Christopher Emmet Hallowell Fund

The Christopher Emmet Hallowell Fund, administered by the Adirondack Community Foundation, is a charitable endowment established to support families in New York’s Adirondack region who are caring for severely ill children and young adults. The fund honors the memory and spirit of Christopher Emmet Hallowell by offering financial assistance to help relieve families of incidental and unexpected expenses that arise during extended caregiving. The foundation’s objective is to empower families to remain present with their loved ones by easing non-medical financial burdens, thereby fostering the same unconditional support that shaped Christopher’s own life journey. The fund specifically supports families residing in Clinton, Essex, and Franklin counties of New York State. Applicants must be caring for a child or young adult with a severe illness. While funds from this grant cannot be used to cover medical treatments or insurance-related expenses, they can be applied toward essential incidental costs such as transportation, lodging, meals, and other non-clinical needs incurred during the care period. A brief letter from a medical professional outlining the severity of the illness is recommended but not mandatory. Expense receipts may be required depending on the nature of the request. The grant is structured as a one-year award, with the opportunity for families to reapply annually if their needs persist. Grants typically range between $2,000 and $3,500, although the actual amount awarded may vary depending on demonstrated financial need, extenuating circumstances, and the availability of funds at the time of application. The fund operates on a rolling basis, allowing families to apply at any point throughout the year, ensuring flexibility during moments of urgent need. Applications can be submitted either online through the Adirondack Community Foundation’s Online Grants Manager or by paper. For those without internet access, paper applications can be requested by calling the foundation or emailing their office. Completed paper applications can be mailed to Adirondack Community Foundation at PO Box 288, Lake Placid, NY 12946, or sent electronically to info@adkcommunityfoundation.org. A six-month follow-up report is requested from grant recipients to understand the impact of the funds. Those who receive $600 or more are required to submit an IRS W-9 form. The review process involves evaluating the family’s financial needs, extenuating financial situations, and availability of funds. After the review, recipients are notified via email and encouraged to share their experiences and any related stories or photographs with the foundation. This storytelling helps maintain the legacy of Christopher Hallowell by documenting the tangible impact of the fund on local families. For questions regarding the application process, families may contact Leslee Mounger, Funds and Program Officer, at 518-523-9904 or via email at leslee@adkcommunityfoundation.org. The fund does not have a set deadline and accepts applications year-round. This rolling structure ensures accessibility for families when they need assistance most.

A six-month follow-up report is requested; recipients of $600 or more must complete an IRS W-9; recipients are encouraged to share their stories and photos.