Dear Friends & Neighbors,
For the past twenty-three years, the Community of Windham Foundation (COWF) has been
dedicated to the betterment of our community. Our all-volunteer board of directors strives to
improve the quality of life of the town’s residents by directing the Foundation’s charitable
assets in a way that fosters a sense of belonging and pride among community members.
The Foundation has a long-standing successful track record of working collaboratively with the
Town of Windham, broadcast media, first responders, local businesses, veterans’ groups, faith-
based and educational institutions, and non-profit community-based organizations. These
partnerships successfully leverage collective resources that create positive cultural, historic
preservation, health and safety, recreation, and beautification projects.
Some of our projects and accomplishments include the following:
Educational scholarships totaling $4000 are awarded each year to deserving WAJ students
to further their post-secondary school studies. The scholarships focus on STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math), Technical/Vocational Trade School, Environmental
Science, Arts and Education careers. Since 2020 COWF has awarded over $25,000 in
scholarship funding.
The on-going “Shelter Project” establishes emergency preparedness and overall community resiliency in response to events such as Tropical Storm Irene. Sponsorship of CPR/AED training for over 75 local-residents and funding of three AED “Saving a Life” stations
located in key places throughout our community supports residents’ health, safety and well-being.
Working in collaboration with the Windham Rotary COWF supports the Rotary Youth
Leadership program where high school sophomores from throughout the Hudson Valley
develop leadership skills. This joint effort inspires students to shape their communities in a
positive manner.Empowering the youth of our community through the
“On Board” Skatepark Initiative. This is a joint program with the Windham Foundation that encourages youth to develop healthy life styles and effective social skills. Funding provides for special community events leading to the establishment of a public recreational space.
Keeping Windham clean is the focus of the all-volunteer “Mission Possible” trash pick-up on
our town’s roads and public properties. We organize and work with other non-profit
partners and youth who are committed to community service that makes the town a
desirable place to live, work and recreate.
“Mission Possible’s” beautification effort builds strong relationships among fellow residents and promotes pride in their town.
The Foundation’s festive “Snowflakes” streetscape illumination project celebrates the
beauty of our community during the Holiday Season with a message of love, peace, and
warmth from one end of the town to the other.
Sponsorship of the “Believe Me Mug Painting” event benefits the Greene County Cancer
Patients League and the annual “Cancer Patient Aid Car Show” supports cancer patients
and their families by mobilizing a caring community in the fight against cancer.
Established a three-part American Heritage series of exhibits in collaboration with the
Windham Post Office. The series commemorated “The Homefront During WWII-United We
Stand,” “Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address” and “You’re A Grand Old Flag.”
COWF organized and curated “A Brush with History: The Valley Forge Series of Original
Paintings” by Historical Artist Mark Maritato. The exhibition, located at the Historic Centre
Church this past August, told the story of Valley Forge during the winter of 1777. The
premiere showing honored our Nation’s upcoming 250th Anniversary in 2026. We
remembered all those patriots who sacrificed and died for our independence.
We cannot say it enough or more sincerely how your generous donations and support allows us
to continue our mission of neighbor helping neighbor. We look forward to hearing from you
about projects you would like us to undertake on your behalf. Please visit our website
http://www.communityofwindhamfoundation.org or Facebook page for COWF’s latest news and
events.
Yours truly,
John C. Quinn, Chairman
Community of Windham Foundation 