OUR 2026 SPONSORS & Community Partners
• SKIDMORE COLLEGE •
SARATOGA YMCA •
Youth Squared •
SKIDMORE COLLEGE •
Adirondack Trust Co. & Amsure •
MLK SARATOGA •
Stewart's Shops •
DL STANLEY •
Frederick Allen Elks Lodge #609 •
Market 32 / Price Chopper •
Raven Productions •
Ben & Jerry's Saratoga •
Mobile StageMan •
JUST Water •
Saratoga Senior Center •
SARATOGA YMCA • Youth Squared • SKIDMORE COLLEGE • Adirondack Trust Co. & Amsure • MLK SARATOGA • Stewart's Shops • DL STANLEY • Frederick Allen Elks Lodge #609 • Market 32 / Price Chopper • Raven Productions • Ben & Jerry's Saratoga • Mobile StageMan • JUST Water • Saratoga Senior Center •
OUR Beloved Community
2026
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Adventures in Zen Books (AIZB) is an independent author brand created by Shakeema Funchess dedicated to creating diverse, inclusive, and empowering children’s literature that reflects the beauty of cultures, identities, histories, and lived experiences often underrepresented in traditional publishing. Through storytelling, literacy advocacy, cultural programming, and community engagement, AIZB encourages children and families to embrace empathy, creativity, confidence, and lifelong learning.
In addition to writing original books, AIZB participates in community festivals, school and library events, literacy initiatives, cultural celebrations, and family-centered activities throughout the Capital Region and beyond. AIZB’s work focuses on promoting representation in literature, supporting youth literacy, preserving cultural history, and creating spaces where all children feel seen, valued, and inspired.
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I am a visual artist who creates art that is aimed at representing the beauty and diversity of Black people. My work often deals with social issues and the intersection of history and race.
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http://worldofbeautifulthings.com
We work to bring to market hand made fair trade made by Crafters around the world.
Agnes Pala-Bukhala
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https://www.blacktheatretroupeupstateny.org/
Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY was originally founded as Soul Rebel Performance Troupe in 2010 by veteran actor Jean-Remy Monnay as a not-for-profit organization to foster understanding, appreciation and participation of the performing arts among communities of color. Headquartered in New York State’s Capital Region, Black Theatre Troupe promotes performance and theatrical pieces by, and about, artists of color.
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Black Walnut Books is a queer and Native owned bookstore that focuses on empowering, sharing and amplifying Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and queer communities, voices and authors.
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The Saratoga County History Center (SCHC) at Brookside Museum preserves and shares the rich and diverse stories of Saratoga County. Through inclusive exhibits, educational programs, and community partnerships, SCHC is committed to honoring all voices—past and present—that have shaped the region. From highlighting underrepresented histories to hosting public events, SCHC fosters learning, reflection, and connection across generations.
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Our mission is to inspire the next generation of radically empathetic decision makers. We partner with young people to build communities based on restorative justice, humble curiosity, personal responsibility and unbounded creativity.
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To give the community a understanding of healing properties that's deeply needed in our wellness and 9ver health.
Julia Thomas
Candlestory13@gmail.comInstagram: @theonlycandlestory
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http://cliffordoliver.zenfolio.com
Visual documentation of life in America both past and present. 2D art, notes & posters. Clifford Oliver is a veteran photographer (incl. NYS Parks Commission) looking to enhance community and shattering stereotypes.
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https://www.createcommunitystudios.org/
We help community members feel safe and connected in their social emotional growth and mental health journey, by making therapeutic expressive arts affordable and accessible to people of ALL AGES and abilities ... Our goal is to use expressive arts as an equalizer across cultural and economic barriers, and for participants to learn how to use art as an expressive medium to increase their general well-being. We focus on the process of the art-making, not the product.
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Building empathic and resilient communities through musical expression since 2012.
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Charity • Justice • Fidelity • Brotherly-Sisterly Love
The Frederick Allen Lodge #609 and its auxiliary women’s chapter, Mary A. Carter Temple #362, are proud members of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World (I.B.P.O.E. of W.), the largest international Black fraternal organization — with over 1,500 lodges and 500,000 members, worldwide. Incorporated in 1898, the I.B.P.O.E. of W. provides and performs charitable services in communities throughout the world and promotes Harmony, Friendship, and Unity among our esteemed members.
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http://indivisibleadksaratoga.org
The mission of Indivisible ADK/Saratoga is to organize and mobilize for actions that safeguard and advocate for vulnerable communities, protect human rights, guard our planet, elect progressive candidates, and protect democracy, while committing to non-violence as a guiding principle.
