New fund will help protect farms, provide farming lectures
MONTGOMERY The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan has established the Roger Ferris Agricultural Fund in honor of a local land surveyor and lover of the outdoors.
The fund was established by Elizabeth "Betsy" Ferris in honor and memory of her late husband, Roger Ferris, a lifetime county resident, business owner, and member of the New York State Association of Land Surveyors. He was well-respected by his clients and by farmers, who would often seek his advice.
"He is remembered as a trustworthy surveyor who subdivided Orange County farm land in the most responsible and respectful of ways," according to a statement by the Community Foundation. He also wanted to protect the outdoors, so the fund will provide grants to the Orange County Land Trust in support of annual lectures that support local farms, agricultural distribution, and industries. Grants may also support the protection of agricultural land.
The foundation manages more than 135 charitable and endowed funds and handles all of the fiscal reporting and administrative duties for each charitable fund that falls under its umbrella, to administration costs much lower than a private foundation would.
Donations to the Roger Ferris Agricultural Fund can be made to CFOS–Roger Ferris Agricultural Fund and sent to the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, 30 Scotts Corner Drive, Suite 202, Montgomery, NY 12549.
Donations may also be made online at www.cfoc-ny.org. The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All gifts are tax deductible under current tax laws.