Advocates for Springfield creates a Field of Interest Fund with the Community Foundation of Otsego County

New Fund Accepting Applications for Projects that Benefit Springfield, NY

[SPRINGFIELD CENTER, NY] Advocates for Springfield is a grass-roots group formed in 2000 to promote good land uses in the Town of Springfield. The group encouraged Springfield to adopt a comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, and other land use laws. As the vision and actions of the Town’s governing bodies aligned with the goals of Advocates for Springfield, the group felt it had accomplished its principle objectives.

Advocates wanted to put its remaining financial resources to use for further benefit of Town residents. They turned Advocates’ assets over to the Community Foundation of Otsego County (CFOC) and established a Field of Interest Fund to be managed by CFOC. The fund will issue grants to fulfill the wishes established by Advocates for Springfield. 

The Fund will offer support for local nonprofit organizations that add to the fabric of the community, such as the volunteer fire department and the library. Grants may also be used for projects that add to the community’s sense of spirit and its recognition of common interests. Grants of up to $500 will be made. 

Jeff Katz, Executive Director of CFOC, said, “Advocates for Springfield accomplished a great deal in their nearly 20-year run. We're honored that they have chosen the Community Foundation as the 

place to do more good work through a field of interest fund. We encourage Springfield nonprofits to apply. We want to invest the funds in Springfield soon, so the first deadline is May 15.”

 Tara  Sumner, VP of Advocates for Springfield, said, “Setting up a Field of Interest Fund was an excellent way to extend the impact of our group. We had a great 22 year run that will now continue in perpetuity. CFOC designed a fund just for us and we will rely upon them to support good projects within our Town. We have also stipulated that the Community Foundation will make periodic grants in amounts that allow the Fund to maintain its original principal.” 

Applications must be submitted online through cfotsego.org/advocates-for-springfield. If you have any questions about the application or the Fund, we are glad to help. Please email awards@cfotsego.org or call 607-434-5542. The first application deadline is May 16, 2022, with decisions made by June 16, 2022. For further information please visit the Community Foundation of Otsego County website at cfotsego.org.