As students head back to the classroom, the Otsego Community Foundation is excited to launch a new opportunity to celebrate and support the organizations that help local students learn, grow, and thrive.
Through our Back-to-School Community Choice Grants, community members will have the chance to nominate and vote for organizations serving Otsego County students. At the end of the campaign, five organizations will each receive a $1,000 grant to support their important work.
Whether it's a booster club cheering on student athletes, an arts program helping young students discover their talents, or a community organization providing vital support outside the classroom, these groups play an important role in helping students succeed. This initiative gives our community an opportunity to recognize those efforts and direct funding where it can make a meaningful impact.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Eligible organizations must support Otsego County students and may include:
- School athletic teams and programs
- Booster clubs
- Arts, music, and enrichment programs for students
- Student support organizations
- School-affiliated groups
- Community programs serving Otsego County students
How It Works
Nominations Open: August 31
Nomination Deadline: September 10 at Noon
Community members are invited to nominate deserving organizations using the nomination form linked below. Please note that nominations shared in comments, messages, or social media posts cannot be counted. All nominations must be submitted through the official online form.
Once nominations close, eligible organizations will be placed on the voting ballot.
Voting Opens: September 11th, 2026
The five organizations receiving the most votes will each be awarded a $1,000 Back-to-School Community Choice Grant.
Help Us Recognize Local Champions
We know our community is full of people who are passionate about supporting local students. If you know of a program, team, club, or organization making a difference in the lives of young people, we encourage you to submit a nomination by clicking the link below:
Submit your nomination here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Ppb09aiG1G
Please share this post with friends, family, teachers, coaches, and community members to help us reach more people. Remember, nominations must be submitted through the official form.
Together, we can celebrate the organizations that help Otsego County students succeed both in and out of the classroom.
