Serino Announces $200K in Veterans Microgrants

POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and Veterans Affairs Director Adam Roche have announced $200,000 in one-time grants have been awarded to 15 local programs through the Dutchess County Veterans Microgrant Program. These grants help fund municipal and community-based initiatives that celebrate and assist the selfless veterans who protected the nation through their military service.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Dutchess County is proud to offer these microgrants to organizations and communities dedicated to uplifting our nation’s veterans. I’ve personally witnessed the positive impact these grassroots efforts have on veterans and their families, and I’m excited that we can play a part in helping them grow. Our mission is to continue to honor the service and sacrifice of our local veterans by supporting programs that help them thrive and lead fulfilling lives.”

The 15 grants, which range in value from $5,000 to the program-maximum $15,000, will help fund a wide variety of veteran-focused initiatives run by local nonprofits and municipal partners.

Projects funded through the 2025 Veterans Microgrant Program include:
• Savage Wonder Art Center, Beacon, $15,000 – Renovation and construction of veterans parlor theater and art gallery
• VFW Post 5913, Wappingers Falls, $15,000 – Replacement of old, outdated and broken flag poles and replacement of outdated and inefficient HVAC system.
• Warrior Bonfire Program, Pleasant Valley, $12,500 – Partnering with Task Force Pineapple to bring the “Last Out” production to Dutchess County, which is an elegy of a Green Beret that validates the journey of military veterans and their families. Will include the Heroes Journey storytelling workshop for veterans to participate in, promoting healing, growth and empowerment.
• American Legion Montgomery Post 429, Rhinebeck, $15,000 – Replace aging and inoperative air-conditioning units in meeting rooms
• Vets for the Arts, Inc., Poughkeepsie, $14,000 – To provide creative opportunities for veterans to build filmmaking skills and provide essential equipment and staff for the program. The program will include screening the docu-short and short films produced and submitting them to film festivals, showcasing veterans’ stories to a wider audience.
• Mental Health America of Dutchess County, Poughkeepsie, $15,000 – Flag pole and grounds beautification
• Task Force Pineapple, Pleasant Valley, $12,500 – Partnering with Warrior Bonfire Program to bring the “Last Out” production to Dutchess County, which is an elegy of a Green Beret that validates the journey of military veterans and their families. Will include the Heroes Journey storytelling workshop for veterans to participate in, promoting healing, growth and empowerment.
• Red Hook VFW Post 7765, Red Hook, $15,000 – Military ball fundraiser for roof repairs
• Tivoli American Legion Post 524, Tivoli, $14,500 – Update building, remodel kitchen, replace doors and install memorial stone monument
• VFW Memorial Post 5519 Pine Plains, Pine Plains, $15,000 – Make improvements to interior meeting room, including purchasing equipment, furniture and electronics. Will also support the summer 2025 gravestone project, which includes cleaning veterans gravestones located in the Evergreen Cemetery in Pine Plains.
• Town of Fishkill, Fishkill, $15,000– Walkway at Veterans Memorial Park
• Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc., Poughkeepsie, $15,000 – Supporting the Veterans Independent Living Skills Project, which provides skills training to veterans to help them live independently and achieve their employment/vocational goals.
• American Legion Post 178, Millerton, $15,000 – Replace hall’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit
• Northern Dutchess Rod and Gun Club, Rhinebeck, $6,500 – Host two shooting sports and fishing events, culminating in picnics and entertainment to honor veterans
• Village of Millbrook, Millbrook, $5,000 – Supporting the new Hometown Heroes/Veterans Recognition Community Banner Program in the Village, one of the last communities in Dutchess County without a program. The grant will purchase the brackets for the banners and support a small fund to allow lower-income veteran families to participate.

The Veterans Microgrant Program is part of Dutchess County’s continued dedication to supporting and recognizing those who have served. Since then, the program has delivered vital funding to a range of efforts aimed at improving the well-being and quality of life for many local veterans.

Veterans Affairs Director Adam Roche said, “Dutchess County’s veterans microgrants have a meaningful impact for our local heroes by expanding accessibility, providing vital connections with other veterans and providing community recognition that means the world to them. We have a great interconnected system of municipal and community partners working together to serve our local heroes, and I am proud that our microgrant program can support that great work.”