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https://www.itheatresaratoga.org/
iTheatre Saratoga is spearheaded by talented theatre arts professionals of various disciplines and has been host to a number of notable theatre guest artists, including Tony Award Winners and Broadway veterans. Since our inception we have produced over 35 productions, of which 16 have been original works. We have produced locally, as well as Off-Broadway and in the UK. iTheatre Saratoga’s focus is on our immediate region, the specific art form we develop, and our individual brand. iTheatre Saratoga delivers innovative, inclusive, intelligent, and immersive performances. Our productions use diverse, unconventional casting and socially provocative subject matter to maintain the relevance of live theatre. We are the only year-round professional theatre in the city of Saratoga Springs. As such, we are a critical resource for area artists seeking to earn a living in their craft and for those seeking social interaction and engagement with the performing arts. At iTheatre Saratoga/ CPI, our primary mission, as arts practitioners, is to foster understanding among people and make meaning of life’s events.
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation, at the local, state, and national levels.
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www.FrederickAllenLodge.org/wellness-series
The values which guide our work are Charity, Justice, Brotherly and Sisterly Love and Fidelity.
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Saratoga is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization which shares Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of peace and justice for all. We strive to honor Dr. King’s legacy by continuing the work of antiracism, social justice, and community building through performance, the arts and dialogue.
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https://www.ndakinnacenter.org/
The Ndakinna Education Center is an affiliate of the Greenfield Review Literary Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and charitable organization located in Greenfield Center, New York. The Center offers people of all ages unique hands-on learning experiences, principles of indigenous arts of life, team building, character development, and exhibit spaces focusing on regional Native American understandings, Adirondack culture, wilderness skills and awareness of the natural world.
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Providing information about the NY Health Act.
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www.pitneymeadowscommunityfarm.org
Our mission is to grow food, community, and connection, and to educate about the natural world right here on our conserved farm in the heart of Saratoga Springs. At Pitney Meadows, we see a future where people and nature grow together. By caring for the land and sharing what we grow, we help create a healthier, more connected, and more resilient community.
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To showcase innovation, multicultural Caribbean design, and sustainability through the creation of handmade eco-conscious wearable art.
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Saratoga Children’s Literacy League (SCLL) is a non-profit organization created by Erin Smith and Debra Nicastro. Our mission is to empower children throughout Saratoga County by providing free books that help build home libraries, inspire a lifelong love of reading, promote literacy and community connection, and encourage environmental stewardship.
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The Saratoga Immigration Coalition, a network of civic groups, faith communities and concerned individuals, seeks to foster, through support, education and advocacy, a community that is welcoming to all immigrants without regard to legal status.
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We host a number of events around Saratoga Springs, surrounding the UN International Day of Peace. Past events have included a Peace Fair, movie screenings and discussions, comedians, yoga in the park, drum circles, musicians, and collaboration with the moon catcher project.
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LGBTQIA
Saratoga Pride is a welcoming community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer people and our allies in the greater Saratoga Springs area. We invite you to join us for social and informational events and entertainment, and to look to us for LGBTQ resources, networking and advocacy.
Saratoga Pride is a network of LGBTQ community members and allies dedicated to:
Fostering connections among Saratoga area LGBTQ community members and visitors
Enhancing the visibility of the LGBTQ community in Saratoga and the surrounding region
Recognizing local businesses and organizations that welcome the LGBTQ community
Increasing awareness of LGBTQ-owned and inclusive businesses and services in the region.
We are a PROUD affiliate of the Pride Center of the Capital Region.
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SSPL's mission is to deliver resources and experiences that engage, entertain, educate, and empower our entire community. We strive to protect intellectual freedom, encourage life-long learning, and bring our community together to build connections and promote civic engagement.
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Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 is a non-profit fraternal organization dedicated to Community Service, Veterans Service, Youth Activities, and Scholarship Programs.
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Manufacture and sale of eco-conscious products.
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https://SustainableSaratoga.org
Sustainable Saratoga is a not-for-profit organization that promotes sustainable practices and the protection of natural resources, through education, advocacy and action, for the benefit of current and future generations in the Saratoga Springs area. Our programs are centered around five areas of sustainability: zero waste, pollinators, urban forestry, land use, and climate and energy. We host or co-host a number of annual community events including Tree Toga, the Saratoga Sustainability Fair, Pollinator Palooza, Saratoga Recycles Day, and Repair Cafe.
Facebook & Instagram: @sustainablesaratoga
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We aim to foster understanding, combat discrimination, and advocate for safety and equality by highlighting lived experiences and sharing accurate information through educating the public about transgender and non-binary individuals.
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Youth2 is an organization centered on giving power to youth, teaching youth skills of social advocacy, and helping youth make meaningful change to their communities.
2026 Grant Recipient!!
~ Upstate Theatre Coalition for a “Fairgame” ~

