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Fund Created to Assist History-Related Organizations in New York State

Pomeroy Foundation, Museum Association of New York Partner on New Grant Initiative

Syracuse, N.Y. — The Pomeroy Fund for NYS History is a new partnership between the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and the Museum Association of New York (MANY). This fund will grant assistance to 501(c)(3) history-related organizations in New York State with budgets under $100,000 that have been forced to close in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pomeroy Fund for NYS History grants will range between $1,000 and $2,000 per organization. A total of $50,000 will be distributed. Applications are being accepted through Monday, April 27 and funds will be disbursed starting May 13.

Awarded funds can be used for the following purposes:

  • to purchase computer hardware or software;
  • to pay for utilities (e.g. electricity, heat, etc.);
  • to gain internet access or expand bandwidth;
  • to secure facilities and collections

“Together, we are all facing unprecedented circumstances,” said Bill Pomeroy, Founder and Trustee of the Pomeroy Foundation. “The present pandemic has caused significant disruption for history organizations. These organizations have been, and continue to be, vital resources in our communities. That’s why we have partnered with MANY to start the Pomeroy Fund for NYS History and provide much needed assistance to critical areas of their operations.”

“We thank the Pomeroy Foundation for their rapid response to aid our historical societies and history museums,” said Erika Sanger, Executive Director for the Museum Association of New York. “We look forward to working with the Pomeroy Foundation to help support these organizations during this time of crisis.”

To apply for a grant or for more information, visit: https://nysmuseums.org/Pomeroy-Fund-for-NYSHistory/

Grant applications will be reviewed by a panel that will include MANY Board, MANY staff and Pomeroy Foundation staff. Grants are available to all qualified organizations; an organization does not have to be a member of MANY to receive funding, nor will preference be given to MANY members. Funding notifications and assistance grants will be issued in May.

In recent weeks, the Pomeroy Foundation has also supported other relief funds in Central New York and in the State of Ohio. This includes $50,000 granted to the Central New York Community Foundation for the CNY COVID-19 Community Support Fund, $25,000 to The Salvation Army of Syracuse to support their COVID-19 Relief Efforts; and $5,000 to Ohio History Connection’s COVID-19 Hardship Relief Fund.

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About the Pomeroy Foundation
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation is a private, grant-making foundation established in 2005. The Foundation is committed to supporting the celebration and preservation of community history; and to raising awareness, supporting research and improving the quality of care for patients and their families who are facing a blood cancer diagnosis. To date, the Foundation has awarded over 1,000 roadside markers and plaques nationwide. Visit: https://www.wgpfoundation.org/

About MANY
The Museum Association of New York inspires, connects, and strengthens New York’s cultural community statewide by advocating, educating, collaborating, and supporting professional standards and organizational development. MANY ensures that New York State museums operate at their full potential as economic drivers and essential components of their communities. Visit https://www.nysmuseums.org