TROY — After a three-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is bringing back its micro-grant program for the Mt. Ida neighborhood.
During the five years the program was running, the fraternity awarded $47,000 to community groups for projects to benefit its neighbors.
“This grant program is just one part of Phi Sigma Kappa’s commitment to the growth, improvement and future of the Mt. Ida community,” said Paul Marano, president of the Phi Sigma Kappa Alumni Association.
“We’re relaunching the program in 2023,” Marano said.
Past projects funded by the grants 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 cross-walk” community art project at the entrance to Prospect Park, food pantry equipment and supplies, and a bike “Fix-it” station, a first in 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,” Marano said.
Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded. A public meeting on the program will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, at the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity in the former St. Francis de Sales Church at 320 Congress St. Information about the grants and applications are available online at the fraternity’s grants Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MtIdaCommunityGrantProgram/.
Applications are due by Wednesday, April 12. They may be filed online or by mailing to Phi Sigma Kappa, PO Box 1379, Troy, New York 12180.
The grants will be awarded at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, at 320 Congress St.
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