RPI fraternity solicits applications for microgrant funding

TROY, N.Y. » Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity at RPI is calling for applications for the 2019 Mt. Ida Community Development Micro-Grant Program funding season. Mt. Ida home-owners, landlords, business owners, and not-for-profits are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $1,000.

The grant can be used for home improvement, historic restoration, neighborhood beautification, maintaining community parks and green spaces, or for not-for-profit programs, which services residents of the neighborhood. Program information and applications are available for download at https://pskrpi. com/grantprogram. html or on Facebook at www.facebook. com/MtIdaCommunityGrantProgram/.

The 2019 grant applications are due April 10, 2019. Grant awards will be announced at a public meeting on April 24, 2019.

Since 2014, the program has funded 36 projects resulting in an investment of $36,000 in the local community.

Projects funded in the past include exterior painting and landscaping, interior repair and restoration, building façade and lighting improvements, restoration of grave sites in the historic Mt Ida cemetery, a “creative crosswalk” community art project at the entrance to Prospect Park, food pantry equipment and supplies, and a bike “Fixit” station — the first in the City of Troy.

“The overwhelming response we got from the Mt Ida community is an indication that the residents of Mt Ida are vested in improving their neighborhood. We are confident the projects are having a positive impact on the

neighborhood” Paul Marano, president of the Phi Sigma Kappa Alumni Association said.

The grant target area extends south from College Avenue west of 15th Street and south of Tibbits Avenue between 15th Street and Bleeker Avenue. It is bordered on the West by the western end of 11th Street. It also includes Prospect Park, Mt. Ida Cemetery and the corner of Congress St. and Pawling Ave.

“This grant program is just one part of Phi Sigma Kappa’s commitment to the growth, improvement and future of the Mt. Ida community. We envision the program running in perpetuity through the support of “Community Funding,” Marano stated.

Corporations, organizations, and individuals with a vested interest in the neighborhood and/or mission of community development will be able to make charitable donations to the grant program.

“A grant like this can have a huge impact on improving the Mt Ida neighborhood. The fact that the fraternity reached out to the community to help assess the needs of the local neighborhood

and develop the grant program should add to its success,” community resident and member of the grant planning/award committee, Dave Gardell, noted.

“I am very excited about this program, and the opportunity to work with our neighbors to improve the Mt Ida community,” fraternity chapter president, Christer Herrmans, added.

“The PSK Mount Ida Community Grant Award provided us with additional funding to improve the facade of Muza Restaurant, and one of the entrances to The Hill at Muza Beer Garden. This drew attention to the business and our common work with PSK to grow the neighborhood into a tremendous asset for Troy. This is one key initiative we undertook that helped us grow our 9-year- old business ~95% in the past 12 months,” Adam Siemiginowski, owner of The Hill at Muza and the recipient of a grant last year stated.

“This initiative is a model of how an independent organization can contribute and make a difference all while educating these future leaders on community action, philanthropy, civic planning, and quality of life issues,” Peter Grimm, Minority Leader in the Rensselaer County Legislature and president of the Friends of Prospect Park, said.

The grant program was launched in 2014 and was developed in partnership with local residents, business owners, and not for profits from the Mount Ida neighborhood, for the purpose of improving the quality of life in the Mt. Ida community. The Troy Rehabilitation & Improvement Program ( TRIP), Inc. has also partnered with the fraternity.

“This micro- grant program is a great example of how local investment and support can benefit everyone. We are proud to partner with the Phi Sigma Kappa Alumni Association and we congratulate them on being such a valuable asset to their community,” Hilary Lamishaw, Director of Community Affairs at TRIP, added.

Phi Sigma Kappa moved into the Mt. Ida community six years ago when the City of Troy approved the fraternity’s purchase of the former St Francis DeSales church and rectory on Congress St. The fraternity, currently consists of 16 student members and over 700 alumni.

The buildings are owned and managed by the Phi Sigma Kappa Alumni Association of Troy, N.Y., which is responsible for providing safe, affordable, quality housing to its student members.