SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – April 7, 2025 — The Dake Foundation for Children has announced six nonprofit organizations that have been selected as recipients of the most recent funding round for their Community Grant program. Founded by Gary Dake, President of Stewart’s Shops, the Foundation has provided grants to local children with disabilities since 2009 with a focus on inclusion, independence, and fun. In addition to the individual support the organization provides, the Community Grant program provides assistance to local 501c3 nonprofit organizations seeking to make their spaces or programming more accessible and inclusive.
“We truly view our Community Grant recipients as partners,” said Executive Director Sarah Burns. “We love to support organizations who have been living and breathing inclusion for years, but we are also here for guidance when they’re not sure where to start in terms of increasing their accessibility. Our community is a better place when all kids have the same opportunities, and we are proud to support it in every way that we can.”
The Dake Foundation for Children’s Community Grants Program recipients are:
- All Abilities Productions, Queensbury, NY – Funding will support inclusive youth theater programming
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks, Glens Falls, NY – Funding will support individuals with disabilities participating in their Group Mentoring program
- Breakthrough T1D, Albany, NY – Funding will support their Connections program, providing education and community for children and young adults navigating Type 1 diabetes
- Double H Ranch, Lake Luzerne, NY – Funding will support their Adaptive Winter Sports program, providing safe skiing and snowboarding opportunities for children with disabling conditions
- Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern NY, Albany, NY – Funding will provide socialization and community support for children and young adults diagnosed with epilepsy
- STRIDE Adaptive Sports, West Sand Lake, NY – Funding will support their Learn to Bowl program, allowing children with disabilities to participate in the sport safely with their peers
The Dake Foundation for Children funds their grants by holding events open to the public throughout the year. Their next event is “Boots & Bourbon,” taking place on May 28th, 2025 on the grounds of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. They are currently accepting sponsorships, the funds from which will provide opportunities for local children with disabilities to enjoy more independence, inclusion, and fun.
For more information on the event, their grant programs, or to learn more about the Dake Foundation for Children, please visit their website at http://www.dakefoundation.org.
The Dake Foundation for Children was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to help children with disabilities access opportunities unavailable through medical insurance and family budgets. Their goal is to provide children with disabilities access to equipment and services that will give them more opportunities for participation within their families, communities, and with their peers.