HRBT Foundation Information

The Foundation has provided seed money for creative partnerships between government and private organizations; for use of tele-devices to deliver a higher level of home health care; and for start-ups such as Columbia County Bounty. All the Foundation's grants go to non-profit organizations. While the HRBT Foundation's annual grant amounts fluctuate with the performance of its investments, the board reported its expectation that the funding stream continues robust enough to repeat if not exceed another $10 million in 15 years. "It's gratifying to know that whether the grants we make are large or small, in the end they invariably touch and improve the lives of individual people, our neighbors," said Marilyn Herrington, president of the Foundation board. The Foundation was formed in July 1998, when Hudson River Bank & Trust Co. became a public company, with a mission to improve the community in which the bank conducted its business. hen Hudson River Bank & Trust was later purchased by First Niagara, the HRBT Foundation remained unchanged in its focus of supporting charitable causes and community development activities in Columbia County. he original directors still serve on the Foundation board and in addition to Marilyn Herrington include Carl Florio, Sid Richter, Joe Phelan, Tony Jones and Holly Rappleyea. While the Foundation is open to considering any worthy project that meets its basic guidelines, it concentrates grant-making in the following areas:Health Care,Community Development, Education and Youth, Arts and Culture, Historic Preservation and Environmental Protection.