POUGHKEEPSIE, NY … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has announced the award of $100,000 in one-time funding to nine local initiatives through the County’s Veterans Microgrant Program. The grants will help municipalities and community organizations carry out projects that recognize and support veterans for their service to the country.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Dutchess County is honored to provide these microgrants to organizations and communities committed to serving our brave veterans. I’ve seen firsthand how these local efforts make a real difference for veterans and their loved ones, and Dutchess County is proud to help expand their reach. Our goal is to continue recognizing the sacrifices made by our veterans while investing in programs that enhance their quality of life.”
The 2026 County Budget included $100,000 in dedicated funding for the program, continuing Dutchess County’s commitment to investing in services improving the quality of life for veterans. Funding will support a diverse mix of initiatives led by nonprofit groups and municipal partners, all focused on improving services, facilities and opportunities for veterans.
Veterans Sportsmens Association, Pleasant Valley, $13,000 – Purchase fishing equipment, including adaptive fishing gear for disabled veterans, for vets’ free use; will collaborate with community partners to establish fishing tournaments and lessons throughout Dutchess County.
Restored Heart Collective, Town of Poughkeepsie, $12,500 – Support a transformative retreat experience, designed exclusively for female spouses of veterans and military members in Dutchess County to rest, reconnect and begin their journey toward lasting emotional wellness; rent for venue, lodging and participants’ meals; support facilitators who will lead trauma-informed workshops, group therapy sessions and restorative activities; provide participants with materials, such as journals, tote bag, water bottle, etc.
Arlington American Legion Post 1302, Town of Poughkeepsie, $14,000 – Purchase two stoves and a refrigerator to update kitchen for veterans dinners and fundraisers.
Town of LaGrange, $13,000 – Establish LaGrange as a Purple Heart Town through a community celebration event and permanent recognition efforts; fund event expenses, including food, refreshments, signage, banners and flags to honor veterans and engage the public; support identification, purchase and preparation of a designated location for a monument, creating a tribute to Purple Heart recipients and ensuring ongoing recognition of their service and sacrifice.
American Legion Post 739, Pleasant Valley, $13,000 – Renovations, including new air-conditioning system, TV and security system, stairs and accessible ramp.
American Legion Post 203, Beacon, $11,375 – Purchase solar shades, round plastic tables, event table with cart and rectangular plastic tables with cart.
Town of Stanford, $6,000 – Establish Purple Heart Community to honor local Purple Heart recipients; purchase two commemorative plaques, honoring Purple Heart recipients, as well as commemorative coins, postcards, display in Town Hall, formal presentation of proclamation open to public, flowers to be planted at Bangall Monument, flowers for recipients’ families at formal presentation.
Town of Hyde Park, $13,000 – Fund initiative to honor local Purple Heart recipients, enhance military war monument at Town Hall, which serves as place of remembrance for wounded or tragically killed in line of duty; enhance accessibility with ADA-compliant upgrades at the monument; update the monument to recognize local Purple Heart recipients in the community; restore flagpoles at the proposed site.
Town of Union Vale, $4,125 – Hire contractor with a bucket truck to install banners on utility poles in the town.
Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs Director Roche said, “These microgrants truly make a difference by increasing veterans’ access to services, strengthening their connections among their peers and recognizing their contributions in meaningful ways. We’re fortunate to work with a strong network of local partners, our Veterans Microgrant this program helps support the important work they do every day to assist our veterans.”
Dutchess County continues to expand its efforts to honor veterans through additional initiatives. Earlier this year, County Executive Serino introduced the “Veteran of Distinction” program, which pays tribute to a living local veteran each month, from April through November. Details about eligibility and how to nominate a veteran are available at dutchessny.gov/veteranofdistinction.
More information about programs and services for veterans in Dutchess County can be found at dutchessny.gov/veterans or by contacting the Office of Veterans Affairs at 845-486-2060.
