Carolyn Curley loved her community and cherished helping others.  In 2000, she combined both of those passions when she created a paddle event on the St. Lawrence River in Alexandria Bay, NY.  Her goal was to bring the community together for a day of fun and fundraising to support those who could use a helping hand.  Now, more than 20 years later, this Betterment event is still thriving and has donated over $165,000 back to the community. 

Even more impactful is the way this event engaged the youth in her community.  Children were involved as young paddlers rowing with their parents and were continually inspired by the recipients they helped.  In 2017, the children involved created a bike race for kids to expand the Paddle weekend festivities, raising over $500!  Today, the next generation is continuing the tradition with Carolyn's great-nephew Trevor at the helm.

Carolyn's inspiring story is the perfect example of the power of the Foundation for Community Betterment's ripple effect of goodness.   Our newly established Carolyn Fund honors her memory and encourages the next generation of young philanthropists to give back to their communities.  ​Our goal is to assist young people in raising money for a cause that they believe in. 

The Carolyn Fund is available for small grants or matching funds to help children and young adults raise funds to support a person or organization they believe could use a helping hand. 

In order to qualify for a grant or matching funds from the Carolyn Fund, the following criteria must be met:
A. The fundraising program must be spearheaded by or involve young people, ages 30 or younger.  (Betterment's founders were all in their 20's when they started the foundation!)
B. The funds raised for the recipient must meet Betterment's three grant-making criteria:

1. The gift/donation makes an immediate impact on the recipient's life (we cannot support large funds or  research),
2. The recipient exemplifies a philanthropic spirit so that our gift keeps on giving through their generous actions (ripple effect).
3. The recipient is approved by our board and vetted by someone in our network.

C. The fundraising efforts should be captured in photos and shared with Betterment so that we can promote all the good you are doing in your communities!

Are you, your kids, or grand-kids raising money for a cause you believe in? Would you like some extra help so that you can lend a helping hand to someone in your community? Betterment's Carolyn Fund can help!

Here are a few examples of how Betterment's Carolyn Fund can help you, though we are open to hearing your ideas and working with you on any creative effort to help your friends in need!

• Lemonade stand/bake sale: We will match funds raised in lemonade stands, bake sales, etc. to double the impact of your efforts (up to $500).
• High School Youth Groups/Clubs: We will provide seed money for event supplies or match funds raised (up to $500).
• Golf outings, cocktail gatherings (21+), etc: We can provide planning assistance, seed money for event supplies, or matching funds (up to $500).

Please download the form by clicking on the button below or fill out the information below and we will contact you within one week.
Please note: Our goal is to encourage young people to be involved in all steps in the fundraising process, so all applications must be filled out and submitted by the young philanthropist, with the necessary contact information for the young leader.  If the project lead is under 18, please include the name and contact email of an adult supervisor as well.