Recent Grant Recipients
Columbia Kitchen
Support from the Raymond C. Kennedy Foundation has been transformative in expanding Columbia Kitchen's community refrigerator program and increasing access to nutritious meals for residents facing food insecurity. In 2024, the Foundation’s grant enabled Columbia Kitchen to purchase and install refrigerators in high-need locations across the county, ensuring meals are available where they are most needed. Today, refrigerators are operating in community hubs including New Lebanon, Chatham, Columbia-Greene Community College, and Churchtown, with additional expansion underway in the southern part of the county in partnership with local food pantries.
Building on that momentum, 2025 funding has allowed them to significantly grow the program’s reach and impact. With rising costs for essentials such as food, housing, and energy -- and reductions in SNAP benefits, more families are turning to these community-based resources. The Foundation’s support has helped Columbia respond by increasing meal production and distribution, expanding outreach, and reaching individuals who may not otherwise have access to consistent, healthy food options.
As a result, the program has increased the number of meals distributed each week 25%, now providing approximately 2,400 meals weekly, with more than 200 placed directly in community refrigerators.
Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood
GHPN used its 2025 Kennedy funds to support technology for its Beyond GED program. Upon enrollment, students receive a laptop to use for their studies, resume writing, and job searches, and to keep with them after graduation as they enter the workforce and/or higher education. GHPN also provides KET software to support GED studying; students work through their KET coursework independently and with staff assistance.
During the academic year, 7 students completed their GEDs. Because students progress at different paces, GHPN also tracks subject tests passed over the calendar year (the GED consists of four subject tests). Students passed 34 subject tests, with many nearing completion by the end of 2026. On the workforce side, 16 students gained employment.
Catholic Charities of Columbia and Greene Counties
2025 Kennedy funds to support residents in Columbia and Greene counties who were experiencing financial hardships. Eight households totaling 11 adults and 9 children received assistance to pay for transportation needs, rent, electricity bills, and mortgage payments. Catholic Charities ensures the financial assistance makes a substantial difference in the current position of families with the goal of self-sufficiency in the future.
Edith Casey Stocking Fund
The Edith Casey Christmas Stocking Fund is a year-round fund administered by the Columbia County Department of Social Services. It was named after Miss Edith Casey, who in 1920 was an agent with the Columbia County Committee of State Charities (the forerunner to county social services). The mission of the fund is to provide assistance to individuals and families experiencing hard times, especially during the holiday season, by providing gifts for children.