Howland Foundation 2010 Grants Application is now available at

The Community Foundation of Tompkins County is the administrative agent for the Howland Foundation - a trust established by Helen T. Howland in her will to benefit Tompkins and Broome Counties . The Howland Foundation supports grants in the areas of aging, youth, animal welfare, and the environment. Grants are limited to qualified nonprofit organizations that provide substantial benefit to these areas. Grant awards generally range from approximately $1,000 - $8,000, with exceptions in some cases. A formal Application is required from those organizations whose programs meet the objectives set out by the Howland Foundation Trustees.

We are now accepting applications from Tompkins County supporting the areas of:

1.    Aging

2.    Youth

3.    Animal welfare

4.    Environment

We are now accepting applications from Broome County supporting the areas of:

1.    Animal Welfare

2.  Environment

With a grant given through the Howland Foundation, Challenge was able to expand on their very successful program, "Life Options: Expanding Community, Leisure, and Social Options for Older Adults with Disabilities".  The staff at Challenge added new activities such as a self advocacy group, sign language, meditation and in their art group included collage and nature's gift groups.  Other popular activities, such as a senior swim at Longview and volunteer work with Loaves and Fishes, Meadow Gate Stables and the SPCA,  have been expanded to include more participants.  Staff has been able to create more specialized groups and activities for their oldest

participants who need a different schedule and pace than others.

Challenge began in 1968 to provide meaningful work for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities in a manufacturing work center.  Since then Challenge has expanded to include providing a range of assessments, training, placement and support services for youths and adults with developmental, mental health and physical disabilities.  Most recently, Challenge has developed a range of supplemental services through the Life Option Program that offers social, health, and wellness, continuing education and community activities that support the aging workforce with developmental, mental health and physical disabilities.

Challenge, after over 20 years at 402 East State Street, moved into their new space up at the South Hill Business Campus in January.  Though a smaller size, it is more usable than the old.  In the new space, the Life Option program has a dedicated area with several activity rooms, a working kitchen and expanded exercise area and even some small quiet areas for reading and resting.  Further expansion of the program is on hold as participants become comfortable with the new environment.

It was a pleasure to visit Challenge's new location and see the individuals that utilize the space for activities and work training.  The work center was filled with people working on sorting, shredding, and organizing various items as piece work from other organizations and companies in the area.  Up in the new Life Option section, folks got ready to go to the YMCA to play basketball, take an exercise class in the new expanded exercise area, or take a rest in one of the quiet offices.  Life Options has become a place they can choose to work, learn, socialize, or read at their own pace.  As a member of the Community Impact committee and a board member of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County, I took advantage of seeing first hand, the impact our grant-making efforts have on the community and also learn more about the organizations and people we support in our community.