Grants totaling $1 million have been awarded for six projects through the Dutchess County Agency Partner Grant (APG): Infrastructure Program. The special funding was allocated by the Dutchess County Legislature in the 2023 Dutchess County Budget to provide support to agencies currently funded through the traditional APG program to implement capital infrastructure initiatives. The APG: Infrastructure Program awards have been given to local 501(c)(3) non-profit agencies to implement capital and/or operating infrastructure initiatives, providing resources that allow them to address service gaps and needs throughout Dutchess County.

When asked by A Little Beacon Blog when the notice of applications was, Sean McMann of Dutchess County Executive’s office responded: “The application was released on March 15, 2023; the deadline to submit applications was May 3, 2023. This year’s program was only open to 501(c)(3) non-profit agencies funded under the 2023 traditional APG program, and the Department of Planning and Development sent an announcement to those specific agencies only. The County will not be accepting applications for APG: Infrastructure funds for the remainder of 2023.”

The special funding was allocated by the Dutchess County Legislature in the 2023 Dutchess County Budget to provide support to agencies currently funded through the traditional capital infrastructure initiatives.

Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O’Neil said, “These grants will support these community partner agencies to make critical infrastructure improvements.  We are grateful to the County Legislature for allocating this one-time funding to help these agencies make investments that can have a positive impact on those directly served through their programming.”

Projects awarded Agency Partner Grant: Infrastructure funding include: 

• Community Based Services, Inc. – $130,000 to renovate the main barn at Cultivating Dreams Farm, a 10-acre satellite facility located in the Town of Beekman; the project will include full weatherization and installation of heating and cooling systems in the barn, which will allow for year-round indoor programming for individuals with special needs.

• Dutchess Outreach, Inc. – $28,000 for equipment purchases, including a “grab-and-go” cooler, shed and hoop house-style greenhouse to expand access to local produce and healthy food options for low-income, food-insecure individuals and families throughout Dutchess County. 

• Exodus Transitional Community, Inc. – $44,100 to replace the roof and gutters on the organization’s two-family house, which is used to provide community-based, re-entry services and transitional housing for individuals affected by the justice system.

• Family Services, Inc. – $523,621 for the continuation of safety and accessibility improvements at the Family Partnership Center in the City of Poughkeepsie, including renovations to the sidewalks and driveway, replacement of doors and windows, improvements to signage and wayfinding, and requisite finish upgrades to common area corridors. Rehabilitation and enhancements to the facility will provide long-term stability to numerous local human service organizations that regularly use the building for programming and events. 

• Poughkeepsie Farm Project, Inc. – $24,279 to support accessibility and inclusivity upgrades throughout the farm, including the creation and installation of bilingual directional and educational signage, as well as an outdoor mural-style welcome sign.

• The Art Effect – $250,000 for the continued construction build-out of The Trolley Barn, which hosts youth-led exhibitions and performances showcasing students’ artwork, including renovations to several areas of the building to be used for studio space, galleries, administrative offices, and event support. Renovations to the building will allow the organization to fulfill its mission of empowering young people to develop their creative voice to shape their futures and bring about positive social change. 

The APG: Infrastructure Program provided funding opportunities for Dutchess County non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation. Funding was awarded to organizations on a competitive basis, based on the ability to demonstrate a capital and/or operating infrastructure project need which will provide organizations with the resources needed to fulfill community needs.