On this year’s Giving Tuesday, the Tioga Downs Regional Community Foundation awarded $1.1 million to local non-profit organizations throughout the Southern Tier.

Fifty-four organizations from Broome, Tioga, Chemung and Bradford counties were awarded with funding.

Executive director of the foundation, Jill Teeter, said they received an overwhelming number of applications for the grants. She said the chosen recipients exemplified generosity and dedication to their communities by supporting and changing the lives of those in need.

“Being in the non-profit world myself, I can honestly say these funds are critical for a lot of us and we couldn’t do what we do or serve the families that we do without these types of awards,” said Teeter.

“If feels incredible to honour the organizations that hold our community together, especially on Giving Tuesday,” Tioga Downs owner Jeffery Gural said in a release. “This foundation allows us to support people who are changing lives in the cities, towns and villages our guests call home.”

The foundation aims to fund groups that advance charitable, religious, literary, scientific and educational purposes in the four counties. This year’s $1.1 million in award money is a record for the foundation.

The foundation is accepting applications for next year. To learn more, visit the Tioga Downs website by clicking here.

(Tioga Downs)