Tioga County Senior Citizens Fund

History and Mission

For generations, Tioga County has taken care of its own. That spirit is what gave rise to the Tioga County Senior Citizens Foundation (TCSCF), established in 1982 following the sale of the Owego Home for Aged Women, which provided care to older women on Front Street in Owego, NY.

Over four decades, TCSCF awarded more than $2 million to local organizations and programs that helped seniors live safely, independently, and with connection. From food pantries and transportation services to libraries, arts programs, community activities, home repairs, and shelter support, these grants touched everyday lives in meaningful ways.

The goal was simple: enhance the quality of life for senior citizens living in Tioga County, NY.

In 2025, after thoughtful planning, TCSCF’s leaders chose to partner with the Community Foundation for South Central New York (CFSCNY) to ensure this work continues for generations to come. What dedicated volunteers built over decades now moves forward as a fund of CFSCNY—carrying the same mission, values, and local guidance into its next chapter.

Former TCSCF board members now serve as the fund’s volunteer advisory committee, continuing to guide grant recommendations and keep the focus where it has always been: on the needs of Tioga County seniors. With support from CFSCNY, the fund is carefully stewarded, well-managed, and positioned to grow—so more local nonprofits can serve more older adults, today and in the future.

This fund is a promise kept, a legacy protected, and an open invitation to the community to care for those who cared for so many before them.

Apply for a grant

2026 grant applications will open April 20th.

Organizations which serve the needs, interests, and well-being of seniors in Tioga County may apply.

Former organizations and programs that have benefited from these grants include:

Senior Citizens Clubs

Food Pantries

Libraries

Tioga County Rural Ministry

Open Door Mission

Area Agency on Aging

Historical, Art, and Conservation groups

Alzheimer’s Association

and many more!

"The Senior Citizens Foundation has been a valued partner to Tioga Opportunities, Inc. making a lasting and meaningful impact on the older adults we serve. Their support has helped sustain essential programs including Home Delivered Meals through funding for critical packaging supplies, transportation services by supporting volunteer mileage reimbursement and medical rides using our accessible van, and assistance for local food pantries and soup kitchens. In earlier years their generosity also helped make our Group Workcamp possible by covering supplies needed for important health and safety repairs in homes. Together, these investments have strengthened health, nutrition, and overall well-being, expanded access to vital services, and ensured that our neighbors - especially those most vulnerable - can remain safe, connected, and supported in their homes and communities."

"TCSCF has been a lifesaver for our organization and for the seniors we hope to serve. Their funding afforded us the opportunity to say "yes, we can help" in countless situations when ordinary, yet often unplanned expenses cause havoc in the lives of seniors who simply do not know have the needed funds for these unplanned-for expenses."

"We are so grateful to have this tremendous resource in our County. It is a blessing which provides relief, hope, smiles and a sense of deep gratitude for neighbors whose generosity has built this impressive resource to serve other friends and neighbors in their time of need."

"We are so grateful for the financial support from the Tioga County Senior Citizens Foundation for many years. We've helped residents with rental arrears, utility termination notices, and sometimes security deposits. In 2025, including our regular emergency financial assistance, we even helped two extreme emergencies around furnace repair and much needed prescription care. This crucial funding relieves some of the stress and allows residents to lead a comfortable life."