FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 30, 2026
Contact: Audrey Schwartzberg, ANCA Communications Director, [email protected], 518.891.6200
ANCA Celebrates Over $935K in Investments That Boost Affordability and Prosperity
Regional nonprofit helped 70 homes, businesses and organizations secure project grants
SARANAC LAKE, N.Y. — Over the last two years, the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) has provided technical assistance for 70 projects aimed at improving safety and comfort, increasing affordability, and building markets and economic stability. The regional economic development nonprofit has helped North Country residents, farms, businesses and nonprofits secure a total of $935,463 in state and federal grants for renewable energy and energy-efficiency upgrades, as well as marketing and expansion efforts.
ANCA staff helped farm and business operators navigate and apply for funds through grant programs established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) to fund projects aimed at reducing costs, improving efficiency, and building business stability. Awards have been dispersed to a total of 70 households, businesses, farms and nonprofit organizations located in 13 counties in northern New York.
ANCA Interim Executive Director Zach Hobbs said, “It is ANCA’s mission to build shared prosperity for all in our region by advancing safety, affordability and opportunity. By making building and business improvements possible, these crucial investments are helping build a stable foundation for community members so they can continue their essential work and expand their offerings.”
Individual projects have been awarded by ANCA through two USDA grant programs — the Rural Energy For America Program (REAP) and Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) — and two initiatives developed by ANCA and supported by NYSERDA’s Regional Clean Energy Hub program.
“These grants have been a game changer for the small businesses we work with,” said ANCA Manager of Food Systems Business Jon Ignatowski. “Heating and cooling bills are often a significant expense, and the renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects these programs have funded are significantly improving the bottom lines for several of our small farms and businesses. In a time when energy prices continue to skyrocket, these investments will have real and lasting impacts for years to come.”
Seven REAP grant recipients were awarded a total of $85,386 for energy-efficiency projects that help reduce costs and build farm viability. Five agricultural businesses received funding to install solar energy systems: Almosta Farm in Gansevoort, N.Y.; Atlas Hoofed It Farm in Vermontville, N.Y.; Happenchance Farm in Eagle Bridge, N.Y.; Iron Valley Equine Center in Ausable Forks, N.Y.; and NSG Rentals in New Hartford, N.Y. The ADK Food Hub in Tupper Lake, N.Y. used its award to make energy-efficiency improvements including lighting, insulation, and doors, while Scotts Florist in Saranac Lake, N.Y. replaced an inefficient walk-in flower cooler with new energy-efficient coolers.
In addition, ANCA dispersed a total of $390,683 in grants this summer to 41 agricultural businesses in 13 North Country counties through the USDA-supported AMP program. The projects will help farms and businesses expand markets for American agricultural products, create new markets, improve supply chains, increase access to market infrastructure, or promote long-term economic sustainability. A list of grant recipients can be found on ANCA’s website at www.adirondack.org/ag-producer-grants-2026/.
ANCA’s North Country Clean Energy Hub team coordinated two grant opportunities: one to support energy-efficiency upgrades for organizations that provide essential services and one to fund critical home repairs for low-to-moderate (LMI) income households.
ANCA Clean Energy Hub Director Erin Griffin said, “In a rural region like ours with scattered services and limited resources, many nonprofits and households may be very interested in implementing energy-efficiency upgrades, but may not have the expertise, funds or capacity to make them happen. Our grant programs for critical facilities and critical repairs are making cost-saving upgrades possible and setting them up for future projects that improve safety, affordability and long-term stability.”
The Hub also awarded a total of $250,000 to nine childcare centers and nonprofits located in nine North Country counties: Champlain Children’s Learning Center in Champlain, N.Y. for heat pumps; Elizabethtown Social Center in Elizabethtown, N.Y. for attic and wall insulation; Emmanuel Congregational Church in Watertown, N.Y. for heat pumps and attic insulation; Lil’Tykes Daycare and Enrichment Center in Bloomingdale, N.Y. for weatherization upgrades; Owls Head Mountain View Community Center in Owls Head, N.Y. for heat pumps; Police Activities League of Massena in Massena, N.Y. for a tankless hot water heater; St. Luke’s Episcopal Holy Trinity Church in Saranac Lake, N.Y. for attic insulation and insulated doors; St. Regis Falls Adult Center in St. Regis Falls, N.Y. for attic insulation and smart thermostats; and Tri-Town Kids Daycare Center in Brasher Falls, N.Y. for heat pumps and insulation.
In the residential sector, the Hub provided 13 LMI households in six counties a total of $209,394 for critical home repairs that address underlying problems like roof leaks and mold. The repairs allow these homes to qualify for other investments like insulation and other energy-efficiency upgrades, while creating safer, healthier living spaces for residents.
ANCA is also currently coordinating its Small Business Energy Upgrade Initiative, which is funded by the National Grid Foundation. The initiative is designed to help businesses and nonprofits in National Grid’s service area improve safety, comfort and affordability through electrical and energy improvements. Interested organizations are encouraged to visit ANCA’s website or reach out to ANCA Small Business Service Coordinator Mahala Nyberg at [email protected] for more information.
ANCA is a regional nonprofit and economic hub building shared prosperity across northern New York. Focused on small businesses, climate & energy, local food systems, and welcoming & belonging, ANCA works to ensure the long-term viability of the North Country, empowering individual wellbeing, economic strength, and regional stewardship. ANCA works with individuals, groups, and communities across 14 counties to navigate resources, cultivate networks, generate economic and community solutions, build shared capacity, and shape region-boosting narratives.
The North Country Clean Energy Hub (the Hub) is a team of organizations, supported by NYSERDA, working to assist people and businesses in adopting clean energy technology, utilizing energy efficiency programs, and finding jobs in the clean energy industry. These initiatives can save money, make homes healthier, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The Hub is led by the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) with partners including Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County, and SUNY Canton.
Attached: three (3) photos, courtesy of ANCA:
1) Sara Burke of Atlas Hoofed It Farm in Vermontville, N.Y. installed a 7.65 kW solar energy system with her USDA grant award, which was administered by ANCA.
2) Owls Head Mountain View Community Center in Owls Head, N.Y. was one of nine essential service providers to receive grant funding for energy upgrades through ANCA’s North Country Clean Energy Hub. Pictured from left to right: Earl Livernois of OHMVCC, Josh Holmes of Holmes Mechanical, and Kayla Gutheil and Erin Griffin of ANCA.
3) ANCA Hub Program Coordinator Bella Abbadessa inspects one of 13 North Country homes that received critical repairs with grant funding from the North Country Clean Energy Hub.
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