Albany County Legislature Community Funding in Action

As the Albany County Legislature closes out 2025, it is proud to share examples of its reinvestments in anti-bullying education, tobacco use prevention, women's health initiatives, public parks and playgrounds, and programming for youth, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and veterans from throughout Albany County.

Tom Murphy and Sgt. Rick Yarosh, of Sweethearts & Heroes, which aims to prevent hopelessness, bullying, and suicide by providing dynamic, inspiring content that centers on human interaction skills such as empathy, compassion, and teamwork, visited the Academy of The Holy Names this fall through funding provided by the Legislature's Improvement Initiative Grant Opportunities.

The South Colonie Central School District also hosted a visit from Sweethearts & Heroes, also supported by the Improvement Initiative Grant Opportunities, this year that, "will have long-lasting effects on our students and staff," according to the district. Grant funding also supported access to videos, lessons, and materials that can continue the education initiative.

The Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District's Middle School hosted a powerful program centered on reducing stigma, supporting peers, and fostering understanding around substance use, recovery, and loss with guest speaker Stephen Hill, founder of Speak Sobriety, with support from the Improvement Initiative Grant Opportunities.

Hill also visited the Green Island School District and spent the day with students, parents, and community members to share practical tools, coping skills, and insights to support leading healthy substance-free lives.

Elsewhere in Green Island, Green Island Senior Citizens collaborated with the Green Island Fire Department to keep seniors' housing safe by installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in homes, free of charge, thanks to support from the Legislature's Community Development, Public Health, and Safety Fund Program.

The Albany County Legislature, along with County Executive Daniel P. McCoy and Director of the County's Veterans Services Bureau Scott Leslie, also supported 10 Albany County organizations through the 2025 Veteran Service Organizations awards in May. Each awardee received $15,000, including Sheehy Palmer VFW Post 6776, led by current Legislator and Former Chair Andrew Joyce.

The Legislature emphasized bolstering grant programs that directly impact the community through the 2026 Adopted Budget that was passed in early December, as it designated approximately $900,000 for Improvement Initiative Grants and the Community Development, Public Health, and Safety Fund Program. The Legislature has utilized both programs to reinvest nearly $2 million back into Albany County over the past two years.

The 2026 funding includes a $200,000 expansion of the Legislature's grant portfolio specifically aimed at supporting small businesses. Details about the new program, which will be run in collaboration with the County Executive's Office, and how to apply will be announced next year.

For more information about the programs, go to AlbanyCountyNY.gov/legislature.

Photos are available here.

Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: "These programs encapsulate exactly what we hoped to support through our grant programs and bring into our communities. We highly encourage anyone with creative and thoughtful programs to reach out to us - we are looking to expand our impact!"

Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said: "Every year we are floored by the ingenuity and innovative projects that our grant funds support - especially those going into our underserved and overlooked communities. We hope we can do more in the future, and are proud of what we have been able to support this year to benefit everyone in Albany County."

Albany County Legislature Democratic Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said: "These community improvement efforts reflect the Democratic Majority's commitment to responsible investment and meaningful outcomes. By supporting programs that strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunity, the Legislature is delivering real value for Albany County residents."

Albany County Legislator Andrew Joyce (District 9, Albany) said: "Creating a funding stream for capital improvements for Veterans organizations in Albany County was critical as they provide refuge and camaraderie for those who served and the wider community. Funding and grant opportunities at the State and Federal levels have either disappeared or are too difficult to navigate. I'm so proud Albany County stepped up to provide tangible benefits to our country's heroes and their supporters."

Albany County Legislator Maggie Alix (District 16, Green Island) said: "I am grateful for our leadership and my colleagues who continue to support investments in our school districts, nonprofit organizations, and municipal partners that work tirelessly to build a stronger, more educated, and resilient community."

Albany County Legislator Susan Laurilliard (District 22, Colonie) said: "I am proud to be part of a legislative team that is dedicated to putting the resources in place that bring creative educational opportunities to our children. We are investing in this programming today to make tomorrow brighter."