LAKE PLACID — A new award opportunity aims to bring people together within local communities across the Adirondacks this winter.

Adirondack Foundation’s Kindling Awards will provide awards of $1,000 each for up to 30 nominees who host community-driven gatherings. There is an emphasis on non-traditional groups bringing people together. The events can be something new or already planned. Regardless, they must take place before May 2025. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Dec. 20.

“In the Adirondacks, we lean on one another to hold our communities together, to meet needs and build a more positive future, to support those who are isolated and to create spaces to be together,” said Cali Brooks, president and CEO of Adirondack Foundation. “After a divisive election, Adirondack Foundation wants to surface a sense of optimism and social connection through our new Kindling Awards, named after the key ingredient that starts a warm fire we gather around.”

“We are looking for nominations from anyone and everyone for the best winter community events in towns throughout the Adirondack region that bring a wide variety of people together to connect and build relationships,” Brooks said. “No agendas necessary beyond fighting isolation and building community.”

Adirondack Foundation will be accepting written nominations, video submissions or verbal nominations by phone. To be eligible, the nominated event must be hosted by a community group, association, club or municipality; funds cannot be awarded to an individual. Recipients do not have to be registered nonprofit organizations but must represent an organized effort to benefit the community. Events should be hosted by and/or serve communities in the Adirondack Park, or anywhere in Clinton and Franklin counties and the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. The event must be open to the public, wherever it takes place.

About the awards

The Kindling Awards were born from a partnership with the Trust for Civic Life, a nationwide philanthropic initiative launched in early 2024. It is aimed at improving civic engagement in communities across the U.S. Earlier this year, Adirondack Foundation was awarded $400,000 over three years to support work that brings people together and helps residents solve important problems in their communities. To learn more about the Trust for Civic Life, visit trustforciviclife.org.

For more information about the criteria and to submit a nomination, visit adirondackfoundation.org/kindling-awards. For questions, email Adirondack Foundation Funds & Program Officer Leslee Mounger at leslee.mounger@adkfoundation.org.