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Lee-Hodge Character of Community Grant

Honoring the Legacy of Henry Lee and Blair Hodge

The Lee-Hodge Character of Community Grant celebrates the values and vision of Henry Lee and Blair Hodge, longtime Cobleskill Main Street business owners and civic-minded leaders whose dedication helped shape our community. Thanks to a generous gift from the Sterling Insurance Company Foundation, this grant program was established with a $100,000 investment to support projects that reflect the "character of the community."

About the Grant

The Lee-Hodge Grant is administered by Cobleskill Partnership Inc. (CPI) to strengthen the commercial, residential, and non-profit fabric of the Village of Cobleskill. The program provides reimbursable grants for projects that create visible, lasting, and positive impacts within our community.

  • Total 2025 Fund: $5,000

  • Maximum Award: $2,500 (50% of annual fund)

  • Application Deadlines: March 1 & September 1

  • Funding: Grants are reimbursable, but up to 50% of the award may be advanced upon approval. Retroactive funding for already-completed efforts may be considered.

Eligibility

Applicants can be individuals, organizations (non-profits, businesses, or community groups), or nominators submitting on behalf of a third party.

Projects should align with CPI's mission of promoting economic vitality in Cobleskill, have a long-term benefit to the community (lasting beyond one year), and demonstrate a positive community impact.​

How to Apply

To apply, you’ll need to submit basic information via the application form, including:

  1. Recipient Information – Who is the grant for?

  2. Project Summary – What are you doing, when, and where?

  3. Community Impact – How will this benefit the Cobleskill community?

  4. Long-Term Benefit – What lasting effect will it have?

  5. Use of Funds – What are you requesting funds for?

You may include additional information, details, photographs, drawings, etc.

To apply, download the application form. Please submit your completed application to Cobleskill Partnership Inc. by March 1st or September 1st.

 

Submissions can be made 📬 via mail: Cobleskill Partnership Inc.P.O. Box 10Cobleskill, NY 12043

Or 📧 via email: CobleskillPartnership@gmail.com

Applicants may also present their project in person at the CPI Board Meeting designated for Lee-Hodge Grant application review (2nd Thursday of March or September). If you plan to present your project in person, please submit your application by the deadline and indicate your preference.

For questions or assistance with your application, please get in touch with us at the email address above. We’re here to help you bring your community-building ideas to life.

Examples of Eligible Projects

🏠 Residential: Rebuilding a deteriorating front porch to improve curb appeal and inspire pride in neighborhood upkeep.

🎉 Community Event: Enhancing

annual festival with workshops, accessibility features, and sustainable materials to support local artists and promote inclusion.

How Applications Are Evaluated

Applications are scored on:

  • Project Feasibility (1–5 pts)

  • Community Impact (1–5 pts)

  • Long-Term Benefit (1–5 pts)

To be eligible for funding, an application must score:

  • At least 2 points in each category

  • A total of 8 points or more

Thank You

This grant is made possible by the Sterling Insurance Company Foundation. We thank them for their continued commitment to the future of Cobleskill.

Prior Lee-Hodge Grant Recipients

Each Lee-Hodge Grant recipient has made a unique and lasting contribution to Cobleskill. From revitalizing storefronts to enhancing public events, these projects embody the spirit of community that the grant was designed to support.

Kevin's Barbershop

2025 Grant Recipient

Project: Reconstruction of the original front retaining wall, originally poured in 1939
Impact: Improved pedestrian safety and curb appeal along a highly visible stretch of Cobleskill roads. This project preserves local history while enhancing the day-to-day experience for customers and the surrounding community.
Award: $500
Completed by: JTG Construction

IMG_20250604_183843699_HDR.jpg
Cobleskill Firehouse

2025 Grant Recipient

Project: Major health and safety upgrades to its kitchen facilities, addressing needs through cabinet replacement, mold remediation, and plumbing improvements. 
Impact: A vital community resource used daily by emergency personnel and during town-wide events, training, fundraisers, and disaster relief efforts. Maintaining a safe, functional, and ready-to-serve space for the public, both during routine and critical moments.
Award: $500

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