Dutchess County Awards $150,000
in Veterans Microgrants
Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O’Neil has announced $150,000 in one-time grants has been awarded to 11 local non-profit veterans organizations to enhance activities and programming that address’ veterans needs and recognize the service of local veterans. Organizations and municipalities were chosen based on the beneficial impact these funds will have on the lives of Dutchess County veterans.
County Executive O’Neil said, “Honoring and providing for our veterans is a large priority here in Dutchess County and these microgrants are just a small way to show our appreciation. These brave men and women have put their lives on the line for us and we need to make sure they are taken care of when they return home. There are many organizations throughout our county doing remarkable work to support our local veterans and we are pleased these dollars will further efforts to enhance the loves of our local veterans and honor them for their service to our country.”
Dutchess County’s Veterans Microgrant Program provided grant awards up to $15,000 per organization or municipality to be used for purchases or needs, including equipment, building repairs, resources, or other one-time expenses that help enhance program offerings, as well as make programs more accessible for veterans.
Veterans Microgrant Program projects – totaling $150,000
Vail Wolff McKenna Frye Post 170 (Poughkeepsie), Roof Replacement, $15,000
Repairing or replacing roof on Post 170. Help with roof repair will help Post to be able to provide more funds available to help veterans in need of assistance and financial support.
Arlington American Legion Post 1302 (Poughkeepsie), Refrigeration Upgrade, $15,000
Replacement of 30+ year old refrigeration unit. Removal of old unit, disposal of material, cleaning and sanitizing of area, and running off new lines for beverages. Installation and upgrade to electric service to unit included as well.
Veterans Sportsmens Association (Pleasant Valley), Sport Gear, Office Equipment, and Training, $13,500
Purchase sporting items such as kayaks and paddles, personal Floatation Devices, commercial Trailer. Training courses and equipment including Free SABRE Pepper Spray Self Defense Class and Active Shooter Safety Equipment. Order office equipment including computer, laptop, printer, and monitor.
American Legion Hasler-Kamp Post #215 (Pawling), Post Upgrades and Recruiting, $13,000
Replace items including pop-up tent and banners used during events in the area and replace flags and grave markers. Purchase materials such as awards and recognition certificates medals, and wall emblems. Creation of a website informing people about recruiting efforts and community involvement. Pay for Hometown Hero banners honoring local Veterans.
Town of Pleasant Valley (Pleasant Valley), Purple Heart Town, $15,000
Formally recognize Purple Heart recipients by establishing posted signage at an entry road, adding purple lighting over the memorial site, and posting Purple Heart Flags at two ends of the memorial site along with security cameras that will tie into the Town’s current video surveillance. Additionally, postcards will be mailed to all residents for notification of honor event.
Village of Fishkill (Fishkill), Hometown Hero Banner Program, $15,000
Printing of hero banners as well as the ancillary hardware needed to mount banners. Funding would serve two purposes. Acquire supplies, landscaping elements and the cost of their installation at existing Veterans’ Memorial and help lower the cost of the banner program for veterans and their families to encourage as many veterans to participate as possible.
Stanford Fire Company No. 1, Inc. (Stanfordville), Town of Stanford Veterans’ Recognition, $7,500
Purchase of plaques, military banners, flags, and monuments as well as display cases for Veterans information and memorabilia.
Town of Poughkeepsie (Poughkeepsie), Veterans Recognition Programs, $12,500
Placing new banners for each branch of service at the Dutchess County War Memorial and displaying Hometown Hero’s Banners in the Town of Poughkeepsie.
American Legion Post 739 (Pleasant Valley), Infrastructure Updates, $13,500
Replace entry doors, refrigerator, and dehumidifier and update building structure for Post 739. Purchase a year’s supply of flags to be flown on the walkway honoring deceased veterans, as well as flags to mark veteran graves for Memorial Day. Purchase microphones for sound system and refreshments for Memorial Day ceremonies.
My Brother Vinny (Lagrangeville), Warehouse Upgrades, $15,000
Enhance the warehouse in Lagrange by insulating and adding shelving equipment supplies to make it fully operational to continue their mission of providing distributing furniture and housewares to veterans.
Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation (Dutchess County), Honoring Local Veterans, $15,000
Expand programming to more Veterans in Dutchess County. Increase access and improve the quality of care for veterans with “We Honor Veterans standards” and educate veterans on programming available to them. Host Veterans Day breakfast for Dutchess County Veterans.
Adam Roche, Director of the County’s Division of Veterans’ Services, said, “We are honored to provide another round of microgrants to local veteran’s organizations, especially after hearing the successful impact last year’s funds made. Thank you to County Executive O’Neil and the Dutchess County Legislature for their continued support of this program and our community partners for the important work they do to serve and honor our veterans.”
In 2022, the Dutchess Veterans Microgrant program provided grants to 15 organizations and municipalities with $180,000 in total funding.
For more information on available veterans services throughout Dutchess County visit dutchessny.gov/veterans.
