SIX LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVE $2,500 EACH

CLAVERACK, NY: Today, the Ackerman Foundation announced its inaugural grants to six Columbia County non-profits.

Receiving funds are:

  • Columbia County Recovery Kitchen, in support of its program of preparing and delivering almost 1,000 meals a week to those in need;
  • Friends of Hudson Youth, to support expansion of the Hudson Youth Department Bike Coop program in 2023;
  • Friends of the Public Square Hudson, contributing to consultation costs toward a new or refurbished fountain in the Seventh Street Park;
  • High & Mighty Therapeutic Riding and Driving Center, to provide additional programming to members of the Youth Clubhouse of the Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties;
  • Hudson Hall, for Community Arts Programming, including the Workforce Development Program; and
  • PS21, for its Pathways program, specifically to help support free classes and performances by the Jamal Jackson Dance Company in Hudson and Chatham.

All the supported organizations are notable for their work improving lives and opportunities in Columbia County and for enlarging their impact through volunteer networks—all values that align strongly with the mission of the Ackerman Foundation.

The Foundation was established by David M. Ackerman in late 2021, just prior to his unexpected passing in January 2022. Ackerman was well-known as a businessman and quiet philanthropist in a career stretching over nearly 50 years in Hudson and Columbia County.

Claire Ackerman, President of the Foundation and David’s only child, stated, “One of my Dad’s lifelong passions was helping others. Now, his goal of assisting people continues even after he is no longer physically with us.”

His surviving wife, Terry, added, “I’m not sure people realize how deeply David cared for this community or how committed he was to the principle of equal opportunity. He would definitely be pleased by this initial effort to perpetuate that sense of community engagement.”

The Foundation board is comprised of Claire Ackerman, President; Terry Ackerman, Vice President; Linda Wootton, Secretary; Matthew Mackerer, Treasurer; and Tony Jones, Director at Large.

This year’s grant recipients submitted applications and later will provide evaluation reports substantiating the programs’ effectiveness.

The Foundation plans to have two grant cycles in 2023. An announcement will be forthcoming when the next grant cycle opens.

For more information, please email theackermanfoundation@gmail.com.