OGDENSBURG — The Northern New York Community Foundation recently awarded $15,000 in grant funding to Ogdensburg Command Performances (OCP) to invest in current programs and long-term support of the organization.

The Community Foundation will provide a $5,000 grant for the 2018-19 Youtheatre season. The Youtheatre program was created in 1992 to introduce North Country students to the magic of live theater as they watch historical and literary characters come to life, thereby helping establish a love of reading from an early age.

Since its inception, more than 400 performances have been presented to almost 350,000 students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. “Northern New York Community Foundation’s commitment and generous support of Ogdensburg Command Performances’ Youtheatre series demonstrates that it recognizes the arts can be a catalyst that can make the difference in the life and development of a child. This support will make a huge difference in bringing North Country children the many benefits of live theatre,” said Sally Palao, OCP administrator.

The Foundation also awarded an outright $5,000 grant to help build a permanent endowment for the organization, which will provide a source of funding in perpetuity for OCP, as well as providing new options for donors who want to ensure OCP’s work and mission will be sustained for generations to come. The OCP board approved a formal partnership with the Community Foundation in May.

The Foundation also is providing to a $5,000 challenge matching grant to help build the OCP endowment. Gifts made to the newly created fund will be doubled by the Community Foundation, dollar-for-dollar. “This grant builds upon our past support of the important role Ogdensburg Command Performances plays in enhancing the arts and cultural experiences in our region. Their work touches people of all ages and adds an important element to the area’s quality of life and that is worth supporting now and in a sustainable way for the future,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation director.

The 2018-2019 Youtheatre program encompasses six stage productions geared toward engaging area youth in the performing and language arts. Shows are scheduled at Ogdensburg, Massena, Gouverneur and Salmon River schools from October to April.

The Northern New York Community Foundation makes grants to support the work of non-profit organizations and provides scholarships to individuals in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. The Foundation has been built and added to from gifts (both while living and through their legacy plans) by individuals and organizations committed to meeting the changing needs of Northern New York, as well as supporting specific charitable interests and passions.