Hilltown Commons Awarded ESD Grant to Advance Community Vision

RENSSELAERVILLE — Hilltown Commons, formerly the Carey Institute for Global Good, is proud to announce it has been awarded up to $38,500 in grant funding through the Empire State Development (ESD) Strategic Planning and Feasibility Studies Program. This will support the creation of the Hilltown Commons Strategic Development Master Plan — a forward-looking initiative to guide the enhancement of historic buildings, the development of new facilities, and broader campus improvements.

The award was recommended by the Capital Region Economic Development Council (CREDC) as part of New York State’s Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) process. The Strategic Development Master Plan will prioritize opportunities for adaptive reuse, geothermal integration, expanded community programming, increased tourism, and economic revitalization across the Helderberg Hilltowns.

“This award affirms the importance of strategic planning in rural communities and supports our commitment to inclusive development, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation,” said Doug Parvis, Acting Executive Director of Hilltown Commons. “We’re grateful to Empire State Development and the Capital Region Economic Development Council for recognizing the potential of Hilltown Commons as a regional anchor for creativity, connection, and climate resilience.”

The project will be developed in alignment with New York State’s Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) goals and will undergo environmental and historic preservation review. The performance-based grant is contingent on project completion.

As planning efforts begin, Hilltown Commons invites the public to get to know the campus by participating in existing community events designed to foster dialogue, creativity, and connection. Details and registration, and more information about Hilltown Commons and its upcoming initiatives are available at www.hilltowncommons.org/communityevents or contact info@hilltowncommons.org. 

Hilltown Commons is empowering growth at the intersection of learning, community, and the natural world.