.

The missions of this year’s CFHV grant recipients address critical needs in education, food security, health, justice, climate action, arts and culture, and animal welfare. CFHV President & CEO Laura Washington commended attendees, saying, “You all are the leaders, innovators, and advocates—the changemakers—who inspire us to make our community a better place.”

“We are thrilled to support such a diverse and innovative group of nonprofit partners,” said Cristin McPeake, CFHV vice president of programs. “This year's recipients include both first-time awardees and longstanding partners, each driving meaningful change in our region.”

One Dutchess County recipient, Hudson Valley Clubhouse provides a supportive environment for individuals living with serious mental illness, helping them work, socialize, and find fulfillment. Executive Director Blaise Sackett summed up their approach: “Community is therapy.” The CFHV grant will enable the organization to hire a second full-time employee to expand membership and address the growing need for social services in Poughkeepsie.

The Community Changemaker gatherings underscore the power of collaboration, generosity, and innovation in strengthening life in the Mid-Hudson Valley. CFHV Board Chair Bob Cotter encouraged attendees to help expand CFHV’s reach, saying, “By connecting us with new nonprofits, we can continue to address critical needs and broaden our impact.”

To discover how you can support the CFHV mission, explore the full list of 2024 Community Grant recipients, or apply for a grant for yourself or your organization, please visit CommunityFoundationsHV.org.