Grant program revived by RPI fraternity in Troy

Kenneth C. Crowe II / March 20, 2023

RPI's Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, pictured in 2011 after it purchased the former St. Francis de Sales church, has revived its grant program to benefit the Mt. Ida community in Troy. ( Philip Kamrass / Times Union) PHILIP KAMRASS

RPI’s Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity is bringing back its micro-grant program for the Mt. Ida neighborhood

TROY — After a three-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is bringing back its micro-grant program for the Mt. Ida neighborhood.

During the five years the program was running, the fraternity awarded $47,000 to community groups for projects to benefit its neighbors.

“This grant program is just one part of Phi Sigma Kappa’s commitment to the growth, improvement and future of the Mt. Ida community,” said Paul Marano, president of the Phi Sigma Kappa Alumni Association.

“We’re relaunching the program in 2023,” Marano said.

Past projects funded by the grants include exterior painting and landscaping, interior repair and restoration, building façade and lighting improvements, restoration of grave sites in the historic Mt. Ida cemetery, a “creative cross-walk” community art project at the entrance to Prospect Park, food pantry equipment and supplies, and a bike “Fix-it” station, a first in Troy.