Since 2004, the Windham Foundation has proudly supported numerous programs that support our mission to enhance and preserve the quality of life for all in Windham.
Grant Recipients
Community
WINDHAM FOOD PANTRY: The Windham Foundation provided funds for the purchase of a new commercial refrigerator for the Windham Food Pantry when the old refrigerator ceased to work before the annual Thanksgiving food distribution to 100 local families.
WINDHAM FIREWORKS COMMITTEE: The Windham Foundation funds fireworks for the Town of Windham’s 4th of July fireworks celebration.
MOUNTAIN TOP SMALL ANIMAL SANCTUARY: The Windham Foundation provides grants to help provide care to local animals, including spay and neuter assistance and vaccines.
WINDHAM PRESERVATION AND STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENT: From planting new trees to preserving historic signage, Windham Foundation is working with community leaders and other non-profit organizations to help Windham remain vibrant, clean, and beautiful. Clean-up campaigns, streamside debris removal, and Arbor Day celebrations have received funding from the Windham Foundation, including the planting of trees on Main Street.
WINDHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT/HENSONVILLE HOSE DEPARTMENT: The Windham Foundation provided $4,500 to the Town of Windham to purchase new rescue equipment – ML-28 Defender w/ Streamline Coupling. Additional funding of $10,000 was provided to purchase a commercial-grade extractor washing machine to decontaminate gear.
DENTAL CLINIC: Columbia Memorial Hospital’s Mobile Dental Health Services unit receives funding from the Windham Foundation to provide dental services at Windham Ashland Jewett (WAJ) Central School for students in grades K – 12th. Dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, exams and digital x-rays, fillings, and simple extractions were offered at the dental van to all participating WAJ students. The program also provided in-classroom oral health education sessions and additional dental services to adult residents, including exams, x-rays, cleaning, fillings, and simple extractions.
RELIEF-FUNDING FOR TROPICAL STORM IRENE: The Windham Foundation raised nearly $700,000 to help local families recover and rebuild after the impact of the historic floods of Hurricane Irene to help families restore their homes and grounds.
Education
WINDHAM FOUNDATION OUTSTANDING STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP: The Outstanding Student Scholarship is based on the criteria of academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. 2004 was the first year for this award. Recipients are selected annually and receive a total of $10,000 towards their college expenses if they maintain a 3.0 GPA or above.
WINDHAM FOUNDATION TRADE & TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIP: The Trade and Technical Scholarship is awarded based on the criteria of academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. 2013 was the first year for this award. Recipients will receive a total of $1,500 towards their two-year college degree expenses. Criteria include maintaining a 3.0 GPA or above.
WINDHAM FOUNDATION BOCES SCHOLARSHIP: The BOCES Scholarship is based on the criteria of academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. 2017 was the first year for this award. Recipients will receive a total of $1,500 towards their advanced degree expenses. Criteria include maintaining a 3.0 GPA or above.
WINDHAM FOUNDATION GOLDMAN GIVES OUTSTANDING STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP: The Goldman Gives Outstanding Student awarded based on the criteria of academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. 2018 was the first year for this award. Recipients will receive a total of $10,000 towards their advanced degree expenses. Criteria include maintaining a 3.0 GPA or above.
WINDHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING: Has been awarded $1,000 – $2,500 annually since 2004, for a summer reading program. The program encourages children to read throughout the summer plus motivates new readers and parent participation.
WINDHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY: Has been awarded $1,750 to purchase Portable E-Readers.
PLANTING SEEDS GROWING MINDS: Windham Foundation funded a new program for K -3rd graders at WAJ. The programs help young students learn about science through nature. Conducted at the Sugar Maples Farm, students plant seeds and learn about soil, plant nutrients, and crop harvesting.
CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION: Windham Foundation has funded initiatives that foster appreciation and stewardship for our natural resources to WAJ Central School Science Club students since 2008. CCE educators and local environmental educators provide forest-based programs focused on local birds, weather, and forest ecology walks in the Siuslaw Model Forest. Programs include dragonfly study and owl prowls.
WAJ NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY AND THE WINDHAM FOOD PANTRY: Windham Foundation assisted the WAJ National Honor Society in publishing a book to help the Windham Food Pantry.
Recreation
WAJ SKI TUESDAY PROGRAM: The Windham Foundation provides funding for the students of WAJ to get passes to attend the Tuesday Ski program, where they were able to learn how to either ski or snowboard
SANDCASTLES & SUNSHOWERS AT CD LANE PARK: In celebration of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the town of Windham and Windham Foundation host the annual Stars & Stripes Sandcastle Contest.
ENHANCEMENTS TO CD LANE PARK: The Windham Foundation along with some area residents, teamed up with the Town of Windham to identify improvements that would enhance the park, with a mind toward attracting community families and preserving the park space for future generations. With plans in place and initial funding from the Windham Foundation and a few residents, enhancements began late summer 2020 to update the basketball court, repair and paint the softball backstop, replace the volleyball net, replace and refurbish the grills and picnic benches, improve the existing walking path and create better access to another 1.5 mile walking path on the other side of the lake, re-landscape the front entrance, and expand the parking area. Additional work was completed in 2021, expanding the beach area and enhancing the sand for swimming, boating, and beach volleyball.
WINDHAM LITTLE LEAUGE: The Windham Foundation provided funds for the Little League sign.
WINDHAM PATH: Funded in part by a $90,000 grant from the Windham Foundation, the Windham Path has quickly become a destination for local walkers, runners, and bike enthusiasts. The 1.5-mile loops opened in May and is the first link of a multi-trail system.
AMERICAN LEGION BOY’S STATE PROGRAM: The Windham Foundation sponsored two WAJ students to participate in this premier leadership conference, designed to provide practical insight into the workings of the government, promote youth civic engagement, instill a sense of pride in America, and empower the next generation of women leaders, providing them with a network that lasts a lifetime.
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY’S GIRLS STATE PROGRAM: The Windham Foundation sponsored two WAJ students to participate in this premier leadership conference, designed to provide practical insight into the workings of the government, promote youth civic engagement, instill a sense of pride in America, and empower the next generation of women leaders, providing them with a network that lasts a lifetime.
The Arts
SUGAR MAPLES SCHOLARSHIPS: The Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts in Maplecrest offers classes in ceramics, fiber arts, and painting. Since the summer of 2005, the Windham Foundation has awarded scholarships to local children to attend the Arts Explorer summer program.
TAIKO DRUMMERS PERFORMANCE: The Windham Foundation sponsors the Taiko Drummers July 4th concert at the Windham Civic Centre. The Taiko drummers have held a residency at the Sugar Maples Center for the Arts in Maplecrest for the past several years.
HERITAGE MOUNTAIN CONCERT: Starting in 2005, the Windham Foundation has given funding annually in support of the Annual Civil War Heritage Music Gathering & Encampment at the Centre Church in Windham. Attendees experience various presentations: traditional music performances. Civil War history portrayals and encampment activities/demonstrations, preservation demonstrations, memorabilia and historic art exhibits, a book fair, book signings, and historical reenactments.
SCHOLARIE CREEK YOUTH THEATER: The Windham Foundation sponsors drama workshops that culminated in a performance at WAJ Central School. The workshops have included short scenes from ‘Steel Magnolias’ and ‘The Odd Couple’, in addition to others.
23 ARTS WINDHAM SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL: Received funding for its concert for series at the Windham Civic Center. The festival brought some of the world’s finest musicians to Windham, providing world-class performing artists and community outreach to Windham.