“A Community of Everyone for Every One”
November 2025
Dear Clinton and Kirkland Friends,
Please join your neighbors in supporting the Clinton Kirkland Improvement Corporation’s (CKIC) continuing efforts to plan and implement a variety of improvements in our community.
Since its inception in 2020, CKIC has helped our community navigate the challenges of the pandemic and, more recently, the road closures in the village caused by major construction projects. Beyond procuring a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant, CKIC has begun administering 13 smaller grants from the Small Projects Fund for local merchants and nonprofits in the DRI area; fostered communication among leaders representing the town, village, Hamilton College, Clinton Central Schools, and local not-for-profits; hosted a seminar on grant writing (with another one planned); and initiated a series of conversations throughout the broader Town of Kirkland to identify future needs.
The valuable information gleaned from stakeholder discussions, survey responses, and community conversations has provided a strong list of potential projects that will help spur further economic development and enhance the quality of life for all of us in Clinton, Kirkland, and Clark Mills.
Your financial support is crucial for maintaining the momentum that has been created. Please invest in the future of our community by contributing generously to this annual appeal.
Sincerely,
The Clinton Kirkland Improvement Corporation
Steve Bellona, Former Clinton Mayor
Tom Gilroy, Gilroy, Kernan & Gilroy
Nick Heintz, Kirkland Trails
Mike Klapmeyer, Hamilton College
Patty Louise, Waterville Times
Tom Owens, ACCESS Federal Credit Union
Matt VanSlyke, Consultant to CKIC
Mike Debraggio, Hamilton College
Steve Grimm, Retired CCS Superintendent
Lorraine Kinney-Kitchen, Clark Mills Historical Society
George Kuckel, Retired Businessperson
Molly Marris, Kirkland Town Library
Jess Thomas, Utica University
Jackie Walters, M3 Placement and Partnership
Click here for the solicitation letter and enclosures.
CKIC has the support of the town and village boards, and has established liaisons to many local nonprofit organizations, including the Kirkland Art Center, Kirkland Trails, Lutheran Home, Clinton Central School, Hamilton College, Clinton Chamber of Commerce, and the Kirkland Town Library to name just a few. We also stay informed of town and village infrastructure needs and monitor the health and vitality of our local businesses.
We understand our village and town are special, and that our residents are generous with their time, talent and energy for the good of the community. Our goal is to harness this energy for even greater improvement and prosperity and to do it together!
Why Donate?
Please join the town, the village, Hamilton College, and numerous businesses and individuals in supporting CKIC’s efforts to develop and manage projects that create or stimulate economic and community improvement.
Although much of our work is accomplished by volunteers, CKIC contracts with a consultant to organize and coordinate projects, promote our community, research grant opportunities, and facilitate communication.
Your donation will allow us to continue hosting community meetings, exploring grant possibilities, and promoting our community to potential visitors, businesses, and future residents.
Please give what you can to help make our special community an even better place to live, work, and play.
Donate by Check
Donate Online
The Clinton Kirkland Improvement Corporation is a public charity, and donations are tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c) (3). No goods or services are provided by the Clinton Kirkland Improvement Corporation in return for your contribution.
Your support is an investment in a stronger local economy that benefits all.
Clinton Kirkland Improvement Corporation 