Across the Adirondack region, life is returning to something resembling normal. Communities are beginning to host events, businesses are welcoming customers, and neighbors are opening their doors to each other — in short, we’re all coming back together. It’s for this reason that Adirondack Foundation is celebrating the Spirit of Generosity all summer long by sharing stories about the people and places that make our home so special.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical role philanthropy plays in supporting our communities and maintaining vital services, especially for our most vulnerable populations. By working with generous donors and community partners, Adirondack Foundation leaned in with purpose that stems from more than 20 years of experience building dedicated and permanent charitable assets for our region. And while responsive philanthropy is crucial in times of crisis, it’s equally important to proactively make our communities more resilient, so we’re prepared for whatever lies ahead.

Throughout the summer, the Foundation’s Spirit of Generosity campaign will highlight stories about the generous people, organizations, and collaborations that enrich the lives of people in the Adirondacks. Our goal is to inspire everyone to give to their communities, whether donating money, volunteering for a cause, or adding your voice on important issues like food security, housing, child care, and more.

Here on the Almanack, I’ll be sharing essays about some of the people and programs that help Adirondack Foundation carry out our work. But we want to hear from you, too. We encourage you to engage with us on social media and visit our Good Portal to read more about what embodies the Spirit of Generosity, and invite you to share your stories with us. You could win the opportunity to direct a Generous Acts grant to an organization addressing basic needs, strengthening career pathways for local students, or bolstering economic development, for instance  –  or other initiatives that align with our Generous Acts program. To enter, simply create a social media post that captures what generosity means to you, tag Adirondack Foundation and use the hashtag #SpiritofGenerosity.

As we look toward a brighter future, let’s build on the strength, courage, and cooperation that helped us weather the pandemic so we can set our collective sights even higher for shared prosperity in our special part of the world.

Cali Brooks

Cali Brooks is president & CEO of Adirondack Foundation. After working with nonprofit organizations in Southeast Asia, Central America, and the United States, Cali returned home to the Adirondacks and worked for the HKH Foundation where she conducted a survey to assess the economic, social, cultural, and environmental strengths of the Adirondack region. She then joined the Public Affairs office of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and co-founded the Wildlife Conservation Society's Adirondack Communities and Conservation Program. She and her family live in and love the Adirondacks.

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